Natural Resource Police Officer (NRPO)

State of Washington•Clark County – Other, WA

2d•$5,779 - $7,774•Onsite

About The Position

Natural Resource Police Officers are armed, uniformed police officers sworn to enforce the laws of the State of Washington and the Constitution of the United States on all lands protected by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Natural Resource Police Officers are committed to protecting public safety, state assets, and the environment. Natural Resource Police Officers are assigned to geographical areas with the purpose of investigating, identifying, and initiating prosecution of those individuals who commit crimes on state-protected lands. Natural Resource Police Officers often work alone in remote areas where they have to independently determine the best course of action to effectively resolve a situation. This position reports directly to the Natural Resources Police Sergeant.

Requirements

Successful completion of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Academy per RCW 43.101.200; OR Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy (BLEEA) per WAC 139.05.210; OR A Washington CJTC-recognized basic law enforcement certificate from another state.
Four years’ experience as a fully commissioned law enforcement officer, deputy sheriff, or state trooper.
Excellent verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills.
Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and requests are followed.
Must successfully pass a complete background investigation before hire to include an in-depth interview, polygraph, psychological evaluation, and pre-employment drug screening (urinalysis).
Upon hire, must reside within Cowlitz, Clark, or Skamania Counties.
This position works in an outdoor environment to enforce natural resources and criminal laws. Patrols are conducted on land and water and take place at all hours of the day and in all weather conditions. In most cases, the position works alone and in remote areas with limited backup resources available.
Must be willing to travel long distances and be away from home for extended periods as needed.
A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.
Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices).
This position requires driving as an essential function.
Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Nice To Haves

Lead investigator or detective experience.
Associate or bachelor’s degree in natural resource science, criminal justice, or related field from an accredited institution.
Forest Management experience.

Responsibilities

Identifies and prioritizes areas that experience indiscriminate use in order to identify violators and/or deter such acts.
Provides proactive patrols, issues citations and infractions utilizing various methods, such as the use of assigned patrol vehicles and/or off-road vehicles to access areas of remote or limited access.
Completes reports, collects and preserves evidence, creates and executes search warrants, and testifies in criminal and civil courts.
Attend administrative hearings and collaborate with local, county, state, and federal enforcement agencies in areas of joint jurisdiction or as needed in special cases.
Conducts complex criminal and civil investigations on lands protected by the Department of Natural Resources, such as theft of specialized forest products on state lands.
Coordinates enforcement patrols with regional personnel to address special events or identified issues.
Assist wildfire investigators with enforcement of Forest Protection laws when requested.
Maintains cross-agency commission with local, county, state, and federal agencies.
Works with assigned region staff to provide oversight on signage that enhances compliance and enforcement.
Works with assigned region staff to identify problem areas and recommend solutions to gain compliance with agency rules and regulations.
Initiates or participates in public outreach and education activities.
Works with Department of Natural Resources Communications and Outreach section to address specific issues through use of social media outlets.
Completes monthly reports.
Maintains and updates computer-aided dispatch logs.
Provides the required care, upkeep, and maintenance of assigned equipment, including but not limited to 4x4 patrol vehicle, firearms, all-terrain off-road vehicles, chainsaws, radios, and other assigned equipment.
Conducts annual inspections of assigned equipment, including documenting tracked equipment on required forms.
Attends regional meetings if requested.
Completes other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Benefits

Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Commitment to organizational health and wellness
Work/life balance
DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups
Leadership that empowers and supports employees
Professional development opportunities
Educational and career development aid
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days.