Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer I

State of North Carolina•Warwick, RI

7d•$59,010 - $72,811•Onsite

About The Position

Work in this class involves the statewide enforcement of game, fish, and boating laws and regulations and federal laws as directed in the MOU with the USFWS. On lands owned or leased by the agency, Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers have extended law enforcement and investigatory responsibilities. During a state of emergency, Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers and equipment are directed toward unified emergency operations. Enforcement work involves patrol and surveillance operations to uncover hunting, fishing, boating and trapping violations. Independently organizes regular patrols, apprehends, cites, and testifies against violators. Checks for required license, proper firearms, applicable bag or creel limits, possession limits, proper methods of take, closed season violations, boat registration compliance, required boating safety equipment, and overall safe boating operation. Follows up on investigative leads or information developed during an investigation. Prepares case documentation to include evidence documentation, interview statements, and field notes. Work is performed during day and night hours in all types of weather and following a schedule that includes weekends and holidays. Includes collection, labeling, securing, and presentation of evidence as well as professional testimony in a court of law. Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers maintain professional relationships with District Attorneys, Defense Attorneys, Judges, and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers collaborate with other departments in the agency to enforce laws, ensure public safety, or to assist in activities that support the agency’s strategic goals and mission. Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers investigate applications for administrative licenses and permits to ensure compliance with agency standards. Establish and maintain basic relationships with community, Wildlife Service Agents, hunters and anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts. Coordinates and provides instruction in hunting safety and boating safety in accordance with agency policy and NCGS. Extensive public contact to resolve human and wildlife interactions. Communicates to hunters, anglers and boaters changes in NC General Statute and referenced federal laws, NC Administrative Code and local laws. Represents the agency at public events. Work is generally limited to one to three counties for which the employee is the only Wildlife Enforcement Officer on duty. Because of this, Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers act as back up to officers in other counties and often work collaboratively with officers and supervisors from other work units and other law enforcement agencies. Applicants hired prior to completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training and NC Probationary Law Enforcement Certification will be limited to recruit assignments until the training and certification are both complete. These recruits will perform tasks such as shadowing certified police officers, studying policies and procedures, and performing administrative tasks.

Requirements

Current NC general law enforcement certification with at least one year of sworn experience (or meet by hire date).
Valid NC driver’s license.
Must be a citizen of the United States.
Must meet NC Criminal Justice lateral transfer requirements.
All applicants must pass background checks, drug screening, physical fitness assessment (Modified POPAT), medical and psychological exams, and a reading comprehension test.
High school or General Education Development (GED) diploma.
Must be at least 20 years of age or turn 20 years of age before taking the State Exam at the completion of the Basic Training School.
Possession of a valid NC Driver's License.
Must meet the applicable education, employment, and training standards as administered through the NC Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission or the ability to achieve certification within one year of employment.

Nice To Haves

Accelerated Program – Wildlife-specific training for applicants with current NC law enforcement certification and at least one year of (active full-time)sworn experience.

Responsibilities

Patrol fields, forests, and inland waters by vehicle, boat, ATV, and on foot.
Enforce hunting, fishing, and boating laws; seize illegal equipment and game/fish.
Investigate violations, make arrests, and testify in court.
Conduct safety checks on boats and assist in search and rescue operations.
Instruct boating and hunting safety courses.
Perform other duties as assigned to ensure public safety and resource conservation.