Conservation Officer I (Trainee)

~ The Utah Department of Natural Resources is one of the state’s largest agencies and helps ensure the quality of life of Utah residents by managing and protecting the state’s abundant natural resources. ~

The department includes seven divisions: State Parks and Recreation; Oil, Gas and Mining; Forestry, Fire and State Lands; Water Resources; Water Rights; Wildlife Resources and the Utah Geological Survey.

DNR protects Utah’s natural resources through active management, which includes engaging state, county and local officials; collaborating with community members, organizations and groups and coordinating with our federal partners. Active management of resources like watersheds, wildlife, oil and gas, minerals and water, allows the state to forecast challenges, solve complex opportunities and anticipate and meet future needs.

Position Overview

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources is seeking Conservation Officers to patrol locations throughout the state of Utah. If you want a career that combines law enforcement with spending time outdoors protecting wildlife then consider becoming a conservation officer!

Conservation officers patrol assigned areas to enforce state wildlife conservation laws; check licenses and bags of sportsmen in the field; investigate and gather evidence in suspected violations; issue citations and make arrests; may testify in court regarding offenses; operate short term checking stations; monitor license activities; collect biological data for wildlife management, including classification counts (aerial and ground), production surveys, etc.; inspect and manage division habitat and properties; investigate wildlife nuisance and depredation complaints; may conduct hunter safety and education programs; and other duties as assigned.

This job requires certification as a Law Enforcement Officer through Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) in Utah within the probationary period and maintain certification thereafter. The agency will put you through the academy in order to obtain the necessary certifications. POST has strict requirements pertaining to past criminal activity. Please refer to the POST Guidelines at http://post.utah.gov/prospective-officers/qualifications/ before applying for this position.

This position will be filled as a Conservation Officer I, at $17.37 per hour. Upon assignment to a district and Peace Officer certification, the officer will be promoted to Conservation Officer II, at $19.45 per hour. Offers will be made and positions will begin approximately August 14, 2017.

Assignment location(s) are unknown at this time and could be anywhere in the state of Utah. Assignment location will be discussed with applicants during the interview process.

For additional information on becoming a conservation officer, please click here.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations, interviews and interrogations on wildlife related violations.
• Collect evidence, make arrests, write reports, testify in court, make reward and revocation recommendations.
• Patrols assigned geographic area to enforce state and federal wildlife conservation laws; assists other law enforcement agencies upon request.
• Detect and prosecute wildlife violators.
• Contact consumptive and non-consumptive users of wildlife.
• Utilize FATPOT program to document investigations, track citations, etc.
• Perform administrative duties such as preparing required paperwork, performing equipment maintenance, and attending meetings.
• Write and carry out action plans to address wildlife and habitat issues.
• Participate in wildlife surveys, management recommendations, wildlife captures and transplants, wildlife disease sampling, fish stocking, nuisance and damage problems, hunter education programs, school programs, newspaper articles, radio programs, etc.
• Participate in roadblocks, issue citations and warnings, write case reports, make custodial arrests, and collect evidence.
• Assist in trapping and tagging wildlife for inventory studies, wildlife control, and/or wildlife surveys.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in at least one of the following by August 7, 2017: Fisheries, Wildlife and Wildlife Management, Biological, Veterinary, Animal, Range and Earth Sciences, Criminal Justice, Criminology and Criminal Justice Administration, Environmental Studies and Environmental Sciences, Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Psychology and Social Sciences.
• Must meet POST requirements: 21 years of age, US citizenship, pass physical fitness requirements.
• Pass background investigation, drug testing, drivers license check, polygraph, physical evaluation and psychological evaluation.

Working Conditions:

• Risks found in potentially dangerous or unusual environmental stress situations, e.g. working at great heights, working in extreme outdoor weather conditions, being subject to possible physical attack, etc.

Physical Requirements:

• Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.

Other Requirements:

• This position is subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing of employees after hire.
• A conditional offer of employment may be made pending drug test results.
• All new employees must be willing to be fingerprinted and undergo a criminal background check as well as a driver's license check.
• A conditional offer of employment may be made pending satisfactory background and driver's license check results.
• There are certain waiting periods to be able to attend the police academy. You should review these terms to determine if you are eligible. For example 4 years for a felony or certain drug use; 2 years for certain crimes and marijuana use. If you fall within these categories you cannot be considered for employment as a CO.
• Officers must live and work in the district they are assigned. Working weekends and holidays is required. Officers will be required to be on-call and respond to calls in emergency situations.
• Utah driver's license.
• Travel is required.

Compensation: This position is eligible for a full benefits package including medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance, a retirement plan, plus paid leave to include annual, sick, and holiday pay.

The State requires employees to receive their pay through direct deposit. If selected, you will receive more information about these benefit options and enrollment information through our onboarding process and during your first week or two on the job.

To Apply

Please be sure to click here and follow the application instructions provided on our website.

Closing Date/Time: Fri. 04/07/17 11:59 PM Mountain Time