Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer I

Job Code: 32000575
Salary Grade: SW04
Revision Date: 04/2022

Class Concept

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.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of law enforcement tactics including patrolling techniques, established procedures for evidence collection and submission, laws, regulations and Wildlife Resources Commission policies.
• Basic knowledge of assigned patrol area, investigative techniques and case preparation requirements and boating and water safety.
• Basic knowledge of standard law enforcement equipment, its care and safe use and basic knowledge of and skill in the use of firearms and hunting and fishing equipment.
• Ability to operate a variety of conveyance including trucks, automobiles, ATVs, outboard motor boats, kayaks, and canoes.
• Basic knowledge of court, public hearings and administrative procedures, NC General Statutes in which federal laws are referenced, NC Administrative Code, and local laws and understanding of agency and division goals and objectives.
• Ability to express thoughts, ideas, and information both orally and in writing. Ability to communicate through interpersonal interactions and written documentation.
• bility to testify and provide evidence in court and other judicial settings; recounts what was observed during an enforcement action or investigation, presenting thorough and logical testimony. Interrogates or interviews using basic techniques.
• Ability to present information for purposes of information or education, in both formal and informal settings.

Minimum Education and Experience

High school or General Education Development (GED) diploma.

Necessary Special Requirements

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