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Nature of Work
Under general supervision, at a full-performance level, is
assigned to a geographical area, generally a county or portion
thereof and is responsible for interpreting and enforcing state
natural resources laws, rules and regulations provided for in the
Code of West Virginia for the purpose of conservation and
protection of the natural resources of the state. Educates the
public on the importance of natural resources conservation and
apprehends violators of natural resources laws. Keeps in
constant contact with the public in order to carry on a
continuous program of education to sporting, civic and community
groups and to secure public support of the department's programs.
Applies a personal knowledge of laws and procedures, as well as,
judgement and tact, in contacts with the public and co-workers.
Periodically attends law enforcement schools, as needed and
directed. Responds to any call or report of law violation at any
hour of the day or night and field work is usually performed with
a senior officer available for call. Performs duty or seasonal
undercover or other special assignment, whenever and wherever
required by the functions, services and needs of the department.
Duties involve an element of personal danger due to the nature of
law enforcement work. Work requires considerable travel and
outside work in varying weather conditions and difficult terrain.
Special assignments and instructions are given, as necessary, by
a superior conservation officer who inspects and reviews work
performed. Performs related work as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is a full-performance level law enforcement position in
the Division of Natural Resources, which is normally supervised
by a sergeant. The first year as a Conservation Officer is spent
in a training capacity, which is characterized by mandatory
successful completion of Basic Police Training required by the
Law Enforcement Training Subcommittee and then on-the-job
training through initial performance of job duties accompanied by
a senior officer or supervisor with gradual assumption of more
independence and authority as proficiency is demonstrated.
Examples of Work
Patrols assigned territory to enforce state natural resources
laws, rules and regulations, paying particular attention to
popular hunting and fishing areas; checks for illegal
possession of fish or game; inspects fishing, trapping and
hunting methods employed and checks game.
Interprets fish and game laws to the general public encountered
on patrols and to sporting clubs and other community groups,
and participates in conservation education programs.
Investigates complaints, reports of violations, forest fires,
wildlife damage claims and hunting or boating accidents in
accordance with state law.
Arrests law violators and assists in the prosecution including
filing warrants, testifying in court and submitting
evidence; inspects boating and rafting activities on state
waters to assure compliance with regulations and laws;
investigates stream pollution complaints; assists with
stocking programs and fish and game surveys; participates in
forest fire patrol and investigation activities; and
provides security services on state recreational facilities.
Assists personnel of other DNR divisions by providing early
response, if required, to secure accident scene, direct
traffic and/or secure initial samples, conduct
investigations or serve warrants.
Maintains in proper condition all equipment issued, such as
firearm, vehicle, motorboat, two-way radio, uniform, camera,
etc.
Reviews applications and issues licenses and permits, such as
pet, importation and propagation permits, or commercial or
menagerie licenses; inspects operation to insure continued
compliance with conditions of the permit.
Assists and aids in instruction of new officers during their
initial field work assignments and gives support with law
enforcement activities which are other than routine.
Conducts hunter safety and motorboat safety courses.
Assists other law enforcement agencies as directed.
Performs chemical field tests and submits confirming samples
for analysis by the laboratory.
May collect orphaned, injured, diseased or nuisance wildlife
for proper disposal, transportation or relocation.
May assist in searches for lost hunters, drowning
victims, downed aircraft, etc., or in times of disasters or
emergencies, such as floods, land slides, or severe weather
conditions.
Completes daily, weekly and monthly activity reports of various
types.
May perform special security detail assignments.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of fish and game common to the state, their habitat
and principles of fish, game and forest conservation.
Knowledge of local, state and federal conservation laws,
regulations and policies, enforcement techniques and
judicial procedures.
Knowledge of first aid and skill in its application.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working
relationships with co-workers, local, state and federal
enforcement officials and the general public.
Ability to complete an accurate and thorough investigation,
prepare factual reports and documentation and testify
effectively before the court as a witness for the state.
Ability to deal firmly, impartially and courteously with the
public.
Ability to track and apprehend violators of the law who may be
recalcitrant and take them into custody.
Ability to operate standard-transmission vehicles, motorboats,
mobile radio, hunting, fishing and trapping equipment, and
test kits.
Ability to walk long distances in adverse weather over rugged
terrain.
Ability to lift, carry for considerable distances and load
heavy and awkward objects, including equipment and large
animals, such as full-grown deer.
Ability to communicate for the purpose of obtaining, imparting
or exchanging information, both written and oral, and carry
out instructions.
Skill in use and maintenance of firearms, motorboats, mobile
radios, vehicles, cameras and other assigned equipment.
Minimum Qualifications:
Training:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or
university with preference given to majors in natural
sciences, law enforcement, criminology, or criminal justice.
Substitution:
Employment for a period of four (4) years as a
law enforcement officer as certified by the Law Enforcement Training
Subcommittee of the Governor's Committee on Crime,
Delinquency and Correction or International Association of
Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training
(ADLEST); OR an associate degree in natural sciences, law
enforcement, criminology or criminal justice plus two years
of military police service or two years continuous
employment as a law enforcement officer certified by the Law
Enforcement Training Subcommittee of the Governor's
Committee on Crime, Delinquency and Correction or
International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement
Standards and Training (ADLEST).
Special Requirements:
Must be licensed to operate a motor
vehicle in West Virginia. Must be able to swim 37 1/2 yards
fully clothed. Must pass periodic firearms qualification
and may be required to pass annual physical examinations.
Must pass a physical examination, psychological evaluation
and a polygraph examination designed to determine
applicant's fitness for Conservation Officer and general law
enforcement duties.
NOTE The probationary period for conservation officers shall
be one year from the date of certification by the Law
Enforcement Training Subcommittee of the Governor's
Committee on Crime, Delinquency and Correction. If
certified at the time of employment, the probationary period
shall be one year from date of employment. If selected,
applicant must present certifications as stipulated in
Section 2, Article 7, Chapter 20, of the Code of West
Virginia.
Established: 9/16/93
Revised: 2/15/95, 10/5/2000
Effective:
10/5/2000