8555
NATURAL RESOURCES POLICE OFFICER, LIEUTENANT COLONEL
Nature of Work: Under administrative direction of the Chief Natural Resources Police Officer, performs professional work at the administrative level. Serves as Deputy Chief, administering Law Enforcement Section activities. Exercises delegated authority to staff the Law Enforcement Section in order to pursue goals through orderly and efficient planning, organizing, directing and controlling activities where objectives, operations, and statutory requirements are analogous, of defined scope, and require specialized and extensive knowledge of the natural resources, environmental and related laws; serves as the principal assistant to the Chief with extensive technical, program-specific expertise. Work requires analysis and interpretation of technical and legal principles; professional practices; agency philosophy, operational policies and regulations; and knowledge of the natural resources field where situations may be atypical, precedent setting or controversial. Formulates enforcement policies and practices based on court decisions. Duties typically include direction and supervision of administrative and managerial activities, through subordinate leaders, including a sizable professional, technical and clerical staff. Has latitude to exercise independent judgement in execution of duties within jurisdiction. Prepares and submits for consideration, legislation and administrative policies and procedures; assists in preparation of budget requests for staff and equipment, allocates funds and approves expenditures; will chair meetings, deliver speeches, writes articles and disseminates other informational materials to explain the mission, policies and regulations of the Agency. Work is reviewed primarily for results obtained; timeliness; compliance with laws, rules, regulations, procedures and polices. Performs related work as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics: Assists in administering a diverse statewide natural resources law enforcement program at the primary organizational level through subordinate program managers which includes a large staff of professional, technical employees. Work contains a variety of independent issues relating to an aspect of organizational concern and that act upon or influence the accomplishment of the overall agency objectives. Is directly accountable to the Chief Natural Resources Police Officer.
Examples of Work
Assists in administering a major environmental program of the state consistent with Federal and state laws and policy and accepted principles.
Originates and recommends to Chief (Colonel) legislation and administrative procedures as necessary to maintain conservation law enforcement activities consistent with current needs and fluctuating circumstances.
Chairs meetings; delivers speeches; writes articles and disseminates other informational materials to explain law enforcement principles and acquaint public and private organizations with the mission, policies and regulations of the division; details the impact on activities of the law enforcement section; encourages cooperation and support, when and where necessary.
Assists in preparation of budget requests covering staff and equipment requirements, recommends allocation of funds to law enforcement section, and approves expenditures.
Recommends manner and method to obtain and continue state primacy in administration of federally mandated natural resources and environmental programs and maximizes federal fund eligibility.
Attends meetings, seminars and symposiums to obtain and maintain knowledge of technical, scientific and professional advancements in law enforcement.
Cooperates and coordinates plans and programs and activities of the section with officials of other sections, divisions, offices, local, state, interstate, and federal government entities, and interested parties and seeks agreement to resolve policy, compliance or jurisdictional issues and formulates common goals.
Testifies at legislative, judicial, or public hearings on agency position or as a subject-matter expert in the field of conservation law enforcement. Represents agency as state representative on multi-state boards, advisory groups, etc. Represents the Chief (Colonel) on various boards and advisory groups.
Administers and enforces laws, rules and regulations regarding conservation, development, protection, enjoyment and use of natural resources of the state for maintenance of intrinsic, ecological or beneficial value.
Enters private lands to investigate and monitor environmental status of matters under the purview of the agency.
Negotiates utilization of resources consistent with public interest. Revokes, suspends or modifies operational licenses or permits and may seek injunction, or criminal or civil action against violators. May initiate writs and warrants, make arrests, and/or review, recommend or develop agreements between parties.
Researches new procedures and directs investigations to develop and formulate plans and recommendations for development, improvement, protection, preservation, regulation and use of natural resources based on predicted outcome. Directs the preparation of studies including descriptions of status, current practices and progress reports regarding natural resources conservation, utilization and protection.
Develops, recommends and oversees the implementation of informational plans to advertise, promote and publicize state natural resources and conservation, preservation, protection and use of the natural resources consistent with state management plans.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of principles and practices of natural resources and environmental management sufficient to evaluate new techniques or practices covering a range of unusual, atypical, or new applications.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal legislation; governmental relationships, organizational structure and protocols; and relevant federal and state legislative processes and judicial procedures as they relate to natural resources law enforcement.
Knowledge of principles and practices of management including organization, planning, budgeting, staffing, training, controlling, and reporting.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of personnel management, budget preparation, and public administration.
Knowledge of acceptable methods and techniques used in collection, organization and evaluation of technical data.
Skill in oral and written communications and public speaking.
Skill in evaluating scientific investigations.
Ability to order investigations, review technical and statistical reports, draw valid conclusions, and develop and execute appropriate action based on results obtained.
Ability to present and defend policies where dissention or opposing views are typical and agreement or compromise are necessary.
Ability to plan, organize, direct, control, evaluate, and coordinate a variety of programs, investigations, and administrative activities controlling natural resources and environmental development, enjoyment and hygienic preservation of nonrenewable natural resources and review performance of staff.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions, exercise sound judgment, and work without supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal, state and local officials, the general public, regulated community, supervisors, co-workers and staff.
Ability to comprehend and interpret theory, principles, laws and regulations, policies and objectives of a scientific/technical field.
Ability to evaluate and/or propose legislation, operational activities and emerging technology to conceive strategic plans for actualizing natural resources and environmental objectives or making administrative or policy decisions.
Ability to exercise independent judgement, delegate authority, and evaluate the results of work performed.
Ability to keep accurate records; write reports in a clear, concise form; and present factual material and ideas effectively.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle in West Virginia.
Minimum Qualifications
Training: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with preference given to majors in natural sciences, law enforcement, criminology or criminal justice.
Substitution: Experience as described below may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Experience: Ten years experience as a certified West Virginia Natural Resources Police Officer, six years of which must have been in a supervisory and administrative capacity in wildlife law enforcement
Established: 6/19/96
Title Change: 7/1/2010 per Senate Bill 1003
Revised: 7/1/2010
Effective: 7/1/2010