NATURAL RESOURCE OFFICER I


2166L1 

Pay Grade: 26


DEFINITION OF WORK   

Summary   

This is full performance work in the enforcement of state laws, rules, and regulations applicable to natural resources conservation.    

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL C: “Under direction. . .“ Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice.  Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements.   

Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average . . .Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category.   

Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related.  Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment.  Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation.   

Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion.  Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial.

Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative.  Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level.   

Physical Demands - LEVEL D: The work requires considerable physical exertion.   

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal.  Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required.  Serious injury is possible.   

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership responsibility.  As a “senior worker”, performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a “project leader” may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others.  This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the evaluation of work performance.

Distinguishing Features   

Differs from the Natural Resources Officer II class in which the incumbents provide advanced work in a specialized area of law enforcement.   

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED   

Investigates complaints and potential violations and issues warnings and citations; apprehends violators; interviews violators and witnesses; secures evidence through observation and search; and prepares evidence and testifies in court.  Investigates accidents and collects evidence and reports findings.  Ensures compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.   

Coordinates and participates in park maintenance and development including facilities, utilities, grounds and other public services.  Provides direction and oversees seasonal employees in the administration of permit sales, revenue collection, accounting practices, and general office practices.   

Investigates fish and game kills, pollution occurrences, and pesticide poisoning; determines probable source of pollutants and effect on wildlife and environment; obtains and transports samples for laboratory analysis.  

Conducts a variety of surveys related to changing fish and wildlife populations, habitats, movements and patterns in order to predict population trends.   

Provides labor and other assistance in maintenance and management of wildlife habitat and associated facilities on private and public lands.  

Participates in developing and delivering educational and public informational programs to promote wildlife conservation and explain the value of wildlife, parks, and natural resources, recreation, natural history, outdoor safety, ethics and the programs and responsibilities of the agency; corresponds with individuals requesting information on laws, regulations and management techniques; writes technical and non-technical articles for newspapers and for agency and related publications.   

Maintains record of routine and special enforcement activities, including but not limited to arrests and convictions, complaints and actions, and various wildlife and recreation surveys. Compiles reports on hunting, fishing, and park related activities.   

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES   

Knowledge   

 *Knowledge of the principles and techniques of fisheries and/or wildlife management, including the biological concepts of botany, zoology, and ecology.  

Knowledge of the ecology and habitat requirements of wildlife.   

Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to natural resource conservation, state park use, hunting, fishing, motor vehicle and boating safety.   

*Knowledge of methods of hunting, fishing, and trapping fish and wildlife.   

Knowledge of the procedures for and proper use of emergency equipment.   

Knowledge of criminal law, legal proceedings, investigative procedures, evidence collection and preservation, analysis, and crime prevention.   

*Knowledge of state fishing lake, wildlife area, state park, or hatchery operations, methods, practices, development, maintenance, and techniques.   

*Knowledge of the principles of fisheries, parks, and wildlife management with emphasis on the techniques used in habitat manipulations, vegetation management, and visitor control and service. 

*Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and techniques for field data collection on wildlife, fish, and recreational surveys.   

Knowledge of park design, recreation and visitor safety practices.     

Abilities   

 *Ability to qualify with duty weapon on a regular basis.   

*Ability to read and comprehend technical written material and draw conclusions from available information.   

Ability to perform standard law enforcement practices including, but not limited to, physical arrests, firearm discharge and retention, maintain required training, and rescue operations.   

*Ability to make presentations and answer questions accurately on a variety of wildlife, hunting, fishing, state parks, and related topics.   

*Ability to work long hours under difficult and arduous conditions.   

*Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory public relations.    

*Ability to recall and communicate information concisely and accurately.  

Ability to communicate through public speaking, writing reports and proposals, and individuals.   

*Ability to operate motor vehicles, boats, and limited heavy equipment. 

*Ability to rapidly make detailed observations.   

*Ability to plan and coordinate work projects.   

*Ability to remain alert over long periods of time.   

Ability to operate computers and compute fees and to collect and account for receipts.   

*Ability to act calmly and reasonable during an emergency.   

*Ability to maintain an acceptable level of physical condition.   

Skills   

*Skill in the use of firearms.   

*Skill in the use of photographic equipment.   

*Good physical condition including sight and hearing.   

*Necessary at Entry   

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:   

Bachelor’s degree in natural resources and a valid driver’s license.  Experience may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the agency.

Necessary Special Requirements:  

Certification as a law enforcement officer by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Commission must be obtained before the employee is given permanent status. This class requires the use of a firearm for law enforcement duties; and therefore, candidates cannot have been convicted of, and must be free of any diversions from, a felony or misdemeanor domestic violence crime as set forth in 18 U.S.C. 922 (d) (9) and (g) (9).  Candidates must be a U.S. citizen; 21 years of age at the time of appointment; be able to pass a physical exam administered by the hiring agency; and must take and pass a drug screening test approved by the Division of Personnel Services. 

NC:  01/04
REV: 08/05