NATURAL RESOURCE OFFICER II
2167L1
Pay Grade: 27
DEFINITION OF WORK
Summary
This is advanced specialized work in the enforcement of state laws, rules, and regulations applicable to natural resources conservation. Incumbents in this classification have obtained the proper certification and have mastered one or more of the following areas: canine officer, field training officer, boating officer, firearms instructor, special investigations, or custody and control instructor. Work may also involve serving as a lead worker in an assigned district. The incumbents main focus will be advanced work in natural resources coordination, the enforcement of applicable laws, rules and regulations, management of state fish and wildlife and related resources, public education, and developing and maintaining parks.
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 C: Typically involves limited supervisory responsibility which entails performing as a “first line supervisor” for a small number of employees. Supervision is not the primary responsibility of the job. Responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling, and reviewing work and recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a higher level of authority.
Distinguishing Features
Differs from the Natural Resources Officer III class in which the incumbents have full supervisory responsibilities.
Differs from the Natural Resources Officer I class in which the incumbents do not have lead worker responsibilities nor have mastered any of the advanced or technical areas of law enforcement such as field training officer, canine duty, or boating officer responsibilities.
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. Will assist others in these duties because of advanced training and knowledge.
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.
Coordinates activities with employees from other agencies.
Provides guidance to Natural Resource Officer I’s in the areas of arrest procedures, custody and control, firearms training, accident investigation, boating enforcement, field training, and conduct and investigative techniques.
Participates in developing and delivering educational and public informational programs to promote wildlife conservation and explain the value of wildlife, parks, 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.
Acts as the field supervisor for limited purposes in the absence of the Natural Resources
Officer III.
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 the advanced aspects of a specific technical area pertaining to: boating enforcement, field training officer, canine training, firearms instruction, and custody and control.
*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 follow oral and written instructions, orders, laws and information.
*Ability to observe situations analytically, impartially, and objectively, and to record pertinent information accurately and completely.
*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 enforce laws, statutes, and regulations with skill, firmness, tact and impartiality.
*Ability to work long hours under difficult and arduous conditions.
*Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory public relations.
*Ability to operate motor vehicles, boats, and limited heavy equipment.
*Ability to interact with a variety of individuals to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
*Ability to plan and coordinate work projects.
*Ability to remain alert over long periods of time.
*Ability to quickly analyze a situation, identify the important elements and make detailed observations and logical decisions.
*Ability to direct, coach, lead or instruct other natural resource specialists.
Ability to maintain level of proficiency in specialized field.
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 and operation of a motor vehicle.
*Skill in the use of specialized and technical equipment.
*Good physical condition including sight and hearing.
Skills in the use of any equipment related to a specialized field.
*Necessary at EntryA bachelor's degree in natural resources and independent
work experience in wildlife/park and a valid driver's license.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, a valid driver’s license, and two
years of experience in work equivalent to that of a Natural Resource Officer
I. Additional 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. To be eligible for appointment as a Natural Resources Officer II,
employees shall have advanced training in boating enforcement, field training
officer, canine training, firearms instruction, and/or custody and control.
NC: 01/04
REV: 08/05
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