NATURAL RESOURCE OFFICER III


2168L1

Pay Grade: 29


DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary


This is supervisory and specialized administrative 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 C: Considerable . . . Duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall into this category.

Complexity - LEVEL D: Work is of a diversified nature that usually involves multiple unrelated steps. Analytical thought is necessary for dealing with complex data and situations. Work often involves a variety of unrelated processes and may require planning or carrying out a sequence of actions or both. Several alternatives usually exist at this level for approaching problems or situations. Workers at this level exercise a considerable amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by occasional review and by reporting to or consultation with supervisors or superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually broadly defined or technical requiring careful analysis and 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 C: The work requires moderate 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 D: Involves administrative supervision responsibility. As a “first line supervisor”, the primary responsibility involves scheduling, supervising and evaluating employees who perform the same or similar work. Responsible for recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a higher level of authority. As a “project manager” may direct the activities of project leaders to develop plans and criteria and to evaluate progress and results for one or more projects.

Distinguishing Features 

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

Differs from the Natural Resource Officer IV class where the work is managerial over an assigned region and is also responsible for developing, interpreting, and implementing policies and guidelines.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Supervises, coordinates, plans, assigns and reviews the work of natural resource technicians and specialist responsible for conservation, public education, and enforcement or administration of fish and wildlife programs, laws, rules, and regulations; counsels and advises on work performance issues; coordinates and oversees natural resource specialists for concentrated special enforcement efforts.

Recommends the development of procedures and policies and oversees related implementation.

Investigates unusual violations, special complaints, animal damage and environmental concerns; apprehends violators and testifies in court.

Maintains record of routine, special enforcement and training activities and investigations, including but not limited to arrests and convictions; fish, game, and habitat conditions; complaints and actions; various wildlife and recreation surveys; and identification of disease problems. Compiles reports on hunting, fishing, and boating related activities, special investigations, and training requirements.

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

Provides project planning, coordination and labor for maintenance of buildings, fences, signs and information boards on department managed properties.

Provides assistance to the public on wildlife damage control, proper handling of dead, injured, orphaned, or found wildlife, and on general wildlife questions or concerns.

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. 

Instructs hunter, furharvester, and boating safety classes. Teaches wildlife management. Advises landowners on the proper management of land and waters for wildlife habitat.

Performs administrative duties for a Natural Resources Officer IV including: maintaining statistics on arrests and other activities, scheduling, budget, training, equipment inventory and other duties as required. May fill in for a Natural Resources Officer IV in their absence.

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 principles and practices of supervision.

*Knowledge of methods of hunting, fishing, and trapping fish and wildlife and of related forensic investigative techniques.

*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 arrest, search and seizure, rules of evidence, constitutional and civil rights, use of force, and courtroom procedures.

Abilities

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

*Ability to observe situations analytically, impartially, 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 enforce laws, statutes, and regulations with skill, firmness, tact and impartiality.

Ability to plan, organize, and assign the work of others.

Ability to effectively supervise subordinate personnel and instruct them in all pertinent phases of safety and natural resource conservation enforcement work.

*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 effective relationships with subordinates, fellow workers, and the general public. 

*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 and motor vehicles.

*Skill in the use of specialized and technical equipment.

*Good physical condition including sight and hearing.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, a valid driver’s license, and three years of experience in natural resources.  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. 

NC:  01/04
REV: 08/05