Abolished 1/04/2004
CONSERVATION OFFICER I
2521M1
- Pay Grade: 23
DEFINITION OF WORK
Summary
This is full performance conservation work involving enforcement
of applicable laws, rules and regulations, management of state fish and wildlife, and
public education.
Standard Classification Factors
Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general
supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some
instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their
own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often
physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks.
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 B: Work is of a structured nature including
duties that have several related steps. This level involves simple analysis of data,
identification of easily distinguishable facts and recognition of differences in related
situations. Workers at this level exercise limited independent judgment in determining
methods or procedures to be used in making minor decisions. Work is normally controlled by
frequent review and consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level,
they are usually specific and aid in determining an approach to problems or situations.
Workers at this level must be able to identify basic differences in situations to
determine the actions which need to be taken.
Consequence of Actions or 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 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 Conservation Officer Park Ranger class where the
emphasis is on general law enforcement and park maintenance rather than wildlife and
environmental related law enforcement and education.
Differs from the Conservation Officer II class which has lead
worker responsibilities and may serve as an assistant to a law enforcement supervisor.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Patrols streams, ponds, lakes, fields, and woodlands in a
prescribed area to enforce state fish, wildlife, and public safety, boating laws, rules,
and regulations.
Checks licenses and permits of hunters, anglers, trappers, and
boaters, and inspects game and fish take for compliance with state and federal laws and
regulations.
Investigates hunting accidents and boating accidents; collects
evidence and reports findings.
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 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.
Promotes wildlife conservation through public speaking, writing
articles for newspapers, magazines, and bulletins and by general public contact. Speaks
before citizen groups on the value of wildlife, parks, and natural resources, and the
programs and responsibilities of the agency.
Participates in developing and delivering department educational
and public informational programs on recreation, natural history, outdoor safety, ethics,
and a variety of natural resource subjects.
Provides labor and other assistance in maintenance and management
of wildlife habitat and associated facilities on private and public lands.
Conducts various wildlife surveys.
Operates, maintains, and repairs vehicles, boats, two-way radios
and other assigned equipment.
Maintains record of routine and special enforcement activities,
including but not limited to arrests and convictions; fish, game, and habitat conditions;
complaints and actions; various wildlife and recreation surveys; and identification of
wildlife disease problems. Compiles reports on hunting, and fishing related activities.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS
Knowledge
*Knowledge of the principles and techniques of fisheries and/or
wildlife management, including the biological concepts of botany, zoology, and ecology.
Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations
pertaining to the conservation of land, fish, and wildlife resources, hunting, fishing,
and motor vehicle and boating safety.
*Knowledge of methods of hunting, fishing, and trapping fish and
wildlife.
Knowledge of criminal law, legal proceedings, investigative
procedures and techniques for collecting and preserving evidence and methods of analysis.
Knowledge of the procedures for and proper use of emergency
equipment.
*Knowledge of the ecology and habitat requirements of wildlife.
Knowledge of agency procedures and the use of reporting forms
Knowledge of law enforcement procedures and techniques.
Knowledge of the techniques of casting footprints, tire tracks,
and other impressions.
Knowledge of the operation of photographic equipment.
Abilities
*Ability to qualify with duty weapon on a regular basis.
*Ability to read and comprehend technical written material and
draw conclusions from information available.
*Ability to make presentations and answer questions accurately on
a variety of wildlife, hunting, fishing, and related topics.
*Ability to correctly identify wildlife and/or fish from pictures
or in the field.
*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 operate motor vehicles, boats, and limited heavy
equipment.
*Ability to rapidly make detailed observations.
*Ability to interact with a variety of individuals to establish
and maintain effective working relationships.
*Ability to plan and coordinate work projects.
*Ability to accurately recall and to verbally present information
concisely.
*Ability to remain alert over long periods of time.
*Necessary at Entry
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Job knowledge at an entry level in wildlife/park operations and
a valid driver's license.
A college degree in a natural resource subject is strongly
preferred.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Position in this class require the employee to be certified as a
law enforcement officer by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Commission. Certification
must be obtained before the employee is given permanent status. The employee must complete
a basic law enforcement training program recognized by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training
Commission and annual training as required by K.S.A. 74-5607a.
This class requires the use of a firearm for law enforcement
duties; therefore, to be eligible for appointment to a position in this class, candidates
cannot have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor domestic violence crime as set forth
in 18 U.S.C. § 922 (d) (9) and (g) (9).
Positions in this class require that at the time of appointment
the selected candidate must take and pass a drug screening test approved by the Division
of Personnel Services.
- NC: 06/89
- REV: 12/95
- REV: 11/96
- REV: 01/97
- REV: 02/98
- REV: 10/98
- REV: 02/00
|