Class Code:  05355

 

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –

HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE

 

CONSERVATION OFFICER

 

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, enforces state and federal fish and game laws and promotes conservation practices throughout an assigned area of the state; performs related work as required.

 

The Work Examples and Competencies listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.

 

WORK EXAMPLES

Promotes conservation practices in an assigned area; prepares and presents varied conservation information programs for school, civic, naturalist, and other groups; shows films and distributes pamphlets; demonstrates use of firearms and explains conservation laws; participates in radio and television programming for local audiences; distributes literature on parks, wildlife, fishing, conservation careers, and related subjects; conducts workshops and administers hunter safety courses in an assigned area.

Patrols assigned public and private land areas, forests, preserves, farms, access areas and management areas to enforce conservation laws; checks for proper licensing; issues summonses for violation of state and federal laws; secures evidence and testifies in related court cases.

Assists fisheries and wildlife personnel, county conservation boards, and civic groups in conservation management activities; obtains fish and wildlife census data, takes roadside counts; sells licenses; assists in fish removal.

Investigates complaints; tracks and apprehends poachers; investigates wildlife damage and pollution problems.

Attends various meetings to increase job related knowledge and remain informed on current practices.

 

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of procedures and objectives of fish and game enforcement and management programs.

Knowledge of conservation principles and practices necessary to promote and operate a conservation program.

Knowledge of state and federal fish and game laws.

Ability to enforce all laws and regulations as required.

Ability to operate an automobile.

Ability to work outside in all types of weather conditions.

Ability to withstand occasional strenuous work.

Displays high standards of ethical conduct.  Exhibits honesty and integrity.  Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.

Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner.  Committed to quality service.

Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently.  Works with minimal supervision.  Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.

Responds appropriately to supervision.  Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.

Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.

Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity.  Fosters commitment and team spirit.

Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information.  Listens to others and responds appropriately.

 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from high school, or G.E.D.

 

NOTE:

All applicants for this class must be eligible for enrollment in the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy training program (Chapter 1, Law Enforcement Academy, Iowa Departmental Rules).  Screening for the Academy training program includes:

 

a)

thorough background investigation and evaluation (including fingerprint searches) for substance abuse or arrest and conviction records that indicate an individual could not serve effectively as a peace officer;

b)

physical examination to determine that an individual is free from conditions which might adversely affect the performance of duties;

c)

vision exam requiring uncorrected vision of not less than 20/100 in both eyes, correctable to 20/20, and normal color vision;

d)

hearing exam showing normal hearing in both ears;

e)

battery of psychological exams to determine that an individual meets the minimum standards for mental fitness required for a law enforcement officer.

 

All applicants must be United States citizens, become residents of Iowa upon appointment, and be able to obtain a valid Iowa Driver License (Chapter 1, Law Enforcement Academy, Iowa Departmental Rules). 

 

To comply with legislation enacted July 1, 1979, Chapter 107.13 of the Code of Iowa, "...any person appointed as a full time officer shall be at least twenty-one years of age, but not more than sixty-five years of age, on the date of appointment.

 

Effective Date:           6-21-85       SDHN