08/31/2007 60210

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF WILDLIFE PROTECTION

DEFINITION: This is professional administrative work assisting in directing statewide game and wildlife law enforcement programs and enforcing the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code.

The employee in this job assists the Bureau Director in planning, developing, and directing statewide game and wildlife law enforcement programs. Work involves developing program goals and policies; interpreting and directing the implementation of standard operating procedures and other enforcement guidelines pertaining to the enforcement of the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code; reviewing, recommending changes to, and enforcing laws, legislative bills, regulations, standards, policies, and legal procedures for law enforcement programs; assisting in the development of the bureau’s operating budget; and ensuring implementation and management of the programs through regional and field staff. The employee in this job supervises and conducts investigations and participates in the arrest and prosecution of cases involving violations and conspiracies to violate the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code. Work also includes responding to Homeland Security issues and coordinating emergency preparedness in response to floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. Work includes extensive contact with local, state, and federal agency officials and working with other federal and state wildlife agencies on special investigations. Work is assigned through broad program goals and objectives and the employee exercises considerable independent judgment in determining specific goals, objectives, and program priorities. Work is reviewed through conferences and written reports for achievement of program goals and objectives, completeness, and overall program quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs the implementation of several statewide game and wildlife law enforcement programs including specialized law enforcement training, internal investigations, communications, and firearms.

Develops and directs the implementation of programs regarding specialized law enforcement equipment, violator records retention, criminal investigations related to wildlife and hunting laws, evidence and chain of custody, and patrol requirements.

Develops statewide game and wildlife law enforcement program goals, regulations, and policies.

Researches and analyzes program information to make recommendations on legislative bills and new regulations pertaining to specific program areas of responsibility.

Ensures the agency’s policies and procedures meet national accreditation standards.

Analyzes reports, correspondence, and memoranda to determine regional program trends, effectiveness, and adherence to established goals.

Coordinates and monitors staff coordination work activities with local, state, and federal agencies in the protection of public property or state game lands.

Identifies program deficiencies and makes recommendations to improve program efficiency.

Assists in the development of the budget for the bureau and develops the operating budget for assigned program areas by collecting, coordinating, and analyzing budget requests and related budget information.

Supervises and conducts criminal investigations, including internal investigations into officer misconduct and use of force.

Communicates with federal, state, and local agencies to coordinate and direct the agency’s response to critical Homeland Security issues.

Serves as the agency’s lead Emergency Preparedness liaison with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency by directing resources of the agency in response to emergency situations and natural disasters.

Develops, conducts, and monitors the training of Bureau staff on law enforcement programs to meet agency, state, and federal requirements and standards.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

The employee in this job may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES: Knowledge of Pennsylvania and federal laws, procedures, models, principles, regulations, court decisions, and rules of criminal proceedings related to the fields of wildlife law enforcement and game animal protection.

Knowledge of wildlife law enforcement equipment such as decoys, boats, and duty equipment.

Knowledge of the agency’s statewide radio communications system and associated equipment.

Knowledge of the practices and procedures of wild bird and animal control methods.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

Knowledge of budgeting principles.

Knowledge of investigation techniques.

Ability to read and interpret technical information and changes in laws, rules, regulations.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, including public contact relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of experience as a Wildlife Conservation Officer Law Enforcement Coordinator;

                                                                                                                                                 or

Two years of experience as a Wildlife Conservation Officer Supervisor.