08/31/2007 60220

DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF WILDLIFE PROTECTION

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

The employee in this job plans, develops, and directs the statewide game and wildlife law enforcement programs. Work involves developing program goals and policies; directing the development and implementation of standard operating procedures and other enforcement guidelines pertaining to the enforcement of the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code, legal procedures, radio communications, and wild animal and bird control; reviewing and approving changes to laws, legislative bills, regulations, standards, policies, and legal procedures for law enforcement programs; directing the writing and printing of the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code; ensuring agency policies and procedures meet national accreditation standards; and directing the management of programs through regional and field staff. Work also involves preparing the bureau budget, providing final approval of game and wildlife law enforcement expenditures by field staff, preparing legal documents in relation to appeal cases, and the administration of the statewide special permit system. Supervision is exercised over central office professional staff and indirect supervision is exercised over regional and field staff responsible for game and wildlife law enforcement activities. Work is performed with a high degree of independence of action within the limitations of the game law and agency policy. Work is reviewed by an executive level supervisor for adherence to law and agency policy through discussions, reports, conferences, and analysis of the program effectiveness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops, or reviews the development, 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 or reviews the development of statewide game and wildlife law enforcement program goals, regulations, and policies.

Develops or reviews the development of standard operation procedures and enforcement guidelines pertaining to law enforcement, legal procedures, radio communications, and wild bird and animal control.

Reviews, researches, and makes recommendations on legislative bills pertaining to specific program areas of responsibility and submits to the Commissioners for action.

Prepares all Commission resolutions for submission to the Legislative Reference Bureau and General Assembly.

Directs the preparation of Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code and related information releases for dissemination to the public.

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

Identifies program deficiencies and reviews recommendations to improve the efficiency of programs.

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

Manages the review and approval of all prosecution reports, damage claims, hunting license revocations, and activity reports emanating from the field.

Prepares or reviews the preparation of legal briefs and position papers regarding the prosecution of game and wildlife violations.

Approves or reviews the approval of expense accounts of field law enforcement staff.

Approves or reviews the approval of all wildlife law enforcement equipment requests.

Analyzes operational budget information, prepares the bureau budget, and submits for approval.

Manages the statewide special permit system.

Manages the statewide Deputy Game Protector program.

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

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND 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 radio communication 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.

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 an Assistant Director, Wildlife Protection;

                                                                                                                                                                     or

One year of experience as a Training Director, Game

                                                                                                                                                                     or

Two years of experience as a Wildlife Conservation Officer Law Enforcement Coordinator;

                                                                                                                                                                     or

Three years of experience as a Wildlife Conservation Officer Supervisor.