JOB TITLE: WATERWAYS CONSERVATION OFFICER TRAINEE

JOB CODE: 60001

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Waterways Conservation Officer job series describes law enforcement and public outreach work in fisheries conservation and watercraft safety.

DEFINITION: This is entrance-level conservation training work to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for work as a Waterways Conservation Officer in the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).

An employee in this job is enrolled in a formal twelve-month training program at facilities throughout the state. The in-residence, classroom, and on-the-job training covers agency orientation, law enforcement, fisheries science, fishing and boating laws and regulations, public outreach, watercraft safety, stream improvement, and the water environment. The training program consists of developing skills in criminal law interpretation and application, legal procedures, field operations, related natural sciences, physical fitness, self-defense, firearms and handgun use, public speaking, first aid, report writing, and maintenance and operation of patrol vehicle and boats. Training also includes field assignments with experienced Waterways Conservation Officers for the practical application of learned disciplines and for adherence to agency policies and regulations. Trainee performance is evaluated in accordance with prescribed standards, written examinations, formal inspections, and personal observations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Participates in formal classroom, in-residence, and field training to learn the principles and practices of waterways conservation, fisheries, and watercraft safety.

• Receives formal instruction on agency orientation, fish and boat law interpretation and application, legal procedures, fisheries management, water pollution investigation, and related subjects including water environment and natural sciences, physical fitness, self-defense, firearms and handgun use, public outreach, first aid, report writing, patrol vehicle and boat care use, the assignment and review of work of volunteer deputies, and common investigative aids.

• Participates in field training assignments, including vehicle, boat, and foot patrols in districts.

• Participates in organized athletic activities while in training.

• Participates in supervised firearms training.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to use sound judgment in situations involving decision making, danger, and stress.

• Ability to solve arithmetical problems involving decimals and fractions.

• Ability to meet the physical strength, stamina, and related physical demands involved in the performance of Waterways Conservation Officer duties over rough terrain and under adverse climatic conditions.

• Ability to discern colors.

• Ability to swim.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active PA non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.

• All employees must be at least 21 years of age.