JOB TITLE: WATERWAYS CONSERVATION OFFICER SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR

JOB CODE: 60005

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 advanced and specialized criminal investigation work in the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).

An employee in this job conducts and coordinates complex and multi-jurisdictional investigations involving the illegal commercialization of aquatic species, reptiles, and amphibians and other serious Fish and Boat Code violations. Work requires expertise in the collection, preservation, and processing of evidence, including the forensic examination of computer hard drives, cell phones, and related electronic devices. Work involves monitoring internet auctions, forums, and other social media outlets to develop investigative leads; coordinating investigations with other federal and state fish and wildlife agencies; serving as a statewide intelligence officer by developing leads from existing data sources and from regional office referrals; and conducting physical and electronic surveillance, obtaining search warrants, seizing evidence, apprehending and interrogating suspects, and testifying at legal proceedings. Employees may lead Waterways Conservation Officers during investigations or serve as a team member on complex federal or multi-state cases. Work is assigned in the form of case referrals or investigative leads and is performed with considerable independence and initiative. Work is reviewed by a central office law enforcement manager through summary reports and periodic conferences for technical accuracy, results attained, and overall effectiveness.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the Waterways Conservation Officer job by the performance of complex and multi-jurisdictional investigative work on a statewide basis rather than patrol work performed within an assigned district of the PFBC.

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.)

• Conducts complex investigations for the PFBC involving serious violations of the Fish and Boat Code and related criminal activities.

• Analyzes facts to determine the course of an investigation that spans multiple regions or across state lines.

• Coordinates investigations with the Fish and Boat Commission law enforcement staff and with other federal and state agencies.

• Conducts physical and electronic surveillance to obtain evidence of violations of the Fish and Boat Code.

• Monitors internet sites and social forums to identify potential criminal activity involving federal and state fish and wildlife laws and engages in short-term covert operations to contact suspects and complete purchases.

• Interviews complainants, witnesses, and suspects to gather case-specific facts to develop investigative leads into Fish and Boat Code violations.

• Prepares affidavits and special search warrants to collect digital or electronic evidence and directs PFBC law enforcement staff in the identification and seizure of such evidence.

• Uses specialized evidence collection techniques to preserve the integrity of evidence while performing investigations.

• Writes investigative reports to document complex cases and to provide PFBC managers, prosecutors, and other federal and state agencies, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff, with clear and concise information documenting and supporting the case.

• Provides advice and guidance to Waterways Conservation Officers and supervisors on investigative techniques and evidence handling for local enforcement cases.

• Prepares documents and evidence for court presentation.

• Testifies as a material or expert witness in legal proceedings.

• Maintains and carries handguns and other firearms while engaged in law enforcement activities.

• Operates motor vehicles and watercraft.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations governing fishing and boating in Pennsylvania.

• Knowledge of the PFBC’s policies, practices, and techniques used in conducting investigations and gathering evidence concerning violations of law.

• Knowledge of the procedures for handling and preserving physical evidence for criminal cases, including chain of custody considerations.

• Knowledge of the statutes, court decisions, legal interpretations, and administrative rulings pertaining to violations of federal and state fish and wildlife laws.

• Knowledge of interviewing techniques to gather facts and data.

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

• Skill in the use and care of firearms.

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

• Ability to enforce laws and regulations with firmness and tact.

• Ability to recognize possible law violations through visual observation.

• Ability to read and interpret legal documents, electronic data, and related investigatory materials.

• Ability to describe facts and events accurately, both orally and in written reports.

• Ability to operate motor vehicles.

• Ability to operate various types of water vessels.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Two years as a Waterways Conservation Officer (commonwealth title)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.