JOB TITLE: STATE GAME WARDEN CADET

JOB CODE: 60100

DEFINITION: This is structured trainee work preparing for assignment as a game warden in a Pennsylvania Game Commission district, group, or unit.

An employee in this job receives formal residential classroom and field training to develop understanding and proficiency in game law enforcement policies and procedures, public safety practices, and wildlife conservation work. Work involves participating in training to learn game law interpretation and application, legal and court procedures, wildlife and natural resources conservation techniques, and trapping and hunting regulations and techniques. Work includes participating in law enforcement training to learn the appropriate application of rules and regulations related to patrol and vehicle pursuits, power of arrest, use of physical force, firearms utilization, and investigative techniques while responding to nuisance wildlife complaints and ensuring public safety on public and private game lands. Work also includes providing formal hunter and trapper education courses and general conservation education for the public. Training involves practical field assignments with experienced game wardens to apply learned disciplines in accordance with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Performance is evaluated through inspection and observation for completion of training requirements and adherence to laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

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 a structured law enforcement training program to obtain authority to exercise power of arrest.

• Participates in field training assignments by assisting experienced wardens with compliance checks, such as hunting and trapping license verifications; detecting and apprehending persons committing an offense; conducting investigations and interviewing witnesses and suspects; and collecting evidence for legal proceedings.

• Participates in field training assignments by assisting experienced wardens with law enforcement patrols, vehicle pursuits, stops, searches, communicating with individuals during law enforcement actions, and conducting the Standardized Field Sobriety Test.

• Receives training in law enforcement defense and control tactics, the proper use of physical force, and the tactical use of firearms, including long guns.

• Receives training in legal and court procedures, such as preparing incident reports, affidavits, search, and arrest warrants, and representing the Commonwealth in court proceedings.

• Receives field training and assists with common investigative aide procedures, such as blood or DNA collection kits to conduct forensic investigation of incidents and crimes.

• Participates in field training related to wildlife disease management, wildlife necropsy, and wildlife incidents that cause nuisance complaints and public safety issues.

• Participates in field training capturing live or injured wildlife, assessing wildlife damage, and implementing nuisance control measures.

• Participates in field training relating to difficult assignments, such as handling dead or diseased wildlife, dangerous animal complaints, and performing field duties in inclement weather.

• Receives training on the functions and use of predator control devices, such as fencing used to prevent wildlife damage on property.

• Receives training in trapping and hunting techniques and methods, including archery.

• Prepares and delivers conservation educational programs and participates in teaching and administering agency-approved Hunter and Trapper Education programs for the public.

• Receives training in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques to obtain CPR certification.

• Participates in required physical fitness programs.

• Travels to field sites to conduct patrols, inspections, investigations, and educational programs.

• Operates motorized vehicles under hazardous conditions utilizing both two and four-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, non-motorized equipment, snowmobiles, and powered and unpowered watercraft.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the practices and principles of hunting and trapping, including related equipment, safety measures, and regulations.

• Knowledge of wildlife management, conservation, habitats, and species identification.

• Knowledge of the basic skills needed to survive in extreme conditions and remote locations.

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

• Ability to read and interpret written material, including laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

• 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)

• Graduation from high school or an accredited G.E.D. certification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

• All positions require proof of successful completion of a state-level hunter safety course.

• All positions require employees to be at least 21 years of age as of the date of admission to the Ross Leffler School of Conservation.

• All positions require employees to successfully pass a medical examination, urinalysis screening, psychological evaluation, hearing and vision screening, and a physical fitness test that includes running, swimming, strength and agility, and any other related measures of physical fitness prior to appointment.

• All positions require employees to successfully pass a character background check and a criminal background investigation, and to obtain child abuse clearances prior to appointment.

• All employees must successfully complete a structured law enforcement training program during the trainee period and maintain agency certification as a law enforcement officer for the duration of employment. Failure to meet this requirement is a basis for removal from the position.