07/27/2012 60115

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION OFFICER SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR

DEFINITION: This is advanced and specialized criminal investigation work in the enforcement of the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code.

An employee in this job conducts and coordinates complex and multi-jurisdictional investigations involving the illegal commercialization of wildlife and other serious game law 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 to develop investigative leads; coordinating investigations with other federal and state 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. Work may also involve serving as a conservation canine handler for human tracking, evidence recovery, wildlife detection, and public outreach. Employees may lead Wildlife 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.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Conducts complex investigations for the Pennsylvania Game Commission involving serious violations of the Game and Wildlife Code and related criminal activities.

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

Coordinates investigations with Game Commission staff and with other federal and state wildlife protection agencies.

Conducts physical and electronic surveillance to obtain evidence of illegal activity.

Monitors Internet sites and social forums to identify potential criminal activity involving wildlife protection laws, and engages in short-term covert operations to contact suspects and complete purchases.

Interviews complainants, witnesses, and suspects to gather case-specific facts and to develop investigative leads.

Prepares affidavits and special search warrants to collect digital or electronic evidence, and directs Game Commission staff in the identification and seizure of such evidence.

Uses highly specialized evidence collection techniques, including computer forensics and DNA sample processing, to preserve the integrity of evidence while performing investigations.

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

Participates in the Conservation Law Enforcement Canine program in order to train, handle, care for, and operationally deploy an assigned canine partner.

Provides advice and guidance to Wildlife 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, both two and four wheel drive, all terrain vehicles, and watercraft.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of Pennsylvania’s Game and Wildlife Code.

Knowledge of the principles and methods of criminal investigation and law enforcement.

Knowledge of the rules of evidence for criminal cases.

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 wildlife protection laws.

Knowledge of interviewing techniques to gather facts and data.

Skill in the use and care of firearms.

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 communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years as a Wildlife Conservation Officer.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.