CONSERVATION OFFICER I

About the role

The NH Fish and Game Department is seeking applications for the Conservation Officer I position in the Law Enforcement Division. This role contributes to the department's goal of maintaining favorable outdoor recreational conditions by enforcing relevant laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Enforce state laws, rules, and regulations concerning fish, wildlife, and marine resources, as well as OHRVs and snowmobiles.
• Pursue and apprehend violators to ensure public safety and protect wildlife habitats.
• Patrol assigned geographic areas, including foot patrols in remote areas, using OHRVs, snowmobiles, watercraft, and other equipment.
• Investigate and apprehend violators, question witnesses, procure evidence, and write investigative and other reports.
• Operate patrol boats in various weather conditions, inspect vessels for compliance with fishing regulations, and respond to accidents and hunting incidents.
• Provide emergency medical treatment to injured individuals, often in remote areas.
• Engage in search and rescue missions, including carrying out injured or deceased individuals and providing emergency medical care.
• Supervise and train probationary officers, deputy conservation officers, and volunteers on various topics.
• Speak and provide education on safety and conservation-related rules, laws, procedures, and practices to sporting organizations, educational institutions, and the public.

Requirements

• Education: Associate’s degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited institute of higher education, or two years of full-time employment as a certified police officer in a recognized jurisdiction, or two years of military experience on full-time active duty with an honorable discharge.
• Licenses/Certifications: New Hampshire driver’s license in compliance with state statutes, and full-time law enforcement officer certification within the required timeframe.
• Eyesight and Hearing: At least 20/40 uncorrected vision in each eye with corrected vision to 20/20 in each eye and normal uncorrected depth and color perception; normal hearing without the use of hearing aids.
• Residency: Willingness to accept employment anywhere in the state, and to establish residency within the assigned patrol area.
• Physical Abilities: Able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, drag 175 pounds through brush, woods, and dense forest, and engage in search and rescue missions in all seasons and specialized equipment.

Qualifications

• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship.
• Age: Must reach age 21 within one year from the date of the written examination.

Skills

• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations relating to fish and game, OHRVs, snowmobiles, motor vehicles, boats, and outdoor recreational activities.
• Knowledge of laws of arrest and evidence, court procedures, and legal proceedings.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques, lifesaving techniques, and communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain cooperation among allied law enforcement branches and the public, make decisions based on common sense and good judgment, and establish effective working relationships.
• Ability to operate various types of vehicles and equipment, use firearms, and communicate orally and in writing.

Benefits

The State of New Hampshire offers an excellent set of employee benefits, including:

• HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits.
• Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families.
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts.
• Defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan.
• Flexible schedules, paid holidays, and generous leave plan.
• $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance.
• Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500).

Pay

The starting salary range is $25.96/hour - $34.39/hour. See total compensation information at the bottom of the announcement.

Schedule

Conservation Officers are required to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays, as well as be available for critical incidents and search and rescue missions.

Contact Information

To learn more about the application process, visit our website at www.wildlife.state.nh.us. For recruitment information, contact Major David Walsh at (603) 271-3127 or email david.walsh@wildlife.nh.gov. For information regarding the application process, contact Kim Crowley at (603) 271-5824 or email Jobs@wildlife.nh.gov.

Disclaimer

The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.