Natural Resources Police Trainee - State Parks Unit & Fish & Wildlife Unit

Natural Resources Police Trainee position(s) for the State Parks Unit and Fish and Wildlife Unit, focusing on crime prevention and detection, public safety, enforcement of Delaware criminal and traffic laws, responding to calls for service, and enforcing Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Rules and Regulations. This role enforces state park regulations, fishing, hunting, and boating laws, and conducts patrols by motor vehicle, foot, bicycle, ATV/UTV, and vessel in varying weather conditions.

About the Role

Upon satisfactory completion of department promotional standards and job requirements, employees may be eligible for promotion to the next level within the career ladder.

Responsibilities

• Implement appropriate law enforcement action in response to complaints, traffic, criminal, regulatory, and other activities.
• Investigate suspicious and criminal activity, including detecting, collecting, and preserving physical evidence, interviewing victims, witnesses, suspects, and defendants, processing charging documents, executing search and arrest warrants, and processing defendants.
• Perform vehicle and foot patrol of assigned areas.
• Engage in community policing through informational presentations and educational seminars for state agencies, schools, the public, and community organizations.
• Provide protective services to state employees, visitors, and the general public.
• Conduct surveillances and perform undercover assignments.
• Assist other law enforcement agencies as back-up or primary response.
• Take custody of and transport felons and prisoners.
• Present evidence and testimony and prosecute cases in court.
• Prepare and maintain reports pertaining to incident response, daily activity, and investigations.
• Calibrate, maintain, and use technical instruments and equipment to determine safety compliance and operational readiness.

Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following sets of requirements:

• At least 20 and 1/2 years of age with an associate degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Sociology, or a related field.
• At least 20 and 1/2 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent, plus:
  • Six months of experience conducting investigations, including interviews, evidence gathering, and documenting findings.
  • Six months of experience applying natural resources laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Six months of experience in narrative report writing.

Additional Information

• This is a tested position; all qualified candidates will be contacted by email to schedule testing.
• Incumbents working four or more hours between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. receive a 5% shift differential pay.
• Eligible for Hazardous Duty Pay upon completion of the basic approved Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Academy.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; sponsorship for H-1B visas is not provided.
• A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
• A valid driver’s license (not suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified) is required.
• This position is part of a bargaining unit; selected candidates may join and pay dues or decline membership.
• Conditional offers require successful completion of a POST-approved psychiatric/psychological exam, medical examination, eye exam, and physical ability test.
• By the end of the probationary period, proof of boater education (state-issued card or NASBLA-approved certificate) or completion of a NASBLA-approved boating safety course and the Delaware Hunter Safety Course is required.
• Applicants must pass a physical fitness test and the DNREC/NRP Water Confidence Assessment.
• Applicants must successfully pass a baseline medical examination to demonstrate fitness for duty.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package, visit the Delaware Department of Human Resources benefits page.