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Position Title:
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Lateral Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Officer
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Department:
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Fisheries
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Status:
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Non-Exempt
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Grade:
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DOE
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Reports to:
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Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Captain
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Position Summary
The Lateral Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer provides protection of the fisheries and wildlife resources under the jurisdiction of the Tribe by performing a variety of enforcement activities as outlined in the Tribe’s Law and Order Code for Fisheries and Wildlife Enforcement. This includes investigation of violations, collection of evidence, arrests, and preparation for prosecutions. The fisheries resource protection activities occur within the Tribe’s Usual and Accustomed fishing areas which includes the Stillaguamish River watershed as well as the northern portion of Port Susan Bay in Puget Sound. The wildlife and gathering resource protection activities occur in the Tribe’s “originally ceded area” as referenced in the Point Elliot Treaty which is includes parts of Pierce, all of King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan Counties. Additionally, as a commissioned Stillaguamish Tribal Law Enforcement Officer, the position is expected to back up, work closely with, and when asked, assist the Tribal Police Department to help cover calls for service. Additionally, this position will be expected to work closely with and assist the Tribal Natural Resource Department as time allows and as directed by supervisor. The position will also include an outreach and education component that will involve coordinating with the Tribal Cultural Resources Department and the Education Department to educate and mentor Tribal youth regarding the importance of wise natural resource management and the historic connection between these resources and the Tribe’s culture and sustenance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• As a Stillaguamish Tribal commissioned law enforcement officer, incumbent will conduct regular law enforcement patrols (using 4 wheel drive patrol vehicles, motorcycle, boat, ATV’s etc.) that Protect Ceded lands for hunting and gathering activities, to detect violations of Tribal and State law, apprehend violators, write arrests reports and successfully prosecute individuals in a court of law and provide for the safety and welfare of the public in general but particularly for Stillaguamish Tribal members.
• In addition to self-initiating law enforcement patrols, will respond to calls for service and complaints to plan, organize and lead investigations into the suspected illegal subsistence and ceremonial (to include commercial) activities and of other alleged violations of the Stillaguamish Tribal fishing and hunting code (and sometimes state violations) and to make arrests, issue citations, give oral or written warnings as necessary and prepare written referrals to an appropriate agency where prosecution authority lies outside the tribe. Investigations may entail surveillance, covert operations, overt patrols, writing and executing search warrants, interviewing witnesses and suspects, collecting and analyzing evidence, writing reports, testy in criminal court and administrative hearings and working with tribal, county state, and feral enforcement agencies in areas of joint jurisdiction.
• Maintain an exceptional working knowledge of the Stillaguamish Law and Order code (particularly the Hunting and Fishing Code) state law (particularly RCW Title 77), the state and federal constitutions, Federal law and Court case law pertaining to the lawful execution of law enforcement services.
• Will be proficient in the operation of a large 35 foot marine patrol boat and will conduct patrols in the marine environment to not only protect marine resources and provide public safety, but also for support boat functions (lasting anywhere from 1 to 21 days in duration) assuring the safety of Stillaguamish canoe family members during Tribal authorized canoe journey functions and events. Incumbent is also expected to provide maintenance throughout the year of the large 35 foot marine patrol vessel so that is fully operational and safe to be used for law enforcement purposes at a moment’s notice.
• Ensure tribal ordinances, rules and regulations are observed by advising patrons of the rules and regulations and summoning other law enforcement as needed.
• Check to see that gates installed on Tribal properties are locked, that closed roads or areas are not in use, that unauthorized persons are kept out of closed or sensitive areas, and that authorized visitors are following all use regulations.
• Responsible for the protection of natural resources within all Tribal owned lands to include tribal parks and wilderness areas.
• Monitor and develop appropriate response to environmental issues on Tribal owned lands.
• Provide directions and explain use regulations to visitors and sometimes act as guide giving lectures about the park’s history or ecology.
• Participate or liaison with other agencies in search and rescue efforts to locate persons lost on Tribal lands, parks and wilderness areas.
• Shall be alert for fires and evacuate persons from the affected area pending arrival of firefighters.
• Perform minor routine maintenance on Tribal owned lands, assigned vehicles, equipment and signage.
• Report vandalism or maintenance problems as needed.
• Check for valid permits for all field users and large picnic groups.
• Assist the Tribal Police as necessary, perform back up to the Tribal Police, and answer police calls for service when requested and shall maintain proficiency as a CJTC certified and qualified law enforcement officer and participate in the necessary training to maintain this standard.
• Will work side by side with other law enforcement agencies, government to government with other Tribes, State (particularly WDFW), and County Jurisdictions.
• Provide community outreach including hunter and water safety training.
• Maintain Washington State certification as a Hunter Education Instructor and conduct classes annually for the community and particularly the Tribal community.
• Work with and assist tribal fishermen and hunters to maintain positive community relationships.
• Accompany natural resources staff in the field and assist with NR staff in field studies.
• Available to patrol and accompany Tribal members engaged in ceremonial hunts, fishing or gathering activities.
• Attends training to maintain proficiency and qualification in defensive tactics, defensive driving, firearms, officer survival, field training program, wildlife control, etc. as prescribed for commissioned staff in the Stillaguamish Police Department Policy manual.
• Maintain required certifications (CJTC Tribal Law Enforcement Officer Certification, First Aid, etc.) and licenses (Washington State Driver’s License).
• Provide tribal lands, and wilderness protection and liaison with Tribal Police on issues concerning park related law enforcement.
• Work closely with and as directed with both the Tribal Education Department and the Cultural Department to provide positive mentorship role models to Tribal youth and to actively engage in outreach and education with all Tribal members continually working to connect Tribal culture with natural resources and Treaty Rights.
• Attend and participate in meetings and gatherings related to natural resource management or as assigned and to represent the Tribe’s interests.
• Report to Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Captain non-law enforcement concerns and receive or provide information on issues involving natural resources management.
• May flex hours as required to ensure the mission is accomplished.
• Willing and able to respond to calls for service from immediate supervisor or Tribal Police Chief during odd and unusual hours (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and to work a flexible schedule.
• Expected to be able to work independent, with little supervision, make decisions as authorized and to self-initiate work. Incumbent will live his or her personal life, and conduct his or her personal affairs, in a moral and ethical manner in order to effectively and professionally represent the Stillaguamish Tribe in a manner that is beyond reproach and that further enables him or her to lead by example and serve as a credible mentor to Tribal youth.
• Other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Employee must have a thorough understanding and working knowledge of the Tribe’s Law and Order code and particularly the Fishing and Hunting Code.
• Must qualify for and then possess a Stillaguamish Tribal Law Enforcement Commission within 1 week of beginning of employment.
• Willingness, ability and aptitude to enforce Tribal and state law, rules and regulations and initiate enforcement actions in a way that our constituents perceives as fair, objective, and reasonable. Thoroughly understand and clearly explain jurisdictional laws, rules and regulations as well as what constitutes a violation. Consistently and objectively apply “the letter of the law” during all dealings with members of the public, yet clearly understand “the spirit of the law” to best exercise discretion. If appropriate, advocate voluntary compliance before resorting to enforcement action. Serve as a model of ethics and integrity. Maintain a calm, honest, respectful demeanor during enforcement contacts to mitigate hostility and prevention.
• Employee must possess a current and valid Washington State Boaters Education Card (or obtain within 6 months of hire) and be willing to operate and maintain a patrol vessel anywhere from 10 to 40 feet in length.
• Must be proficient and able to correctly use search warrant affidavits, Miranda waivers, Ferrier warnings, process evidence according to policy, officer notebooks, infractions and citation forms, prosecutor complaint, and information, towing reports, forensics requests and lab results, arrest reports, investigation reports, supplemental officer narrative reports, suspect/witness statements and other miscellaneous forms required in the field of law enforcement.
• Must be willing and able to use computers. Must be able to understand and correctly use a mobile data terminal system (New World), VMTS, Microsoft Office applications.
• Accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work. Make the best use of available time and resources.
• Adapt easily to changing conditions and work responsibilities. Tailor direction, goals, and methods to achieve successful solutions.
• Remain vigilant while on duty; carefully observe elements of the physical world, including structures, products, events, actions, behaviors, and environmental conditions, to collect information and detect problematic situations. Recognize behaviors that may indicate someone is preparing to do harm. Anticipate rule-breaking actions of others and take steps to prevent problems. Treat people with dignity and respect. Effectively use persuasive verbal skill to de-escalate potentially violent confrontations. Understand and appropriately employ methods of physical restraint. Recognize when verbal efforts are failing and be able to move to physically secure individuals or areas. Ensure the safety of individuals involved. Employ effective written and verbal means to document and communicate important observations and information to fellow staff members.
• Operate all assigned equipment appropriately and safely. Monitor and maintain equipment to ensure proper operation and detect problems early. Keep equipment clean.
• Earn the trust, respect, and confidence of co-workers and the public through consistently honest, forthright, and professional interactions and activities. Be an exemplary role model. Keep promises and commitments made to others. Meet goals and deadlines.
• Possess and maintain an exceptional knowledge of the Stillaguamish Hunting and Fishing code, RCW title 77, treaty fishing rights including compliance with U.S. vs. Washington, Civil 9213, Rafeedie Decision and subsequent orders. Basic knowledge of the Stillaguamish Tribe and its Natural Resources programs.
• Able and willing to speak publically (and to improve skills throughout his or her career) and represent the Tribe professionally when interacting with the public, while attending meetings, with Tribal members, other Tribal technical staff and other agency personnel.
• Ability to effectively handle difficult situations in dealing with the public and other agency personnel.
• Basic knowledge of the life history, specialized habitat needs of fish/shellfish/wildlife populations within the Stillaguamish watershed.
• Basic knowledge of the methods and techniques for collecting scientifically credible field data related to natural resource management.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as hiking, swimming, heavy lifting and carrying in inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to accept and provide supervision, follow oral and written instruction / directions, follow prescribed policies, protocols and procedures, and complete required administrative work in an accurate and timely manner.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude, strong work ethic with great attention to detail, and a strong interest in natural resource management.
• Able and willing to obtain and maintain CJTC Law enforcement certification, required law enforcement training as prescribed for a commissioned officer in the Stillaguamish Police Department Policy manual, certification as a state Hunter education instructor and a Washington state Boaters Education card.
• Willing and able to obtain and maintain a Stillaguamish Tribal Law Enforcement Commission and enforce the Stillaguamish Tribal fish and wildlife ordinance(s) and to work alone in remote areas during odd and unusual hours and without immediate backup.
Position Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in a natural resource science or criminal justice; OR A two year college degree and two years of paid, full-time, fish or wildlife experience; Two years of paid, full-time fully commissioned law enforcement experience within the past 24 months that includes successful completion of the CJTC Basic Law Enforcement Academy or its equivalent will be considered on a case by case basis.
• Must be able to successfully complete the Tribe’s standard law enforcement background investigation, physical exam, psychological profile/testing, physical agility test, drug screening, public safety written examination, and a pre-employment polygraph examination.
• Must be able to qualify to carry a firearm and qualify annually in accordance with police department qualifications
• May not have any felony convictions or any misdemeanor convictions within 5 years, or any conviction for illegal drugs, weapons or sexual violations. A history of misdemeanor or traffic convictions or poor judgment or credit responsibility may be disqualifying.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, if hired obtain a Washington Driver’s License with 1 month of hire date and able to be covered under the tribal insurance. Employee must possess a current and valid Washington State Driver’s License and be willing and able to operate a patrol vehicle to include a 4 wheel drive truck, all-terrain vehicle and motorcycle.
• May not have any medical or mental condition that prevents performing the required duties of a fish and wildlife officer to include in a wilderness setting alone and/or to successfully complete defensive tactics training and/or to perform the duties in a safe manner;
• Must be able to obtain within one year of hire date and then continuously maintain a Washington State Tribal Police Officer Certification from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
• Must have current CPR/First Aid/AED Certification that includes Narcan training.
• Blood Borne Pathogen training.
$47.48/hour
Full Time Employees are eligible for:
Medical, Dental, Vision available on 1st of month after hire date - choose either a PPO or HDHP with a Health Savings Account.
Paid Time Off (PTO) earned to plan for future paid days off from work.
Parental Leave
401(k) retirement with generous company match.
Holiday Bank hours
Discounts at 210 Cannabis Co and Angel of the Winds Casino Resort plus 20 cents off per gallon at Angel of the Winds Fuel.
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Last updated on Oct 1, 2024