Conservation Officer

The State of Nebraska is hiring multiple Conservation Officers to protect natural resources and wildlife, enforce conservation laws, and educate the public. Positions are available in various locations including Ogallala and Chadron. Responsibilities include law enforcement, wildlife management, public education, incident response, and collaboration with other agencies. Candidates must hold or be able to obtain Nebraska Law Enforcement Certification.
The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Game & Parks Commission - Agency 33

Location:

Hiring Rate:

$26.460

Job Posting:

JR2024-00010278 Conservation Officer (Evergreen) (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

Job Description:

Multiple positions available. Expect to fill positions near Ogallala, Chadron, Burwell, Alliance, Beatrice, Weeping Water, Bassett, Arapaho, and Sidney. These locations will be filled on priority basis and are subject to change.

The Nebraska Conservation Officer plays a vital role in protecting the state's natural resources and wildlife, enforcing conservation laws, and educating the public about conservation and outdoor recreation. Conservation officers uphold regulations related to fishing, hunting, wildlife management, boating, state parks, and other conservation initiatives. This position requires individuals with a passion for the outdoors, strong law enforcement skills, and a commitment to preserving Nebraska's natural resources for future generations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Law Enforcement: Enforce state and federal laws pertaining to conservation, wildlife protection, natural resource management, and outdoor recreational activities. Conduct patrols, investigations, and surveillance to detect and prevent violations related to hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, and other outdoor activities.

2. Wildlife and Resource Management: Assist in managing wildlife populations, promoting biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance. Participate in habitat improvement initiatives, controlled burns, monitoring endangered species, and managing public lands to ensure sustainability.

3. Public Education: Create and deliver educational programs to the public, schools, and community groups to increase awareness of conservation laws, responsible outdoor recreation practices, and the importance of wildlife and habitat conservation efforts. Conduct outreach activities, workshops, and presentations to promote environmental stewardship.

4. Incident Response: Respond to emergencies, accidents, and incidents related to wildlife, natural resources, and public safety. Provide assistance during natural disasters, such as floods or wildfires, collaborating with other agencies to safeguard human life and protect the environment.

5. Investigations and Prosecution: Conduct investigations into violations of conservation laws, gather evidence, and file comprehensive reports. Collaborate with legal authorities, testify in court proceedings, and provide information to the prosecution in conservation-related cases.

6. Collaborative Initiatives: Foster positive relationships with other law enforcement agencies, wildlife organizations, landowners, and community stakeholders. Participate in joint operations, interagency collaborations, and community events to address conservation issues, build partnerships, and enhance public trust.

7. Administrative Duties: Prepare accurate reports, maintain records, handle equipment, and manage administrative tasks related to job functions. Ensure adherence to organizational policies, procedures, and guidelines for effective conservation management.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Must currently hold or able to obtain Nebraska Law Enforcement Certification for continued employment

Legal Requirements: Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications required for admission into the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Academy in accordance with Title 79, Nebraska Administrative Code Chapter 8: Training Academy Admission Qualifications and Procedures. In accordance with Title 79, Nebraska Administrative Code Chapter 17: Law Enforcement Continuing Education Requirements, incumbents must complete required continuing education to maintain active law enforcement certification. Must possess a valid Nebraska motor vehicle operator’s license

Preferred Qualifications: Possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A college degree in a relevant field such as wildlife management, natural resource conservation, environmental science, or criminal justice is highly desirable. Experience: Prior experience in law enforcement, wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation, or related fields is preferred. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will conduct a complete and thorough background investigation on each applicant that receives a conditional offer of employment. These applicants are also required to complete a psychological and medical examination, pass the physical fitness standards set by the Nebraska Crime Commission, and pass the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) test. Law enforcement certification standards are set by statute and rules and regulations. Chapter 8 of Nebraska Crime Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice rules and regulations contains specific information. You may view these rules and regulations on the Nebraska Secretary of State’s website. Law Enforcement Training: Completion of a certified law enforcement academy or equivalent training program is required. Familiarity with Nebraska state conservation laws, regulations, and policies is essential. Completion of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s field training and evaluation program is required. Must be willing to accept employment anywhere in the State of Nebraska and live in your assigned area within 20 miles of your duty station. Commitment to Conservation: Demonstrated passion for conservation, wildlife protection, and sustainable management of natural resources.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:
• Strong knowledge of wildlife, ecosystems, and natural resource management principles.
• Proficient understanding of state and federal laws relating to conservation and outdoor activities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with the public, stakeholders, and fellow officers.
• Basic knowledge of evidence collection, investigation techniques, and courtroom procedures.
• Ability to operate relevant equipment such as firearms, boats, and off-road vehicles safely and proficiently.
• Physical fitness and the ability to work in outdoor environments under various weather conditions.

How you will be rewarded:
• Stable Employment
• Flexible Schedule
• 13 paid holidays
• Step pay plan
• Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately
• $1500 attraction and Retention bonus after one year of service, $2500 after three years, and $3000 after five years.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PLSF) through the Federal government
• Military leave, civil service leave, funeral leave, and more
• 156% state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Excellent benefits package with low monthly premiums (Conservation officer benefits are through the Nebraska State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council (SLEBC)
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.

Instructions for Applying

Important points to remember when applying:
• The employment application is required and is the primary source of information used to determine if you meet the minimum requirements of the job.
• Make sure your application is complete. Incomplete applications are rejected.
• You will not be allowed to change your application after you have applied for a position and you cannot re-apply for the the same position unless it is posted again.
• You have the opportunity to attach a resume; however, it should not be used to replace any information asked for on the official application.
• When you have successfully applied for a job, you will receive a confirmation on the screen and your application will be available on your Candidate Home page.

We encourage you to use the Search for Jobs feature to find jobs that are available in a particular location or a job that matches your work experience.

Applicants who need accommodation in the selection process should request this in advance. Requests can be made by contacting the Nebraska State Personnel Office 1526 K Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE. (402)471-2075.

These positions are subject to application of Veterans' Preference.