Regional Conservation Officer

The Regional Conservation Officer at the State of Idaho is a management-level position responsible for overseeing regional enforcement programs, ensuring compliance with wildlife regulations, and managing law enforcement and emergency response activities. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Fish and Wildlife Management, supervisory experience, and POST Certification. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. This is a full-time position based in Pocatello, ID.
About the position

The Regional Conservation Officer (RCO) is a management-level position within the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, responsible for developing and managing regional enforcement programs and strategies. The RCO oversees law enforcement, emergency disaster response, and wildlife management functions, ensuring public compliance with regulations. This role requires advanced technical knowledge and problem-solving capabilities, as well as the ability to represent the department to various stakeholders, including state and federal agencies, local law enforcement, and the public.

Responsibilities
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and evaluates a regional enforcement program to ensure effectiveness of enforcement activities.
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• Develops a regional enforcement budget and controls program expenditures.
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• Presents information to sportsmen's groups, news media, and other organizations.
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• Determines regional enforcement priorities.
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• Investigates and reports on incidents or allegations relating to enforcement actions.
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• Meets with prosecutors and judiciary to determine best approach to prosecuting cases.
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• Assigns work and evaluates performance of district conservation officers.
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• Coordinates and conducts training for regional personnel in enforcement activities.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Fish and/or Wildlife Management and at least two years of cumulative work experience in a natural resource field position.
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• Permanent status as a District Conservation Officer or equivalent professional experience in fish and wildlife management practices.
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• Experience supervising and training professional staff in the enforcement of fish and game laws and regulations.
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• POST Certification and valid driver's license.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience as a certified firearms instructor or defensive tactics instructor.
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• Knowledge of habitat requirements, ecology, and population dynamics of fish and wildlife.

Benefits
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
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• Participation in one of the Nation's best state retirement systems
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• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual
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• Eleven paid holidays in a year
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• Eight weeks of Paid Parental Leave
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• Multiple optional saving plans - 401k and 457 plans
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• Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance
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• Public Sector Student Loan Forgiveness
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• Employee Assistance Program
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• State and Department Wellness Programs
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• Ongoing training opportunities
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• Potential flexible work schedule