Description of Work:

Under supervision of an administrative superior performs conservation work in the enforcement of fish, wildlife and parks laws.

Typical Duties:

Enforcement-patrols assigned district to detect, investigate, and apprehend violators of fish, wildlife and parks laws, rules, and regulations; checks licenses, permits and compliance of hunters, park visitors, anglers, and other recreationists in the field; verifies fee and regulation compliance of park and FAS visitors; investigates suspected violations; issues citations and makes arrests; operates check stations; monitors license-vending activities; assists other law enforcement agencies as requested or needed; testifies in court regarding offenses.

Administrative:

Maintains diary of daily activities, prepares reports and testimony for enforcement activities, verifies fee and regulation compliance of park and FAS visitors, may sell licenses and parks passes as needed or directed; audits records of businesses dealing in wildlife resources including taxidermists, shooting preserves, etc.

Fish, wildlife and parks management:

Collects and compiles data and performs biological activities for wildlife management strategies. Assists with management and operations of state parks and fishing access sites. Meets with landowners, members of the public and other agencies to explain and/or address concerns relating to department programs.

Information and education:

Attends meetings and conferences regarding fish, wildlife and parks practices and concerns; conducts hunter, archery, water, snowmobile, and OHV safety programs; disseminates Fish, Wildlife, Parks and recreation information; writes news articles and participates in news programs following established department procedures.

Other:

Duties include but are not limited to: assisting in search and rescue operations, maintains equipment; collection and dissemination of public comments, biological information; significant intra-departmental cooperation with all divisions; youth and adult education.

KSAs (knowledge, skills & abilities):

Extensive knowledge of law enforcement principles and procedures concerning fish, wildlife & parks management & regulations; state, tribal & federal laws, rules & regulations; rules of evidence & judicial procedures required to properly and lawfully gather evidence & prosecute violators. Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens provide information and suggest management direction and strategies to all fish, wildlife & parks programs. Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wardens provide enforcement expertise and operational assistance in the management of state parks and FASs. Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wardens disseminate information & provide educational programs in hunter education, archery education, water safety, snowmobile safety, Project Wild, to constituents, users, special interest groups, youth groups, schools, universities, local, state, & federal agencies, private business, & non-profit organizations.

Education and Experience:

Must be:

1. At least 20 years of age on the date of appointment;
2. A United States citizen, and must be or become a Montana resident in conjunction with appointment as a Fish, Wildlife & Parks Warden;
3. The applicant must possess a Bachelor's degree in Fish and Wildlife, Park Management, Outdoor Recreation, Criminal Justice or a closely related field from an accredited university at the time of application;
4. In excellent physical and mental health (minimum visual acuity is 20/100 corrected to 20/20 in both eyes.

Applicants must possess:

1. a valid Montana driver's license;
2. a basic knowledge of major fish and wildlife species and outdoor recreation in Montana.

All applications will be screened to determine if the basic qualifications have been met. Applicants who meet the basic qualifications and are selected for further testing will be required to pass the POST (Police Officer Standards and Training) pre-law enforcement test and the Cooper Standard fitness test. The final steps in the hiring process will be an oral interview, psychological profile testing, a thorough background investigation and a physical examination.

Probationary wardens must be willing to serve anywhere in the state for an undetermined period of time.

Examination:

All applicants are required to report for written examinations covering personality, interests, and mental ability. Applicants will be notified by mail of the time and places scheduled for written examinations. Applicants with test scores indicating highest qualifications will be selected for oral examinations before an oral interview board composed of people knowledgeable in fish and game law enforcement.

Physical Fitness Test and Medical Examination:

All applicants moving forward in the process shall be administered a physical assessment and physical fitness test. The physical fitness test is based on the Cooper's Standards and is adjusted by gender and age. All applicants must pass both phases to go forward in the process. The department will schedule and pay for medical examinations in conjunction with employment.

Eligibility and Appointment:

Only applicants who have successfully passed all examinations and the final investigation of character will be eligible for appointment. Successful applicants will be listed and selected by composite rank, based on scores attained in all examinations. The director of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, will make appointment. Appointees will serve a probationary period of twelve months. Applicants must be willing to accept employment anywhere in the state.

Training:

Applicants who are appointed are required to successfully participate in and complete the Division's Field Training program and are required by law to attend the Montana Law Enforcement Academy basic course (12 weeks) conducted by the Department of Justice. Successful graduation from the MLEA is a prerequisite to continuation of employment. Graduates will be assigned to field positions for additional on-the-job training. These assigned positions are generally at one of the department's regional Fish, Wildlife and Parks offices.