STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Police Officer (Conservation Enforcement)

All Locations

Recruitment #220706-9035PS-001

Introduction

  
Want a career that Makes an ImpaCT?
Want to help protect Connecticut's beautiful landscape?
If so, we invite you to check out this opportunity!

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is currently seeking to hire agency Police Officers (Conservation Enforcement) to work in the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation's Environmental Conservation Police Division (EnCon).

This class is a recruitment and training vehicle for the class of Conservation Enforcement Officer. Upon successful completion of training and probationary requirement, incumbents in this class will be eligible for appointment to Conservation Enforcement Officer with responsibility for protection of life and property.

POSITION DETAILS
The Law Enforcement Division covers all of Connecticut in three different Districts.

The Western District, with the headquarters currently in Harwinton covers the towns in the western part of the state from Suffield south to North Branford west to Wilton north along the Western boundary of Connecticut to Salisbury.

The Eastern District, with the headquarters in Marlborough covers the towns in the eastern part of the state from Enfield south to Killingworth east to North Stonington north along the Eastern boundary of Connecticut to Thompson.

The Marine District, with the headquarters in Old Lyme covers all the shoreline towns in Connecticut from Greenwich to Stonington and is responsible for the patrol of Long Island Sound and Marine Fisheries enforcement.

This position will be responsible for providing education, outreach and enforcement related to our state’s natural resources and outdoor recreation to include hunting, fishing, boating and providing for public safety at our State Parks and Forests.

This is a Hazardous Duty position. We offer a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a hazardous duty retirement plan, as well as paid time off.

Examples of responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Providing information on wildlife to the public;
  • Serve as liaison to state and federal contacts;
  • Patrol parks, forests and waterways to ensure compliance with state and federal laws;
  • Assist other divisions of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection such as Wildlife, Fisheries, Parks and Boating in fulfilling their missions;
  • Responsible for maintaining a high level of confidentiality standards.
The ideal candidate will possess:
  • Active POST certification;
  • Experience with State wildlife and fisheries resources;
  • Experience communicating in person, on the phone, and in writing with a variety of parties, including co-workers and the public;
  • Experience utilizing Public Safety communication radios and Computer Aided Dispatch;
  • Experience working independently and as part of a team while meeting deadlines;
  • Active POSTC instructor certifications or previous experience as a trainer;
  • Excellent driving record with no moving violations within the past 3 years;
  • Experience working as a team to support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce.
Special Requirements:
  • Applicants for this class must have reached their 21st birthday.
  • Applicants must have received a high school diploma or GED before becoming a sworn member of the Division of Environmental Conservation Police.
  • Applicants are required to pass a Physical Agility Test prior to appointment.
  • Applicants must have established residence within Connecticut before becoming a sworn member of the Division of Environmental Conservation Police.
  • Incumbents must possess and retain a current Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s license during employment.
Outside candidate requirements:
  • In-state: Oral exam, polygraph exam, psychological exam, physical, drug screen and full background check including fingerprints to FBI.
  • Out of state: All of the above plus obtaining a comparative certification as a police officer from POST. This process must go before the POST council for review and approval.
ABOUT US

At DEEP, we are dedicated to conserving, improving and protecting our natural resources and the environment, and increasing the availability of cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy. DEEP’s EnCon Division’s mission is to provide natural resource protection and public safety through education, outreach and enforcement in the areas of fish and game, boating, commercial fishing, wildlife management, parks and forests.

This division has state-wide conservation law enforcement responsibilities and is made up of three unique geographical districts each managed by a district Captain and overseen by a Colonel. The division has responsibility of over 255,000 acres of agency owned lands and waters that includes state forests, state parks, wildlife management areas and boating access areas.

In addition to our historical mission of hunting, fishing and boating enforcement, EnCon is also responsible for criminal enforcement, emergency response and public safety patrols in our state parks and forests and is significantly involved in Homeland Security missions in Connecticut. Officers conduct port security check and patrol public watershed properties as an anti-terrorism measure. The Division serves as the primary backup agency for the United States Coast Guard on Long Island Sound for search and rescue, and is the only state law enforcement agency that routinely conducts waterborne enforcement patrols.

EnCon Officers also protect the public’s safety in Connecticut’s state parks and forests. Connecticut averages 13 million visitors per year in the state parks, forests and campgrounds. Criminal activity of the same nature that occurs in every city and town in Connecticut also occurs in the state’s parks, forests and campgrounds.

The Division is responsible for the patrol element of Connecticut’s shellfish program, has a cooperative enforcement agreement with NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, boating accident investigation responsibilities and patrol on Connecticut’s state waterways. The Division has five specialized law enforcement units which the Director manages including K9, Chemical Immobilization, Boating Accident Reconstruction, Hunting Related Shooting Incidents and PEER support.

To learn more about what it takes to become a Conservation Enforcement Officer, please view the video linked here.

Selection Plan

SELECTION PROCESS
The application process for the Police Officer (Conservation Enforcement) is extensive and can take several months. Make note of the below regarding the recruitment process.

1. Application Period: Applicant Tips on How to Apply

2. Physical Fitness Assessment: Candidates must complete and pass a Physical Fitness Assessment that measures muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility. This test will be conducted prior to the oral interviews and will be at 40% of Cooper Standards.

Additionally, candidates may bypass the Physical Fitness Assessment if they possess a valid CHIP card at the time of submitting their application. 

Instructional Video Links:
3. Oral Board Interview

4. Polygraph Examination: Inquiries concerning employment history; driving history; medical history; financial history; gambling history; illegal possession, use and sale of drugs/narcotics; criminal activity; military history; illegal sexual activity; use of alcohol; general personal data; prior conduct in police/security/corrections fields; subversive, revolutionary or gang activity; basic honesty and integrity.

5. Background Investigation: Comprehensive review of employment, education, training, criminal, motor vehicle and credit history.

6. Psychological Evaluation: Combination of written tests and interviews to assess suitability for employment in law enforcement.

7. Medical Evaluation: Comprehensive physical examination, including drug screening.

GENERAL DETAILS
Before you apply, make note of the following:
  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.
  • The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • Ensure that your application is complete and detailed before submitting it. In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
Important information for after you apply:
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the questionnaire's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
ENCON POLICE RECRUIT TRAINING PROGRAM
Successful completion of all phases of the selection process means that you are eligible to be considered for final appointment as a Police Officer. Newly hired Police Officers are required to complete a minimum of eight (8) weeks of field training and must be able to pass a swim test which includes a dive test, treading water for five (5) minutes, and swimming 100 yards within four (4) minutes.

In addition, within the first year of employment, incumbents must complete specialized training in core subjects pertinent to conservation enforcement.

Core subjects include but are not limited to: hunting, recreational fishing, commercial fishing, ATV operation, wildlife identification, boating rules and regulations, specialized firearms training, park and forest regulations, homeland security.

Please ensure that your application is complete. You are unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut. Candidates who submit an untimely, incomplete or inaccurate application will not be considered for this employment opportunity.

Due to the large volume of applications, please do not call/email to confirm receipt or status of your application. If your applications submits successfully, you will receive a pop up confirmation, in addition to a confirmation email of your application submission.

CONTACT US
Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Jennifer Tokarczyk, jennifer.tokarczyk@ct.gov; 860-424-3970.

Technical questions regarding your application on JobAps can be directed to Jake Ferrari, jake.ferrari@ct.gov.

Note to Applicants on Active Military Duty: Special accommodations may be made for applicants on active military duty at the time of the application filing period. Documentation showing out of state deployment will be required. Please contact Jennifer Tokarczyk, jennifer.tokarczyk@ct.gov; 860-424-3970.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency, college or university, this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in the protection, safety and security of individuals and property with full police powers and responsibility for law enforcement.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The Police Officer may perform a combination or concentration of the following functions on a fixed or rotating basis as directed by the agency:

  1. SECURITY: Provides crowd control at various events and activities; monitors designated areas to ensure physical security and authorized access in order to prevent theft, trespass, vandalism or violation of state statutes or regulations; gives directions and routine information to the public; participates in evacuation activities in event of fire, bomb threats or other potential disasters; operates firefighting apparatus if needed; may conduct cruiser or foot patrols; may conduct bicycle patrols as weather permits.
  2. PROTECTION: Provides traffic and/or crowd control; assesses nature of further assistance needed and makes timely and appropriate arrangements; may gather background information and provide threat assessments regarding high risk locations, safety of persons or property, biological or physical threats; may respond to emergency situations and provide CPR or first aid to injured parties; may transport or escort couriers with currency and prisoners or Absent Without Leave (AWOL) persons; may assist in search for escaped patients or inmates; may assist State Police in investigation of major criminal acts; may be required to maintain building security and perform patrol duties at time of heightened alert level under Homeland Security procedures.
  3. ENFORCEMENT: Directs traffic and enforces motor vehicle and parking regulations; may initiate and conduct criminal and other investigations of violations, suspicious activities or reports of incidents occurring within jurisdiction; may conduct on site investigations, question witnesses, arrest individuals at scene and issue summons.
  4. ADMINISTRATION: Records information; applies for and serves arrest warrants; processes paperwork on arrests and activity reports; arranges surety and non-surety bond payments or Written Promise to Appear (WPA); provides court testimony; conducts special programs, projects and services as required; may process arrested individuals including determining charges, fingerprinting, photographing, initiating National Crime Information Computer (NCIC) check, searching, removing and inventorying personal belongings and transporting arrested persons to lock up; may conduct various safety training, certification and/or recertification courses; may perform minor equipment repairs; may make public presentations regarding crime prevention and safety; may serve as dispatcher; performs related duties as required.
  5. CONNECTICUT LOTTERY CORPORATION: May enforce gaming regulations for Connecticut Lottery Corporation and casinos.
  6. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:  Assists Conservation Enforcement Officers in the enforcement of state laws and regulations pertaining to fish, wildlife, parks, forests, boating, snowmobiling and the use of department owned or leased land facilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of police and security practices and procedures; knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of traffic and crowd control practices and procedures; knowledge of criminal law and court procedures; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to analyze emergency situations and develop effective courses of action; ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Certification as a law enforcement officer in the State of Connecticut pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council.

Note: Candidates with a pending certification status may be employed on a temporary basis pending re-certification by the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council.

Note: Candidates with out-of-state certification may be employed on a temporary basis pending completion of a comparative certification by the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

Successful completion of prescribed training and probationary requirements set forth in the class of Protective Services Trainee.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Experience speaking with the public, one on one and to groups.
  2. Experience preparing case reports, arrest warrants, search warrants.
  3. Experience using Nexgen computer aided dispatch systems
  4. Experience with hunting including small game, waterfowl, big game, and trapping.
  5. Experience de-escalating a situation.
  6. Experience as a law enforcement trainer in one or more disciplines.
  7. Experience in boating, including: Operating a vessel, towing a vessel, and boaters safety course.
  8. Experience in outdoor recreation including: hiking, geocaching, birding, camping, and paddle sports.
  9. Work or educational experience with commercial fisheries.
  10. Bilingual via written and oral communication.
  11. Recreational or educational experience with Marine fisheries.
  12. Experience independently making decisions regarding arrests/non-arrests, civil disputes, mediations and other job duties.
  13. Experience working as a team with other law enforcement agencies or units, court systems, and non-governmental organizations to achieve a mission.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Applicants must be United States citizens.
2. Candidates for this class are subject to selection standards pursuant to Section 7-294-a-e of the Connecticut General Statues and the regulations of the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council.
3. Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain authority from the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection to “arrest and present before a competent authority any person for any offense committed within his precinct.” (Connecticut General Statutes 29-18 and/or 10a-142)
4. Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain certification as a law enforcement officer in the State of Connecticut pursuant to Section 7-294-a-e of the Connecticut General Statutes and the regulations promulgated by the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council. Loss of certification will result in removal from the class.
5. Incumbents in this class may be required to maintain certifications pursuant to the regulations of the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council and/or agency requirements.
6. Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain a valid Motor Vehicle operator’s license.
7. Incumbents in this class may be required to obtain and retain Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification
8. Incumbents in this class must be eligible and qualified to bear arms.
9. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
10 Department of Energy and Environmental Protection: Incumbents in this class will be required to obtain and retain a Standard First Aid certificate and CPR certificate and participate in any job related training sessions.
11. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection: Incumbents in this class must be willing to accept assignments or transfers to any region of the state consistent with departmental policies or stipulations and work a flexible schedule.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity required, to perform the duties of the class. A physical fitness assessment will be required of all applicants.
2. A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.
3. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection: Incumbents in this class must be able to pass a swim test including swimming 100 yards within four (4) minutes.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to unpleasant and/or dangerous situations which could cause injury or loss of life, to uncomfortable weather conditions and/or to confinement within a vehicle for prolonged periods.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.