Positions at this level function with the highest degree of independence, responsibility and initiative in solving fish and wildlife enforcement problems and performing wildlife control responsibilities within an assigned duty area. Positions require fully developed skills and broad familiarity with all departmental programs. Plans, organizes, and has the delegated lead responsibility to plan and conduct enforcement efforts, emphasis patrols, and investigations.

Plans, organizes, and leads investigations of alleged or suspected violations of state and federal fish and wildlife laws, commercial fishing and shell fishing, migratory waterfowl, illegal marketing of wildlife, collects and assembles facts; conducts surveillance; secures and serves search warrants; interviews witnesses and suspects; collects, maintains and documents evidence; prepares administrative and criminal investigative reports; coordinates work and maintains liaison with local, county, state and federal enforcement and natural resource agencies;

Conducts covert operations on a short-term basis;

Plans, organizes, and leads investigations of suspected violations of fish and wildlife laws which may transcend district/state boundaries and/or involve coordination of multiple investigative contacts;

Assists the Statewide Investigations Unit (SIU) in conducting, developing and coordinating complex investigations (e.g., commercialization or trafficking in fish or wildlife etc.), may serve as a team leader in coordinating activities or as a member of the SIU team;

Responsible for specific resource management activities.

The following legal requirements are necessary for positions in this category. Per RCW 77.15.075, an applicant must be a citizen of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident who can read and write the English language. All positions require successful completion of the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Academy or a Washington DJTC recognized basic law enforcement certificate from another state.

Four years as a Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer 1 and completion of the agency’s Enforcement Program Career Development Plan.

Additional prior paid, full-time commissioned law enforcement experience beyond the two years which can qualify an individual to meet the minimum qualifications for a 1-level may substitute for up to two years of the required Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer 1 experience on a two for one ration (two years of prior law enforcement experience being equivalent to one year of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer 1 experience).