State of Washington Classified Job Specification

• FISH & WILDLIFE ENFORCEMENT RECRUIT
• Class Code: 388A
• Category: PROTECTIVE SERVICES
• Salary Range: 800

Class Series Concept

Within the Department of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Program, positions enforce all fish, wildlife and shellfish laws, department rules/regulations under Title 77 and WAC 220, all laws of the state and specific federal laws as allowed by separate commission process, and Code of Federal Regulations related to enforcement agreements with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Positions resolve dangerous and problem wildlife situation’s, assist in public health and safety emergencies such as flood, fires, and rescues, assist all other law enforcement agencies, address observed violations of state laws and responds to criminal activities in progress. Incumbents require full, commissioned police powers as authorized by the RCWs prior to obtaining a duty station.

Definition

This is the entry level of the series. The duties of this level require the development of the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to recognize, evaluate, correct and/or take action on fish and wildlife enforcement and dangerous wildlife situations within the assigned duty area.

Distinguishing Characteristics

These positions work under direct/close supervision and positions are expected to function with independence by the end of the in-training period. Upon successful completion of the required in- training plan may advance to a Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer.

Typical Work

Patrols fresh and saltwater waterways and adjacent lands by vessel, vehicle, aircraft or foot to enforce state and federal laws, fisheries and wildlife laws and regulations; monitors commercial, recreational and tribal harvest of food fish, game fish, shellfish, game animals and birds; checks commercial and recreational licenses, monitors buyers and processors of food fish and shellfish; checks special license holders and permittees to ensure compliance;

Operates and maintains patrol vehicles, vessels and specialized equipment;

Monitors compliance with hydraulic codes, Forest Practices Act, Model Litter Control Act, sanitary shellfish laws, watercraft registration and boating safety regulations, use of departmental lands, wildlife areas, and access areas;

Responds to and resolves wildlife conflicts dealing with public health and safety;

Responds to violation reports, gathers evidence, makes arrests, organizes and coordinates investigations of suspected violations, conducts surveillance, participates in searches, interviews witnesses and suspects, secures and serves search warrants, prepares case reports, maintains liaison with local and federal law enforcement agencies;

Monitors and provides instruction to hunter and trapper education programs;

Makes presentations to local sport clubs, schools, and civic groups, etc. participates in preparation of local news releases and media programs, interprets fish and wildlife laws to the public;

Attends training to maintain proficiency in defensive tactics, defensive driving, firearms, officer survival, dangerous wildlife response, etc.

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certificates. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

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, a lawful permanent resident, or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient, unless prohibited by other state or federal law, who can speak, read and write the English language. Applicant must be 21 years of age. All positions require successful completion of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Academy or a Washington CJTC recognized basic law enforcement certificate from another state.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Desirable Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a natural resource science or criminal justice;

OR

A two year college degree or college coursework equaling 60 semester or 90 quarter credits and two years of paid, full-time, fish or wildlife experience;

Three years of paid, full-time fully commissioned law enforcement, active-duty military service, or natural resource experience that includes successful completion of the CJTC Basic Law Enforcement Academy or its equivalent.

Possession of a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record may be required.

Class Specification History

New class replaces 41140 Fish and Wildlife Officer 1, effective 6/1/2005. Correction of error; Class series concept last sentence ...commissioned policy police powers are authorized by the RCWs prior to obtaining a duty station.
Revised legal requirements, effective 6/11/2020.
Base range salary adjustment, revised title, class series concept, definition, typical work, legal requirements, desirable qualifications and add distinguishing characteristics, adopted 6/29/2022, effective 7/1/2022.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.
Revised legal requirements and desirable qualifications; effective July 27, 2025, due to adopted legislative action.