You are here

Home » State Human Resources » Compensation & job classes » Classified Job Listing » » State of Washington Class Specification

State of Washington Classified Job Specification

FISH & WILDLIFE ENFORCEMENT SERGEANT

<< Classified Job Listing

FISH & WILDLIFE ENFORCEMENT SERGEANT
Class Code: 388E
Category: Protective Services


Class Series Concept

See Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Recruit level.

Definition

Supervises a detachment or work unit of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Recruits, Officers, Detectives and/or non-commissioned personnel and provides a full range of supervisory functions. Provides leadership to and is responsible for employee performance and favorable mission outcomes with the detachment or work unit.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the supervisory-level of the series. Provides leadership for all enforcement program activities in a detachment or work unit including developing detachment work plans, monitoring enforcement activities, evaluating unit performance and ensuring compliance with program regulations and agency policy.

Positions at this level will assist higher-level management in performing one or more of the following activities:
  • Conducts regional or statewide-level agency administrative inquiries of Recruits, Officers and/or non-commissioned personnel as assigned;
  • Conducts investigations of citizen complaints;
  • Supervises and coordinates the workflow, use of staff, and budget on assigned Enforcement activities;
  • Facilitate and coordinate statewide training for Enforcement Program staff;
  • Supervise Aquatic Invasive Species inspection activities.

Typical Work

Supervises all enforcement activities within a detachment or work unit; works with each assigned staff to develop individual work plans and works with their supervisor to develop detachment and work unit plans; monitors activity and evaluates performance; makes necessary work assignments and ensures that all work in area is covered during employees' leave; conducts detachment and work unit meetings, provides career and performance counseling; conducts administrative inquiries of Officers, and/or non-commissioned personnel in coordination with or as assigned by command staff;

Supervises and coordinates the workflow, use of staff, and budget on assigned Enforcement contracts; manages day-to-day work and expenditures of agency grants as assigned and overseen by command staff;

Coordinates and implements the Enforcement Program, statewide training or the Aquatic Invasive Species unit;

Supervises one or more Officers assigned to a Wildlife Service Dog or Patrol Equine. Performs patrols, issues citations and infractions, takes part in emphasis patrols, collects evidence, writes reports, creates and executes search warrants, testifies in criminal court and at administrative hearings, and collaborates with local, county, state, and federal enforcement agencies in areas of joint jurisdiction or for special cases;

Reviews investigations initiated by officers; ensures reports and investigations are complete and tracks to ensure court or prosecutor filing; conducts inspections;

Serves as the primary point of contact for local tribal law enforcement for collaborative field activities in their geographic area of responsibility;

Responsible for ensuring compliance with training and response protocols related to enforcement interactions and MOU’s with other agencies;

Works with the Wildlife Program staff on wildlife-conflict issues; coordinates and reviews statewide resource-management recommendations, and responds to regional and statewide requests for information and project assistance; initiates or participates in public outreach and education activities;

Responds to media contacts to educate the public about important fish and wildlife issues and to fortify the agency's positive image; conducts media interviews which may be used as footage on local news stations;

Organizes training for officers; implements region-wide mandatory training; ensures that officers and they themselves are complying with Program regulations and agency policies;

Recommends changes needed to improve vehicle or vessel equipment or design;

Supervises the operation and maintenance of patrol vehicles, vessels or other specialty equipment;

Performs the duties of the lower levels in the series.

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. 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. Applicant must have valid Washington State driver’s license and acceptable driving record. 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. Must successfully complete the requirements of RCW 43.101.350, First Level Supervisor Career Level Certification.

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

A Bachelor’s degree in an environmental field or criminal justice.

AND

Five years of full-time commissioned law enforcement experience as a Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer.

OR

A combination of experience as a full time commissioned law enforcement officer.

Class Specification History

New class; adopted June 30, 2015; effective July 1, 2015.
Revised definition, added distinguishing characteristics, revised typical work; adopted June 13, 2019; effective July 1, 2019.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/13/2019, effective 7/1/2019.
Revised legal requirements, effective June 11, 2020.
Base range salary adjustment, revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, legal requirements, desirable qualifications and add class series concept, adopted 6/29/2022, effective 7/1/2022.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.