The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking to add new conservation officers! Conservation Officers have the very important job of protecting our natural resources and helping keep the people who use our state parks and other public lands safe through the enforcement of fish, wildlife, boating, and park laws. As state peace officers, conservation officers also enforce other criminal and traffic laws on lands owned by the Game and Parks Commission and elsewhere throughout the state. Conservation officers also conduct a variety of education and wildlife management duties.
Duties
Law Enforcement: Conservation officers patrol an assigned territory to enforce fish, wildlife, boating, and parks laws. Conservation officers also enforce other criminal and traffic laws as necessary. Specifically, officers are responsible for apprehending and processing boating under the influence violators; gathering evidence to prosecute big game poachers; serving arrest and search warrants to prosecute major fish and wildlife commercialization crimes; conducting general patrols via four-wheel drive vehicle, boat, personal watercraft, ATV, etc. Conservation Officers are also frequently called upon to assist other law enforcement agencies with search, rescue and recovery operations, missing persons, stranded motorists, homeland security efforts, traffic, etc.
Education: Conservation officers conduct hunter safety and boating safety courses; participate in public relations functions and educational programs. Officers frequently organize and assist with youth mentor outdoor activities, exhibits, sport shows, and fairs.
Wildlife Management: Conservation officers investigate wildlife depredation complaints and work with landowners to obtain cooperation and support for sound wildlife management practices. Officers also assist with fish and wildlife surveys and investigating the causes of fish kills. Some of the duties include assisting fisheries staff while aboard fish shocking boats, setting lines for the endangered pallid sturgeon, and netting northern pike.
Conservation Officer Lifestyle: Conservation officers often work alone in remote areas and in all weather conditions. Officers work out of their homes and have two weekdays regularly assigned off during the week. Although conservation officers work most weekends and major holidays, they often find that they have a very flexible schedule. Instead of a traditional “40-hour” work week, officers work 160 hours within a 28-day work period. In addition, conservation officers accrue paid-time off and have a generous benefits package.