Fish and Wildlife Officer

Job Details: Job Location: Legal Address - White Cloud, KS, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska

Job Description: Fish and Wildlife Officer

Department: Fish and Wildlife

Reports To: Tribal Administrator

Schedule Hours: Monday - Friday / 8:00am - 4:30pm

Employment Type: Non-Exempt/Hourly/Full-Time

Wage Range: $23.50/hr - $34.50/hr

Position Summary

The Fish and Wildlife Officer protects, preserves, and manages the natural resources, wildlife populations, fisheries, waterways, and habitats within the jurisdiction of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska. This position works with the Fish and Wildlife Board to enforce Tribal wildlife, fisheries, environmental, boating, and conservation laws while promoting public safety, stewardship, education, and responsible use of Tribal natural resources.

The Fish and Wildlife Officer serves as both a law enforcement professional and conservation advocate, building relationships with Tribal members, visitors, neighboring jurisdictions, and partner agencies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Tribe's natural resources for future generations.

Key Responsibilities

Conservation Law Enforcement

Work with the Fish and Wildlife Board to establish and maintain appropriate fee schedules, hunting seasons, bag limits, and possession limits in compliance with Iowa Tribal laws while maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Patrol Tribal lands, waterways, parks, forests, and conservation areas by vehicle, ATV, UTV, boat, foot, snowmobile, aircraft, or other authorized means.
Enforce Tribal, federal, and applicable state wildlife, fisheries, boating, and environmental regulations.
Identify furbearers, big game, small game, migratory birds, fish species, amphibians, reptiles, and protected or endangered species.
Identify wildlife habitats and recognize habitat degradation or environmental violations.
Detect, investigate, and document illegal hunting, fishing, trapping, commercial harvesting, and wildlife trafficking activities.
Recognize and dismantle illegal fishing gear, traps, snares, nets, deadfalls, and unlawful hunting equipment.
Inspect harvested wildlife and fish to determine species, method of take, season compliance, bag limits, sex restrictions, licensing, tagging requirements, and legal possession.
Conduct license, permit, and tag inspections to ensure compliance with Tribal regulations.
Stop and inspect vehicles, boats, and equipment when violations are observed or reasonably suspected.
Recognize, seize, secure, and document illegal firearms, ammunition, equipment, wildlife, and evidence.
Prepare evidence for prosecution while maintaining proper chain of custody.
Obtain, execute, and serve search warrants when authorized.
Provide confiscated property receipts and maintain evidence inventories.

Investigations

Respond to complaints involving wildlife violations, environmental concerns, boating incidents, trespassing, or natural resource damage.
Conduct interviews with complainants, witnesses, and suspects.
Investigate animal depredation, nuisance wildlife, habitat destruction, and illegal resource extraction.
Determine appropriate enforcement actions including warnings, citations, arrests, referrals, or educational interventions.
Investigate vehicle-related wildlife incidents and coordinate reporting.
Inspect legally harvested furs and apply required tagging procedures.
Prepare comprehensive investigative reports suitable for court proceedings.

Court and Legal Responsibilities

Prepare criminal and civil case files.
Present evidence in Tribal Court and other jurisdictions.
Testify during hearings, trials, and administrative proceedings.
Serve as Court Officer and liaison for cases involving Natural Resources.
Maintain complete documentation supporting enforcement actions.

Wildlife and Resource Management

Assist with wildlife population monitoring and habitat assessments.
Support fisheries management and aquatic resource conservation.
Participate in wildlife surveys and environmental monitoring.
Assist with habitat restoration and conservation initiatives.
Promote sustainable use of Tribal natural resources.

Public Education and Community Engagement

Educate Tribal members and visitors regarding conservation laws and responsible outdoor recreation.
Conduct public outreach related to wildlife safety, habitat protection, boating safety, and fishing regulations.
Build positive relationships with schools, community organizations, partner agencies, and neighboring jurisdictions.
Promote stewardship consistent with Tribal cultural values.

Emergency Response

Assist with search and rescue operations.
Assist with recovery of drowning victims when requested.
Respond during severe weather emergencies and natural disasters.
Support public safety during civil emergencies and special events.
Coordinate with Tribal Police, Emergency Management, and outside agencies.

Administrative Responsibilities

Complete reports accurately and timely.
Maintain equipment, vehicles, boats, and assigned gear.
Maintain required certifications and training.
Participate in departmental planning and professional development.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

 Qualifications: Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

Associate degree in Criminal Justice, Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Fisheries, Environmental Science, Conservation, or related field preferred.
Equivalent combinations of education, military service, Tribal law enforcement experience, or conservation experience may be considered.

Other requirements or ability to obtain - Certifications

Kansas Law Enforcement Certification (KLETC) or equivalent
Tribal Law Enforcement Commission (if applicable)
CPR/First Aid
Defensive Driving
Boater Safety Certification
Firearms Qualification
Incident Command System (ICS 100/200)
Valid Driver's License

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge

Skills 

Abilities

Wildlife Biology & Ecology

Criminal Investigations

Work Independently

Habitat Conservation

Observation and Surveillance

Operate safely in difficult terrain and weather

Tribal Wildlife Codes and  Laws

Report Writing

Establish positive relationships with Tribal members and the public. 

Federal Wildlife Regulations

Interviewing

Maintain confidentiality. 

Environmental Protection Laws

Conflict Resolution

Safely operate boats, ATVs, UTVs, and emergency equipment. 

Search and Seizure

Decision Making

Public Safety Practices

Firearms Proficiency

Watercraft Operation

Emergency Response

Public Speaking

Software & Tools

Computer documentation
GPS and mapping systems

Work Environment

Remote outdoor environments
Day, night, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs

Physical Requirements

Walking long distances over rough terrain
Hiking, climbing, crawling, and lifting up to 75 pounds
Operating boats, trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, and trailers
Swimming when necessary
Working outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions
Wearing body armor and duty equipment
Extended standing, sitting, bending, kneeling, and reaching