Fish and Wildlife Officer

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

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

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

Salary : $24 - $35