Job Specification Details

Law enforcement and conservation work involving the enforcement of fish and game laws and regulations within an assigned geographic district for the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Duties include detection and correction of violations; conducting preventative patrols on foot, boat and vehicle; search and rescue operations; responding to complaints and incidents; the stocking of animals/birds/fish; and the eradication of undesirable and other animals. Individual judgment and initiative is required. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Game Warden Lieutenant. Supervision may be exercised over a Game Warden Trainee or Deputy Game Warden as assigned.

Conducts all required foot, vehicle, snowmobile, boat and other scheduled and non-scheduled patrols within assigned district to detect, correct and/or deter violations of fish and game laws and regulations; or to conduct investigations of complaints, violations and inquiries. Obtains evidence, testimony, statements, and affidavits as appropriate preserves evidence for possible subsequent court use. Responds to inquiries, requests for aid, and tips as to violations or other activity in progress (such as poaching, deer jacking, fish runs, dogs running deer, etc.). Conducts eradication of sick, injured, crippled and other animals as necessary. Destroys dogs caught running and killing deer.

Checks for illegal possession of fish and game; issues warnings, citations or makes appropriate arrests; confiscates equipment and other items and issues appropriate receipt(s). Checks sportsmen and other persons for required license(s); sportsmen, interested persons and others. Investigates issues of resident vs. non-resident status in application for purchase of various licenses. Assists in preparing cases for prosecution, obtains evidence and other data, consults with departmental supervisors and State's Attorneys. As required, attends court sessions, supplies testimony, and acts as expert witness. Participates in various animal/fish/bird surveys and the collection of various specimens. Tags various animals and pelts; records required data.

Picks up highway killed animal carcasses, records necessary data, and disposes of carcass(es). Assists in various conservation projects and stream/pond/lake/fish stocking. Assists in crop and other animal incurred damage claims investigations; recommends payment awards. Conducts and/or participates in training sessions and conferences.

May attend a variety of public hearings and forums. Explains department programs and philosophies to a variety of publics. Participates in county fairs, exhibits, and hunter safety programs. May enforce snowmobile and boat regulations. Assists in search and rescue and forest firefighting operations as required. Cooperates with law enforcement and other agencies/departments/governments on matter of mutual concern. May be required to administer emergency first aid to injured persons. Prepares a wide variety of records and reports. Supervises and assists in the training of deputy wardens and other assigned personnel as required. Performs related duties as assigned.

Duties are performed largely in a field setting and require traversing rough terrain and bodies of water. Exposure to all Vermont climatic conditions is involved. Duties require lifting and dragging of animal carcasses and other heavy objects. Incumbents must have good health and a high stamina level. Duties may require evening, night, weekend and other irregular duty hours and significant overtime duty. Wardens typically must maintain a business office on their home premises. Exposure to danger may occur in a variety of ways due to weather, terrain, hostile hunters/fishermen, pursuit of law violators, etc. Attendance at meetings, hearings, and seminars may be required at which strong adversary opinions may be encountered. A valid Vermont motor vehicle operator's license is required.

Working knowledge of state, federal and other fish and game laws, regulations and statutes applicable to Vermont.

Working knowledge of pertinent law enforcement procedures, practices, and techniques.

Working knowledge of conservation principles and practices.

Working knowledge of Vermont fish and game species, habitats and habits.

Working knowledge of rules of evidence and court procedures.

Working knowledge of fishing, hunting and trapping equipment.

Ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations to specific situations in a correct and timely manner.

Ability to operate standard law enforcement firearms.

Ability effectively to communicate and maintain good working relationships with a variety of publics.

Ability to maintain equipment and supplies in a clean and workable condition.

Ability to prepare a variety of written and oral reports.

Education: High school graduation or equivalent.

Experience: Satisfactory completion of the Game Warden Trainee Field Training (FTO) program.

Incumbents must be a certified Vermont law enforcement officer and possess a valid certificate for completion of the Red Cross or equivalent standard first aid course. A valid Vermont motor vehicle operator's license is required.

This position is Group "C" retirement with mandatory retirement at age 57.