FISH AND WILDLIFE OFFICER
(FWO 1 In-Training to a Fish and Wildlife Officer 2)
ALL INTERESTED APPLICANTS, PLEASE SEE THE QUALIFICATIONS SECTION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.  We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is currently recruiting for the challenging and rewarding position of Fish and Wildlife Officer 1 (FWO 1 In-Training to a Fish and Wildlife Officer 2). If you are interested in becoming a law enforcement officer, have an impeccable service record and background, and a strong desire to protect Washington’s unique fish and wildlife species, exceptionally diverse landscape and rugged coastline for future generations to enjoy, then consider this position and apply now!

THE DEPARTMENT

WDFW is dedicated to protecting native fish and wildlife, and providing sustainable fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors. Working throughout the state, WDFW employees–field biologists, enforcement officers, land stewards, lab technicians, customer service representatives and others–manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species, maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands, provide opportunities for recreational and commercial fishing, wildlife viewing and hunting, protect and restore habitat and enforce laws that protect fish and wildlife resources. Learn more about us at  www.wdfw.wa.gov.

The mission of the WDFW Law Enforcement Program is: “To protect our natural resources and the public we serve.”

The Fish and Wildlife Officer 1 (FWO 1 In-Training to a FWO 2) is the commissioned entry-level position within the Law Enforcement Program. FWO1s are full general authority peace officers with statewide jurisdiction to enforce the laws of the State of Washington as well as certain federal laws based upon U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWFS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) commissions.

The FWO1 supports the Program’s mission by enforcing the laws of the State of Washington with emphasis on enforcing natural resource laws and regulations. The FWO1 executes the mission by patrolling various parts of the State by using motor vehicles, vessels, ATVs, foot patrol, etc., investigating complaints and deterring criminal activities. The purpose of these patrols is to enforce and investigate violations of fish, wildlife, environmental, and other laws and regulations; provide advice and resolve dangerous wildlife situations; assist other law enforcement agencies; respond to crimes in progress and calls for service; respond to public safety emergencies; and investigate hunting and boating accidents. In addition to law enforcement, FWO1s promote public education concerning outdoor safety and conservation, wildlife resources, and programs offered through the Agency.

• Bachelor’s Degree (natural resource science or criminal justice preferred) OR Two-year college degree plus two (2) years paid, full-time natural resource experience OR Two- year college degree and three (3) years honorable active military duty within last nine (9) years.
• Be a citizen of the United States of America.
• Must be 21 years of age prior to employment.
• Ability to read and speak the English language
• No felony convictions.
• Be free from the use of narcotics or controlled substances.
• Must possess a current, non-probationary, and non-restricted valid driver’s license. History of restrictions on license or driving record due to vehicle operation or control will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Upon hire, must possess a Washington State driver’s license and maintain such licensure during employment with WDFW.
• At least 20/40 vision (corrected or uncorrected)
• Be willing to work weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and be on 24-hour call.
• Be willing to accept statewide assignments.
• Work in all weather conditions.

• Apply online with Public Safety Testing and schedule initial testing.
• Complete the Law Enforcement Exam and Physical Fitness Ability Test on your scheduled test date.

Once you have completed your initial tests through Public Safety Testing (PST), your name, score, and applicant profile will be forwarded to us. You will need to complete your Personal History Statement (PHS) immediately after completing your initial tests. If your PHS is not available to us at the time we review candidates for an oral panel, you will not be considered for that hiring cycle. There will be some time that lapses between completing your tests and the oral panel – you should spend that time preparing for the oral board and the hiring process.

PHASE II

 PHASE III

 PHASE IV

During this phase the employee will be in non-permanent status for; BLEA for nineteen (19) weeks, the In-House Academy for approximately four (4) weeks and complete Field Training which can take up to five (5) months.

An employee with permanent status in the WA state civil service may accept a non-permanent appointment. At least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to accepting the appointment, the employee must notify his/her current Appointing Authority of the intent to accept a non-permanent appointment. Upon notification of the employee’s intent, the employee’s permanent agency will notify the employee, in writing, of any return rights to the Agency and the duration of those return rights. At a minimum, the Agency must provide the employee access to the Agency’s internal layoff list. After receipt of this notification the employee may elect to accept or turn down the appointment offer.

After successful completion of the phases of the hiring process, the candidate will begin 12 months of probationary status. The officer will also start a Career Development Plan (CDP). The CDP must be completed in four (4) years for the officer to become a Fish and Wildlife Officer 2, absent exigent circumstances.

Lateral
(Experienced law enforcement officer)

Hiring Process

PHASE I

PHASE II

PHASE III

During this phase the employee will be in non-permanent status, informed of their future duty assignment, start the In-House Academy for approximately four weeks and complete Field Training which can take up to five (5) months.

An employee with permanent status in the WA state civil service may accept a non-permanent appointment. At least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to accepting the appointment, the employee must notify his/her current Appointing Authority of the intent to accept a non-permanent appointment. Upon notification of the employee’s intent, the employee’s permanent agency will notify the employee, in writing, of any return rights to the Agency and the duration of those return rights. At a minimum, the Agency must provide the employee access to the Agency’s internal layoff list. After receipt of this notification the employee may elect to accept or turn down the non-permanent appointment offer.

After successful completion of the three phases of the hiring process, the candidate will commence 12 months of probationary status. The officer will also start a Career Development Plan (CDP). The CDP must be completed in four (4) years for the officer to become a Fish and Wildlife Officer 2.

Opportunities

Fish and Wildlife Officers have a variety of opportunities available to them throughout their enforcement career, such as:

 *For a complete list of disqualifiers please click here:  http://wdfw.wa.gov/enforcement/careers/disqualifiers.html

Salary & Benefits (Current Rates are per month)
(Includes Assignment Pay)

Fish and Wildlife Officer 1 (New Officer) $4418
Fish and Wildlife Officer 2  $4879-$6401

Lateral Entry Officer Salary (Depends on experience)$4418-$5804

Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Retirement Plan II Retirement:

Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters State Retirement Plan II

Medical and Dental:

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Sick Leave
Employees receive eight (8) hours of sick leave per month.

Holidays
Employees receive eleven (11) paid holidays per year including one Personal Holiday.

Vacation Leave
Employees receive twelve (12) paid vacation days in their first year of employment. One additional day is earned each year of continuous service (22 days is the cap).

For more information go to http://wdfw.wa.gov/enforcement/careers/

Please do not apply for this position through www.careers.wa.gov. The hiring process begins at Public Safety Testing https://www.publicsafetytesting.com/. If you have any questions, please contact Lieutenant Eric Anderson, Career Development, at officerrecruitment@dfw.wa.gov.

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The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.