THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO PERMANENT EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERGEANT

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (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’s 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.

The mission of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Enforcement program is: “To protect our natural resources and the public we serve.”

WHO MAY APPLY:  
This recruitment is open on a promotional basis only to permanent employees of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Program.  Any permanent Fish & Wildlife Officer who would meet the minimum qualifications during this application cycle may apply. However, applicants will not be eligible for open Sergeant positions until they meet the minimum qualifications.

LOCATION:  
The Sergeant locations will be Detachments 9, 12 and 17.

Sergeants manage all enforcement activities within a detachment. Detachments, in general, consist of 4-7 officers. Each officer may also be assigned or volunteer for specialty positions, instructor positions or leadership positions such as Field Training Officer. For each officer within the detachment, the Sergeant helps to develop his/her individual work plan, monitors his/her activity, evaluates his/her performance, provides career and performance counseling, and recommends corrective disciplinary action as necessary.

Sergeants coordinate with their supervisor to develop detachment work plans, and they conduct detachment meetings to prepare work assignments and ensure coverage in the detachment’s geographical area. They provide regular reports to their supervisor on important issues and accomplishments. They organize training for their officers, and they implement region-wide mandatory training.

Sergeants serve as the primary point of contact for local tribal law enforcement in their geographic area of responsibility. They are responsible for training and implementing response protocols for trial enforcement interactions.

Sergeants perform patrols, issue citations and infractions, carry out investigations, take part in emphasis patrols, collect evidence, write reports, create and execute search warrants, testify in criminal court and at administrative hearings, and collaborate with local, county, state, and federal enforcement agencies in areas of joint jurisdiction or for special cases.

Sergeants work closely with the Fish and Wildlife Program staff and review statewide resource-management recommendations, and they respond to regional and statewide requests for information and project assistance. They also initiate or participate in public outreach and education activities.

Sergeants are responsible for the first line supervision of all Fish and Wildlife Officers within the detachment and among other law enforcement responsibilities are accountable for the successful enforcement of all Washington State laws, all rules and regulations of the Fish and Wildlife Commission within an assigned geographic area of responsibilities. They may have other unique skills, knowledge, and abilities that are pertinent to the unique characteristics and operational needs of their assigned detachment.