CONSERVATION OFFICER (Biotech)

Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Conservation Enforcement Division Manager, the Conservation Officer works independently to enforce the Pueblo of Santa Ana's Wildlife Conservation Code and other regulations adopted by the Tribal Council relating to other natural resources, cultural resources, and environmental standards on the Pueblo of Santa Ana. The Conservation Enforcement Officer shall also enforce Federal, State or local laws in accordance with any cross-commissioning agreement(s) entered into by and between the Pueblo of Santa Ana and any established Federal, State or local law enforcement agency.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
· Enforces the Code and other Pueblo rules, policies, codes, ordinances, and/or regulations related to natural resources, cultural resources, irrigation, livestock, solid waste, water quality, and environmental standards.
· Enforce laws in accordance with any approved cross-commissioning agreement(s) between the Pueblo of Santa Ana and an established Federal, State or local law enforcement agency.
· Patrols Pueblo lands, makes arrests, and issues citations as needed.
· Inspects boundary fencing and other tribal infrastructure, reporting issues, public safety concerns, or violations to proper entities.
· Interacts with Pueblo members, public, and others to ensure individuals have proper permits, licenses, tags, and are within bag limits.
· Investigates complaints, suspected crimes, and conducts undercover operations.
· Installs, maintains, and monitors surveillance equipment.
· Responds to calls when wildlife has been injured or killed along roadways.
· Assists biologists in trapping, sedating, and releasing wildlife that are being studied.
· Escorts permitted visitors on tribal lands when necessary.
· Provides expert testimony, serves arrest and search warrants, and prepares written incident, activity, and narrative reports.
· Assist in outreach to Pueblo community members concerning natural resource conservation enforcement and organizes and conducts hunter safety certification trainings.
· Provide assistance to the Santa Ana Police Department as needed.
· Acquires and maintains all necessary training and certifications in accordance with any approved cross commissioning agreement.
· Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
· Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information
· Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
High School graduate. Must demonstrate a strong sense of stewardship, commitment to the protection of wildlife and other natural resources, and an understanding of basic wildlife biology and ecological concepts, terms, and practices. Must have strong written and verbal communication skills. Must be able to successfully pass a law enforcement-focused background investigation, a medical examination and a psychological evaluation in accordance with New Mexico law enforcement academy police officer standards. Must be either a State or Federally certified law enforcement officer or can become State or Federally certified within 12 months of hire (unless granted an extension by the Conservation Enforcement Manager). Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screening. Must possess a valid New Mexico driver's license and be insurable under the Pueblo's plan.
Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:
· Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements
· Knowledge of federal, state, and tribal regulations relating to wildlife conservation
· Knowledge of tribal land boundaries, roads, and approved land uses
· Knowledge of tribal governments, cultures, and practices
· Knowledge of department organization, functions, objectives, policies and procedures
· Knowledge of the principles of environmental conservation and management
· Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs in a Windows environment (Word, Excel, etc.)
· Good oral and written communication skills
· Ability to maintain ethical conduct and appropriate standards of behavior both on and off duty
· Ability to work a varied schedule; on call, evenings, weekends, and holidays
· Ability to exercise independent judgment
· Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds
· Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, county, tribal, and local laws, regulations, and requirements
· Ability to maintain confidentiality
· Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines
Physical Demands:
Rigorous field work requires above average physical performance, endurance, and conditioning. Performance of duties will require prolonged standing, walking or running over uneven terrain, the use of hands to touch, handle, or feel; reaching with hands and arms; climbing or balancing; stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and talking or hearing. The employee is often required to sit and occasionally taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. A high-stress component is associated with much of this work assignment.
Work Environment:
Work is regularly performed both indoors in an office setting with a moderate noise level and outdoors; requiring extended periods often working in isolated outdoor environments while exposed to natural weather conditions including extreme temperatures, wind, rain, snow and blowing dust or mist. Prolonged standing and walking often occur on uneven surfaces or unstable ground, in remote, steep, rugged, mountainous areas with unimproved dirt roads and trails. Situations often occur where prolonged sitting, driving, walking, or waiting is required. Duties may require entry into hazardous environments, exposure to dangerous persons, animals, and substances. Evening, weekend, holiday work and other shifts as assigned are required. Must be on call for emergencies.