* Posting for Recruits for Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer Trainee Basic School *  

* Salary Grade GN08 *   * Recruitment Range: $41,323 - $46,500 *  
* 18-22 positions located throughout the state of North Carolina *

Please Note:  As of June 1, 2022, the new paygrade for this classification will be SW04 and the salary range will be $41,498 - $66,396.  Salaries will be determined using this new salary range.

For current State employees, please note that as of June 1, 2022 – promotional priority and RIF priority will be determined based on the new salary/pay grade.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:   Would you like to be a part of an agency that conserves North Carolina's wildlife resources and their habitats while providing programs and opportunities allowing hunters, anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy wildlife-associated recreation and sporting activities? 

If so, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's Law Enforcement Division is now accepting applications for our 59th (2023) Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer Trainee Basic School for several Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer (“Game Warden”) positions throughout the State. 

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission Mission Statement is to conserve North Carolina’s wildlife resources and their habitats and provide programs and opportunities that allow hunters, anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy wildlife-associated recreation.  The Commission is the regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of N.C. fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws. 

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission Law Enforcement Division employs approximately 210 Wildlife Officers who patrol fields, forests and inland waters at all hours, in all 100 North Carolina counties.  These officers ensure public compliance with fishing, wildlife and boating laws and regulations and enforces the conservation of wildlife resources and provides public safety through both proactive law enforcement and the instruction of quality education. 

Applicants who are selected for these available Basic School/Entry Level Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer (“Game Warden”) Trainee positions will complete a vigorous 28-week Basic School held at the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Samarcand Training Academy located in Jackson Springs, NC (Moore County).  Basic School training does NOT include weekends or Holidays!

Trainees are housed in dorms with fellow Officer Trainee’s. Recruits will not be able to stay at the Training Center dorm during weekends or holidays. The training is highly structured (very active, with 5:30 a.m. physical training most mornings). During this Basic School – you will get your Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) training, as well as specific Wildlife Law Enforcement Training. We usually select anywhere between 18 and 22 individuals to attend our Basic School. The Basic School usually begins in early January 2023 with graduation in July 2023. Graduates of the Basic School must be willing, when necessary, to relocate anywhere in North Carolina for Training or Permanent Assignment. 

Graduates of the Basic School become Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer I’s – and are placed with a Field Training Officer for at least six months for on-the-job field training. Upon successful completion of field training, a permanent assignment is made. The officer remains stationed in their permanent assignment until the officer requests a lateral transfer, is transferred by the agency or is promoted. 

Duties of a Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer in include such activities as patrolling fields, forests and inland waters via automobiles, boats, ATVs and on foot; reporting to a Sergeant and patrolling a district either alone or as part of a patrol; checking licenses of hunters and fisherman and examining the game or fish taken to determine compliance with the applicable laws and regulations and seizing illegal hunting and fishing devices and all game and fish taken illegally.   

Officers are also responsible for investigating violations, arresting violators and presenting court testimony; investigating conditions and recommending whether to issue permits to private citizens to raise game or fish in captivity, or to trap and net game or fish; checking boats for proper certification and boating equipment and observing boat operation for detection and apprehension of reckless or impaired operators and wills will assist in search and rescue operations for the victims of boating accidents or for lost hunters and anglers.  Other duties are assigned as needed.

Standards required for Criminal Justice Employment include that all Trainee’s must pass extensive background and psychological screening and complete a vigorous 28-week (less weekends and holidays) Basic School before receiving a field assignment.  Applicants must be 20 years of age at the time of final exam.

Wildlife Officer Trainee’s for our Basic School must demonstrate a 10th grade reading comprehension level to be sworn as a law enforcement officer in North Carolina; never been charged with or convicted of a felony and/or never been charged with or convicted of certain misdemeanors within five years of date of application.  When necessary, the new Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer must be willing to relocate anywhere in North Carolina for training or permanent assignment. 

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities desired include basic knowledge of law enforcement tactics including patrolling techniques, established procedures for evidence collection and submission, laws, regulations and Wildlife Resources Commission policies; basic knowledge of boating and water safety: basic knowledge of and skill in the use of firearms and hunting and fishing equipment; ability to operate a variety of conveyance including trucks, automobiles, ATVs, outboard motor boats, kayaks, and canoes. Individual should possess the ability to express thoughts, ideas, and information both orally and in writing as well as the ability to communicate through interpersonal interactions and written documentation.   Additionally, the Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer must possess the ability to testify and provide evidence in court and other judicial settings; recounts what was observed during an enforcement action or investigation, presenting thorough and logical testimony and be able to conduct interrogations or interviews using basic techniques. 

Employee must have the ability to successfully complete the following skills upon completion of the Wildlife Basic School:

• Working knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations relating to the protection and management of game and fish, and of boating, and of NC game and fish species, their habits and natural requirements. 
• General knowledge of and skill in the use of firearms and hunting and fishing equipment. 
• Ability to enforce laws impartially and justly 
• Ability to operate outboard motorboats, automobiles, and police radio system. 
• Ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with the public and other employees. 
• Ability to keep routine records and write standard reports.

High school or General Education Development (GED) diploma.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: 

 Must be at least 20 years of age or turn 20 years of age before taking the State Exam at the completion of the Basic Training School.

• Possession of a valid NC Driver's License (within 30 days of hire)
• Must meet the applicable education, employment, and training standards as administered through the NC Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission or the ability to achieve certification within one year of employment

The trainee MUST successfully complete NC Wildlife Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) and be able to be certified as a law enforcement officer by the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission to be eligible to be sworn as NC Wildlife Enforcement Officer within one year. Demonstrate a 10th grade reading comprehension level to be sworn as a law enforcement officer in North Carolina.  Applicants must Never have committed or been convicted of a felony and/or never have committed or convicted of certain misdemeanors within five years of date of application. Applicants must possess a Valid North Carolina driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.  

TESTING: The physical assessment and reading comprehension test are tentatively scheduled from late 

July 2022 through early August 2022 (You will be assigned one day to attend). 

For more information on strength, agility and medical testing and for the standards for criminal justice employment, please visit the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website at www.ncwildlife.org. Select the Careers link in the top right corner, and then select the Wildlife Enforcement Officers link at the left, middle section of the page.
 
 To view a demonstration of the Modified POPAT and example Reading Comprehension Test, click on "Modified POPAT", and "Reading Comprehension Test" in the following link: 

http://www.ncwildlife.org/Careers/Become-an-Enforcement-Officer

BENEFITS:  North Carolina State government employees enjoy many benefits including a Retirement Pension Plan, 401K/457 membership, Paid Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave, State Health Plan and various other benefits.  Benefits information can be found on the NC OSHR website at: https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits.  

Benefits information can also be found by using Google to search for “NC OSHR Benefits”.

Salary will be based on budget, education, experience and equity.  This position is a Salary Grade GN08, with a Hiring Range of $41,323 to $46,500.  
 
Visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission page (https://www.ncwildlife.org/ ) for more information about careers with WRC.  

* PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION ON-LINE USING THE OSHR JOB SEEKERS WEBSITE *

* Degrees must be received from institutions appropriately accredited by the U.S. Department of Education *

All applicants must complete and submit a State application for employment using the new NEOGOV Online Job Application System located on the Office of State Human Resources “Work for NC” website (http://www.oshr.nc.gov/jobs/ ) for the State of North Carolina. 

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the online application form.   Any information omitted from the application cannot be considered for qualifying credit.  Attached or incorporated resumes (including Text Resume’s on the on-line application) WILL NOT be used for screening for qualifying credit.  “See Resume” or “See Attachment” WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completing a State on-line application form. 

Degrees must be accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.

If you have started a college degree program but have not completed it – please document the number of Semester HOURS you have completed on your application in the Education section.
 

Applicants are asked to document competencies related to the position for which you apply on the State application.  A competency is defined as a set of behaviors or duties that reflect the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities that you have, as they relate to the job you are applying for. Please make sure you complete the application in full.  Applicants are required to scan and attach a copy of their DD-214 (Form 4) or discharge orders if they wish to obtain veterans preference (or obtain Veterans Preference as the spouse of a service-related Disabled Veteran). If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the posting close date will be accepted.
 
NC Wildlife Resources Commission uses the Merit-Based Recruitment & Selection Plan to select the most qualified applicants to fill positions subject to the State Personnel Act.  When a salary range is posted, the actual salary will be based on relevant competencies, knowledge, skills & abilities, internal equity and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.  The State of NC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
 
Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check.   Pre-employment checks are required for some administrative and education center positions. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).
 
Depending on the position, applicants may be required to take and pass a Pre-Employment Drug and Alcohol screen once they are verbally given a conditional offer of employment. Depending on position, employees may be subject to random drug and alcohol screens throughout their employment.
 
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone.   To check the status of your application, please log in to your NEOGOV account and click “Application Status”.   It is not necessary to contact the Human Resources Office to check the status of an application.  Normal processing time for applications is 30-45 days from the closing date of the posting.
 
If you are having technical issues submitting your application, please call the NEOGOV (governmentjobs.com) Help Line at 855-524-5627.   If there are any questions about this posting, other than your application status, please contact the Wildlife Resources Commission Human Resources Office.  
 
 CONTACT INFORMATION
 NC Wildlife Resources Commission
 Human Resources Office         Attn: Bob Schultz, Recruitment Specialist
 1751 Varsity Drive   Raleigh, NC  27699-1703
 Phone: 919-707-0104