STATE PARK POLICE OFFICER

DEFINITION

Under supervision of a State Park Police Sergeant or higher level law 
enforcement officer in State Park Police or the Director, Division of Parks 
and Forestry in the Department of Environmental Protection, during an 
assigned tour of duty, performs public assistance and resource protection, 
functions as a sworn law enforcement officer at state parks, forests, 
recreation areas, historic sites, marinas, and botanical gardens, and other 
Division lands and facilities from time to time as needed; acts as liaison with 
public; enforces laws and regulations for the protection and management of 
the health and safety of people and natural and historical resources, as well 
as environmental enforcement activities within the Department of Environmental 
Protection; executes all processes for violations within the Division jurisdiction; 
effectuates arrests and issues summons; authorized to serve warrants; 
exercises all the powers and duties conferred by law while conducting 
regular tour of duty; educates and informs the public, through a working 
knowledge of State forestry, wildlife, habitat and watershed management 
practices, regarding the rules, regulations, laws and management practices 
of State Park Service and to enhance environmental awareness and 
stewardship; provides security services for people, water, land, and 
structures under the guidelines for Homeland Security; does related 
duties as required.

NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. 
A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this 
job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Uses effective methods of communication with the public and provides 
assistance to the area visitor.

Applies established law enforcement procedures, instructions and techniques 
to enforce New Jersey laws and regulations, Homeland Security and the 
Federal Government, and ensures that people and the natural, historical and/or 
physical resources as well as park visitors are protected.

Encourages positive public relations by providing the public with information 
or explanations concerning landmarks, historic events, plants, animals, 
recreational activities, and appreciation and protection for natural resources.

Provides assistance and guidance to visitors with the physical characteristics 
and terrain of the assigned area in routine and emergency situations.

Educates visitors about and promotes public adherence to the rules and 
regulations of the assigned area, and corrects visitors violating Federal, 
State and Division rules, regulations and laws and uses established 
enforcement practices as a last resort, including physical arrest when such 
action will not cease voluntarily.

Creates a lawful, peaceful and recreational atmosphere in the park for the visitor.

Works cooperatively with Federal, State and local agencies to establish 
incident command in the event of a terrorist incident or natural disaster.

Patrols designated Division lands, historic sites and/or facilities by various 
means, which may include but not be limited to, on foot, motor vehicle, mountain 
bicycle, all terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles or water craft to increase patrol 
visibility, prevent crime, and ensures proper use of the area to protect the 
resources from illegal activity.

Develops and delivers career and interpretive programs to schools and 
other groups.

Coordinates enforcement efforts with other officers and/or agencies, e.g., 
Federal, State, County and Municipal police departments and Conservation 
Officers, to deal with environmental violations that place the resources and 
public at risk. 

Participates in training programs and attends public or private functions when 
assigned as a representative of the Division.

Participates in joint training sessions with emergency response and/or local 
government agencies.

Coaches, trains, and oversees work assignments of State Park Police Officer 
trainees and other assigned personnel; may be trained and designated as a 
Field Training Officer.

As a first responder employs techniques used to prevent forest fires, assists in 
the suppression of forest fires, and reports all fires. 

Anticipates and implements emergency procedures, administers potentially 
life saving functions, takes appropriate action to safeguard the public and 
property, and takes additional action as directed by higher authority.

Conducts search and rescue activities pending arrival of emergency responders.

Conducts safety and security systems inspections assigned to State Park 
Service property, which may include field investigations or inspections.

Provides testimony in court. 

Prepares factual reports and/or correspondence.

Compiles data required for on-going criminal and/or civil investigations that 
impacts the safety and well being of the public, natural and/or historic resource.

Participates in meetings with Division staff and/or other public agencies.

Works cooperatively with other State Park Service members assigned to the 
area to promote efficient park operations and programs.

Provides responsive, courteous customer service to visitors.

Attends mandatory training and maintains current certifications as directed.

Maintains records and files.

May assist in administrative fiscal procedures.

Issues permits.

Collects fees.

May be required to assist in completing attendance, and other reports.

Operates, performs or reports the need for basic maintenance on issued and 
assigned law enforcement items and equipment. 

Posts boundaries or other regulatory signs and markings.

Investigates complaints or violations occurring within Division lands and/or 
facilities.

Utilizes techniques, policies, and procedures relating to detecting and reporting 
of oil spills, hazardous waste, or dumping on and off state land.

Provides assistance when accidents or illness occurs and calls for emergency 
assistance.

Regulates and controls vehicular and pedestrian traffic to ensure safety and 
flow of movement.

Secures gates, facilities, doors, buildings, and windows, and raises and 
lowers flags.

Secures transfer and/or transportation of funds to secure location.

Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual 
recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

Graduation from high school or vocational school, or possession of an approved 
high school equivalency certificate.

EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of federal, state, county or municipal experience involving 
public/visitor assistance, protection, and information, and the safeguarding of 
assets, and natural and physical resources of (park) properties against negligent 
and/or unlawful acts.

CITIZENSHIP

Must be a citizen of the United States of America.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the announced closing date.

Appointees must have satisfactorily completed a Basic Police Training Course 
certified by the Police Training Commission.

Appointees must successfully complete firearm qualifications in accord with 
Police Training Commission guidelines on a semiannual basis.

Appointees will be required to attend and successfully complete an in-house 
Division training course which will include but not be limited to, Standard Operating 
Procedures of the State Park Service, introduction into Fish and Wildlife rules, 
regulations, policies and procedures, introduction into Forest Fire Service rules, 
regulations, policies and procedures, natural lands management, domestic 
security, protection and preservation of natural and historic resources, 
communication and team building skills, cultural diversity, customer service 
and associated training related to the job assignment(s) if appointed at this level.

LICENSE

Appointees must possess a driver's license valid for use in the State of New Jersey. 

Appointees may be required to possess other operator's licenses as needed, 
which may include a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and/or a Motorboat 
Operator's License.

NOTE: The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess 
the required operator's license (other than a valid driver's license) commensurate 
with the class and type of vehicle, equipment or water craft they operate, rests
with the Appointing Authority.

SPECIAL NOTE

Appointees will be required to successfully complete training and maintain 
certification which includes but is not limited, to the following: Certified First 
Responder, First Aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), Oxygen 
Administration, Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) use and other potentially 
life saving equipment, baton certification and firearm qualifications in accordance 
with the Attorney Generals mandates and Division requirements; must be able 
to use Division vehicles based on operational need and work assignments.

Appointees will be required to use potential life saving equipment and to 
perform potential life saving functions when necessary.

Individuals appointed at this level will not be able to exercise law enforcement 
powers until they have completed all Division training.

MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION

Appointees certified from a Department of Personnel open-competitive eligible 
list for this title will be required to pass a thorough medical and psychological 
examination administered by a qualified representative of the appointing authority.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of the physical characteristics, terrain, recreational activities and 
programs of the assigned area.

Knowledge of law enforcement techniques and investigative procedures relating 
to apprehension and prosecution of violators.

Knowledge of state forestry, wildlife, habitat and watershed management 
practices.

Ability to interpret and apply State Park Service rules, regulations, policies, 
and procedures.

Ability to interpret and apply State/Department/Division laws, rules, regulations, 
policies, and procedures.

Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, including but not 
limited to, search and seizure rights, confiscation of evidence, inherent rights of 
citizens and the relevant laws relating to the protection of natural and/or 
historic resources.

Ability to interpret and apply knowledge about natural and physical resources of 
the assigned park or forest including knowledge of common trees, plants, 
animals, history of landmarks, and location of facilities.

Ability to negotiate physical terrain of the parks to provide assistance, 
emergency or otherwise, to parks visitors.

Ability to enforce rules and regulations of the division and the laws of the State of 
New Jersey.

Ability to interpret and apply area programs and procedures.

Ability to understand and apply basic firefighting techniques, and to operate 
forest fire equipment as necessary as a first responder.

Ability to successfully complete all mandatory training and maintain current 
certifications as directed.

Ability to recognize, prevent, and control hazards to the public or natural 
resources.

Ability to work effectively and efficiently as a member of a group or a team.

Ability to deal courteously and effectively with people.

Ability to instruct and train new employees, assign work schedules to 
subordinates, provide clear directions, and organize employees into effective 
work teams especially during emergencies.

Ability to operate Division vehicles based on operational need and work 
assignments.

Ability to work outdoors for extensive periods of time under varying climatic 
conditions and all types of terrain.

Ability to lift and carry, for a considerable distance, heavy objects including 
small boats and equipment.

Ability to operate outboard motorboats and other small crafts including canoes 
on inland and coastal waterways, if required dependent upon work location.

Ability to handle and use firearms, batons, chemical agents, and other law 
enforcement equipment safely and properly in accordance with established 
proficiency standards and guidelines.

Ability to pursue and apprehend violators of statute laws, which may include 
but not be limited to effectuating arrests, issuing summons and serving warrants.

Ability to provide testimony under oath.

Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures in 
accordance with Homeland Security mandates and guidelines.

Ability to assume care, custody and control of persons placed under arrest 
and to use restraining devices as required.

Ability to create a lawful, peaceful and recreational atmosphere for the visitor.

Ability to perform potentially life saving techniques.

Ability to conduct search and rescue activities.

Ability to properly respond under stressful and emergency situations.

Ability to educate and inform the public regarding the rules, regulations and 
management practices of the State Park Service and the environment.

Ability to prepare clear, concise correspondence and factually accurate reports.

Ability to maintain records and files.

Ability to properly maintain all issued equipment.

Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and 
information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently 
to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be 
considered as acceptable forms of communication.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can 
perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made 
to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would 
cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

CODES: 16/FA17- 32092           MCK	                  11/26/05