Job Specification
32092
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
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