State of Maryland

A Natural Resources Police Sergeant is the first line supervisory level of work in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) enforcing State and federal laws and departmental rules and regulations as they apply to conservation, boating, DNR managed lands, criminal, civil and traffic violations. Employees in this classification supervise natural resources police officers and other employees.

Employees receive general supervision from a Natural Resources Police Lieutenant or other higher ranking officer. Employees are subject to call-in 24 hours a day during emergencies and staffing shortages and may work varying shifts. Employees may be required to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions and may be exposed to toxic fumes and other hazards. The work may involve lifting objects weighing fifty pounds or more, climbing, crouching, crawling, walking and running.

Positions in this classification are evaluated using the Classification Job Evaluation Methodology. The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of a class specification.

Natural Resources Police Sergeant differs from Natural Resources Police Corporal in that the Natural Resources Police Corporal trains and assigns, reviews and monitors the work of lower-level natural resources police officers while the Natural Resources Police Sergeant has full supervisory responsibility. Natural Resources Police Sergeant is differentiated from Natural Resources Police Lieutenant in that a Natural Resources Police Lieutenant has managerial responsibility for a staff of police officers effected through subordinate supervisors.

Supervises the work of natural resources police officers and other employees;

Coordinates staff scheduling;

Coordinates and assesses staff efforts in the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations;

Assesses the scope of a situation to determine the appropriate response at the scene of emergencies and incidents;

Trains and instructs natural resources police officers and other employees;

Maintains records and prepares and reviews reports;

Investigates and responds to inquiries and complaints;

Inspects equipment, facilities and personnel for adherence to agency standards and policies;

Testifies in judicial proceedings;

Supervises inspections of commercial and recreational hunting, fishing or boating facilities to ensure compliance with laws, rules and regulations;

Supervises investigations of hunting or boating accidents;

Supervises inspections to determine the possession of valid hunting and trapping licenses, adherence to legal catch limits, and legal hunting and trapping methods and equipment;

Operates agency vessels, vehicles or other equipment in accordance with laws, agency rules and policies;

Renders first aid;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of conservation, criminal, civil and boating laws of Maryland;

Knowledge of laws, rules and regulations governing commercial and recreational hunting, fishing and boating facilities and activities;

Knowledge of investigative techniques specific to hunting, boating or fishing accidents and crimes;

Knowledge of agency policies, rules and regulations concerning natural resources police duties;

Knowledge of caring for and using firearms, vehicles, vessels and other agency equipment;

Knowledge of natural resources management principles, practices and methodology;

Knowledge of rules of boat handling and navigational practices;

Ability to testify in judicial proceedings;

Ability to identify marine and wildlife species and habitats;

Ability to supervise;

Ability to respond to the public in an effective and tactful manner;

Ability to prepare and review clear and accurate reports;

Ability to endure vigorous physical activity;

Ability to react quickly and calmly during emergency situations;

Ability to communicate effectively.

Education: High School diploma or G.E.D. Certificate acceptable to the Maryland State Board of Education as described in the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission regulation.

Experience: One year of experience as a commissioned natural resources law enforcement officer responsible for training and assigning, reviewing and monitoring the work of lower-level natural resources police officers.

Notes: 1. The above educational requirement is set by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission in accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland, Public Safety Article, Section 3-207.

2. Experience defined above must have been certified by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission

1.Employees in this classification must possess police officer certification as required by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission at the time of application.

2.Employees in this classification will be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle and will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

1.Selection standards for police officer certification are established by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission in accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland, Public Safety Article, Section 3-207. These selection criteria are listed in detail in the Code of Maryland Regulations 12.04.01.04 and include the following: U.S. Citizenship Must be at least 21 years of age A completed background investigation, including a check of criminal history Oral interview and truth verification device testing Physical and psychological examination following offer of employment.

2. Employees are subject to call-in 24 hours a day and, therefore, will be required to provide the employer with a phone number where they can be reached.

3. Employees in this classification will be required to bear firearms and to demonstrate practical knowledge and proficiency in the safe use and care of firearms on a periodic basis.

4. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations, 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

5. Employees in this classification are subject to assignment in any area of the State.