State of Maryland

A Natural Resources Police Master Officer is the master full performance level of law enforcement work in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Employees in this classification are commissioned to enforce 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 do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Natural Resources Police Officer Sergeant or other higher-ranking officer. Employees are subject to call-in 24 hours a day during emergencies and staffing shortages and work varying shifts. Employees are 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.

Employees are promoted to this classification by the Natural Resources Police Superintendent based on the number of years of experience as a commissioned natural resources law enforcement officer.

The Natural Resources Police Master Officer is differentiated from Natural Resources Police Senior Officer First Class in that the Natural Resources Police Master Officer has fifteen years of experience as a DNR Police Officer and has been promoted to this rank by the Natural Resources Police Superintendent while the Natural Resources Police Officer First Class performs the full range of duties and responsibilities with complete independence.  The Natural Resources Police Master Officer is differentiated from the Natural Resources Police Corporal in that the Natural Resources Police Corporal assigns, reviews and monitors the work of and trains lower-level Natural Resources Police Officers.

Enforces conservation, criminal, civil, boating and traffic laws, rules and regulations;

Patrols assigned areas;

Issues warnings, citations and summonses, and makes arrests;

Investigates accidents and criminal acts which may violate conservation, criminal, civil, boating and traffic laws;

Prepares clear and accurate reports in accordance with agency guidelines;

Responds to complaints and emergencies;

Renders first aid;

Collects and preserves evidence;

Assists in the preparation of cases for judicial proceedings;

Testifies in judicial proceedings;

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

Conducts routine inspections;

Identifies wildlife and marine species and habitats;

Performs other related duties.

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

Knowledge of investigative techniques;

Knowledge of caring for and using firearms;

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

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

Knowledge natural resources management principles, practices and methodology;

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

Ability to follow instructions;

Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports;

Ability to communicate effectively;

Ability to react quickly and calmly during emergencies;

Ability to endure vigorous physical activity;

Ability to identify marine and wildlife species and habitats;

Ability to administer first aid.

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: Fifteen years of experience as a commissioned natural resources law enforcement officer with the current rank of Natural Resources Police Officer First Class.

Notes:

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

2. Candidates may substitute prior experience as a DNR law enforcement Park Ranger, which is considered to be equivalent qualifying experience as the Natural Resources Police Officer First Class employees promoted to this classification.

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 Public Safety Article, Section 3-207, Annotated Code of Maryland. 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 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.

3. 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.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel and Management System. All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions. Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit I, Sworn Police Officers classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article 3-102, special   appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential   employees are exempt from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.