STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Protective Services Trainee (Conservation Enforcement)

Target Class - Conservation Enforcement Officer

Recruitment #190626-2882PS-001

Introduction

      

At the State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), we are dedicated to conserving, improving and protecting our natural resources and the environment, and increasing the availability of cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy. DEEP's Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) Division's mission is to provide natural resource protection and public safety through education, outreach and enforcement in the areas of fish and game, boating, commercial fishing, wildlife management, parks and forests.  

This division has state-wide conservation law enforcement responsibilities and is made up of three unique geographical districts each managed by a district Captain and overseen by a Colonel. The division has responsibility of over 255,000 acres of agency owned lands and waters that includes state forests, state parks, wildlife management areas and boating access areas.

In addition to our historical missions of hunting, fishing and boating enforcement, EnCon is also responsible for criminal enforcement, emergency response and public safety patrols in our state parks and forests and is significantly involved in Homeland Security missions in Connecticut. Officers conduct port security checks and patrol public watershed properties as an anti-terrorism measure. The Division serves as the primary backup agency for the United States Coast Guard on Long Island Sound for search and rescue, and is the only state law enforcement agency that routinely conducts waterborne enforcement patrols. 

EnCon Officers also protect the public’s safety in Connecticut’s state parks and forests. Connecticut averages 8 million visitors per year in the state parks, forests and campgrounds.  Criminal activity of the same nature that occurs in every city and town in Connecticut also occurs in the state’s parks, forests and campgrounds.

The division is responsible for the patrol element of Connecticut’s shellfish program, has a cooperative enforcement agreement with NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, boating accident investigation responsibilities and patrol on Connecticut’s state waterways. The Division has five specialized law enforcement units which the Director manages including K9, Chemical Immobilization, Boating Accident Reconstruction, Hunting Related Shooting Incidents and PEER support.  

The EnCon Division is currently seeking to hire Protective Services Trainees (Conservation Enforcement). This class is a recruitment and training vehicle for the class of Conservation Enforcement Officer. Upon successful completion of training and probationary requirements, incumbents in this class will be eligible for appointment to Conservation Enforcement Officer with responsibility for protection of life and property.

Contact Information: Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Sergeant Steve Stanko, steve.stanko@ct.gov, 860-424-3446.  

Note to Applicants on Active Military Duty: Special accommodations may be made for applicants on active military duty at the time of the application filing period.  Documentation showing out of state deployment will be required.  Please contact Jennifer Tokarczyk, jennifer.tokarczyk@ct.gov, 860-424-3970.   

To learn more about what it takes to become a Conservation Enforcement Officer, please view the video below:

https://www.facebook.com/CTEnConPolice/videos/1945674792335627/ 

Selection Plan

These positions are non-competitive. Open to the public.

·        Applicants for this class must have reached their 21st birthday.

·        Applicants must have received a high school diploma or GED before becoming a sworn member of the Division of Environmental Conservation Police.

·        Applicants are required to pass a Physical Agility Test prior to appointment.

·        Incumbents in this class must establish residence within Connecticut just prior to completion of the State Police (Municipal) Training Academy.

·        Incumbents must possess and retain a current Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s license during employment.

The DEEP EnCon Police hiring process is extensive; the time from application to appointment can take several months. 

The application to hire process is separated into six stages:  

1. Application Period: How to Apply for the PST Job Opening  

2. Physical Fitness Assessment: Candidates must take and pass a Physical Fitness Assessment that measures muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility.  Valid CHIP cards will be accepted prior to the CT State Police Physical Agility Test, tentatively scheduled for August.  To register, please follow the instructions on the CHIP Test Schedule. Instructional Video Links:  

·        1.5 Mile Run 

·        Push-ups 

·        Sit-ups

·        300 Meter Run  

3. Polygraph Examination: Inquiries concerning employment history; driving history; medical history; financial history; gambling history; illegal possession, use and sale of drugs/narcotics; criminal activity; military history; illegal sexual activity; use of alcohol; general personal data; prior conduct in police/security/corrections fields; subversive, revolutionary or gang activity; basic honesty and integrity.  

4. Background Investigation:  Comprehensive review of employment, education, training, criminal, motor vehicle and credit history.  

5. Psychological Evaluation: Combination of written tests and interviews to assess suitability for employment in law enforcement.  

6. Medical Evaluation: Comprehensive physical examination, including drug screening.  

EnCon Police Recruit Training Program: Successful completion of all phases of the selection process means that you are eligible to be considered for final appointment as a Protective Services Trainee.  If you are selected as a Protective Services Trainee, you will enter the physically and mentally demanding training program at the State Police (Municipal) Academy.  This program lasts approximately twenty-six (26) weeks and includes classroom instruction, practical exercises and physical conditioning.  Trainees are required to live at the Academy Monday through Friday. After graduation from the program, Trainees are required to complete twelve (12) weeks of field training and must be able to pass a swim test including swimming 100 yards within four (4) minutes.

Please ensure that your application is complete.  You are unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut.  Candidates who submit an untimely, incomplete or inaccurate application will not be considered for this employment opportunity.  

Due to the large volume of applications, please do not call/email to confirm receipt or status of your application.  If your applications submits successfully, you will receive a pop up confirmation, in addition to a confirmation email of your application submission.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection this class is accountable for taking a prescribed formal academic and on the job training course in conservation enforcement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

General intelligence; ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability in oral and written expression; ability to evaluate emergency situations and develop effective courses of action; ability to deal effectively with those contacted in the work.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A.     Strong communication skills

B.     Stable work history

C.     Excellent attendance records

D.     Related education or work experience

E.      Military experience

F.      Experience working with difficult clientele

G.     Prior law enforcement experience

H.     Excellent driving history

I.       Strong computer skills

J.       Lifesaving/Medical certifications (CPR, EMR, EMT, Paramedic, LPN, RN)

K.      Fishing, game (hunting/trapping), boating experience

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Applicants must be a United States Citizen by date of appointment.

2. Applicants must have a High School diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification prior to admission to the Connecticut Police Training Academy.

3. During the period as a Conservation Enforcement Trainee candidates will be required to complete a course of training to include completion and graduation from the Connecticut Police Training Academy program or its equivalent.

4. Appointment to this class will be for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months. Provisional appointment will be made to the target class when formal training has not been completed after twelve (12) months as a Protective Services Trainee (Conservation Enforcement). Appointment will be made to the target class after successful completion and graduation of formal training.

5. Applicants in this class must have reached their 21st birthday.

6. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

7. Incumbents in this class may be required to obtain and retain Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic certification.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity to perform the duties of the class. A physical fitness assessment will be required of all applicants.

2. A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

3. Conservation Enforcement Trainee: Applicants must be able to pass a swim test including swimming 100 yards within four (4) minutes.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to unpleasant situations which may cause injury and may be exposed to uncomfortable weather conditions.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.