Conservation Officer

SUMMARY: The Conservation Officer is a sworn tribal law enforcement officer responsible for the protection, conservation, and management of wildlife, fish, and natural resources within the exterior boundaries of the Omaha Reservation. They are tasked with enforcing Omaha Tribal Code, applicable Federal statutes and regulations, and relevant State conservation laws. Operating under the supervision of the Wildlife & Parks Director and in coordination with Tribal Law Enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and partner agencies, the Conservation Officer conducts patrols, investigates violations, exercises arrest authority, issues citations, seizes evidence, prepares cases for prosecution, and provides public education and outreach. All duties are performed in accordance with Tribal, Federal, and BIA regulations, CFR provisions, established standards, and Tribal policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and/or RESPONSIBILITIESinclude the following:

• Conduct routine and directed patrols by vehicle, boat, ATV, snowmobile, aircraft (as passenger/observer), and on foot throughout reservation lands and waters.
• Detect, investigate, and prevent violations of wildlife, fisheries, and environmental, and outdoor recreation laws.
• Enforce hunting, fishing, trapping, licensing, tagging, seasons, methods, limits, and area restrictions.
• Conduct vehicle, vessel, and field compliance checks.
• Issue citations, warnings, and notices of violation.
• Make arrests when authorized and necessary.
• Investigate complaints related to poaching, illegal take, waste of game, habitat destruction, illegal dumping, trespass, and environmental violations.
• Collect, preserve, and document physical and digital evidence.
• Conduct interviews and take written and recorded statements.
• Prepare detailed incident reports, affidavits, and case files.
• Testify in Tribal, Federal, and State court proceedings.
• Locate, document, and respond to sick, injured, nuisance, or deceased wildlife.
• Coordinate humane dispatch, rescue, or transport of animals when appropriate.
• Ensure all located deceased raptors are turned over to Nebraska Game & Parks for post-mortem testing.
• Assist with wildlife population monitoring, surveys, and habitat assessments.
• Support Tribal conservation projects and restoration initiatives.
• Provide public information on Tribal hunting and fishing regulations.
• Educate youth, hunters, anglers, and visitors on conservation ethics and best practices.
• Participate in community events, school programs, and outreach activities.
• Promote respect for wildlife, natural resources, and cultural values.
• Work cooperatively with Tribal Police, BIA Law Enforcement, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, State conservation officers, and neighboring agencies.
• Participate in joint patrols, task forces, and investigations.
• Maintain professional working relationships with partner agencies.
• Maintain accurate records, logs, and activity reports.
• Maintain assigned equipment, weapons, and vehicles.
• Participate in required training, certifications, and evaluations.
• Follow all departmental policies, SOPs, and safety protocols.

• Performs other related duties as assigned

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, and/or REGISTRATIONS:

• Must have or be able to obtain BIA or State Police Officer certification.
• Valid driver's license and insurable by the tribe
• Must successfully complete Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) within one (1) year of hire; OR Possess qualifying State law enforcement certification with requirement to complete Indian Country Law Training within one (1) year of hire.
• Must maintain firearm qualification and all required certifications.
• All officers shall comply with BIA law enforcement standards and CFR requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to meet all physical demands of a field police officer, including pursuing suspects and lifting injured individuals.
• Outdoor work in extreme weather conditions.
• Shift work, nights, weekends, and holidays required.
• Exposure to hazardous terrain, wild animals, and potentially hostile individuals.
• Carrying of firearm and law enforcement equipment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and/or ABILITIES:

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Knowledge of wildlife management principles.
• Knowledge of Tribal, Federal, and State conservation laws.
• Ability to conduct investigations and write detailed reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public.
• Ability to work independently in remote environments.
• Physical ability to perform strenuous outdoor duties.
• Cultural awareness and respect for Tribal traditions.

PLEASE NOTE: P.L. 93-638, Indian Preference and Tribal Employment rights Ordinance. (T.E.R.O) will be practiced; however, all qualified applicants will be considered.

*Please note that the job description is subject to change with or without prior notice.*

Must pass background check and pre-employment drug screen.