PUBLIC LANDS MANAGER I - Position #K0233834

This permanent, full-time unclassified position is located in the Public Lands Division, Region 2; and is directly supervised by Jacob Coulter, Public Lands Manager III.

This position is heavily involved in management of waterfowl, wetlands, bottomland hardwood forest, and moist-soil impoundments at 7,800-acre Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area. The incumbent oversees habitat development work including vegetation control, regulation of water levels in wetland units, reforestation and timber management, planting and cultivation of crops, grasses & legumes to provide food & shelter for wildlife; supervises & participates in the construction, maintenance and repair of area, buildings, equipment, levees, water control structures and pumps, roads, ditches, dikes, and utilities; plans, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of assigned staff responsible for public safety, construction, maintenance, habitat management development, law enforcement assistance & public relations; promotes wildlife conservation through public speaking, writing & general contact; cooperates with Conservation Officers to enforce laws, rules & regulations; conducts waterfowl check stations which involves direct contact with vast numbers of sportsmen; & assists in scientific field studies & experiments relating to wildlife & recreational use. In addition to the responsibilities at Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area, the incumbent will be heavily involved in the management responsibility for La Cygne Lake and Wildlife Area (2,000 acres of public land and 2,600-acre reservoir).

The incumbent administers and participates in law enforcement activities on assigned areas; detects violations, makes arrests, collects evidence, prepares cases and testifies, as required-must be a credible witness in court, cooperates/coordinates with all KDWP Law Enforcement Officers and local law enforcement agencies to enforce laws, rules and regulations for the protection of resources, visitors and facilities.

If an applicant is not currently law enforcement certified, our agency will send the successful applicant to the required training as listed below.  Applicants do not have to be law enforcement certified to apply.  Upon notice of conditional offer of employment, successful candidate will be screened, tested, and assessed for admission into the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

BENEFITS: Beginning hourly wage, $25.11/hour; immediate group health and life insurance coverage; Kansas Police & Fire retirement; optional deferred compensation, dental and vision options; holidays; and sick, vacation, and parental leave.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree in fisheries science/management or wildlife science/management. One year of experience in directing a field office with operations relevant to the agency’s operations. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. The successful candidate must pass a background check and must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: The employee is required to be certified as a law enforcement officer by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Commission. Certification must be obtained before the employee is given permanent status. The employee must complete a basic law enforcement training program recognized by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Commission and annual training as required by K.S.A. 74-5607a.

The position requires the use of a firearm for law enforcement duties; therefore, to be eligible for appointment to a position, candidates cannot have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor domestic violence crime as set forth in 18 U.S.C.§ 992 (g) (8) and (9).To be eligible for certification in the state of Kansas, one must also be free of any diversions from a felony or misdemeanor domestic violence crime as set forth by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Act.

Candidates for these positions must have the following: be a U.S. citizen; be 21 years of age at the time of appointment; free of conviction of any crime punishable by imprisonment in a federal penitentiary or a state prison; and be required to pass a physical exam administered by the hiring agency.

This position requires that at the time of appointment the selected candidate must take and pass a drug screening test approved by the Division of Personnel Services.

Because this position requires the employee to be certified as a Law Enforcement Officer by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Commission, certain past and present personal behaviors can impact employee eligibility.