State Park Law Enforcement Academy (State Park Police Officer)

TPWD - State Park Law Enforcement Academy (State Park Police Officer) (00043919) 

Organization

: PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT 

Primary Location

: Texas-Multiple Locations 

Work Locations

: 

Texas - Statewide (454-STATEWIDE) 

Multiple Locations 

 Multiple Locations 78701

Job

: Protective Service 

Employee Status

: Regular 

Schedule

: Full-time Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00 

Travel

: Yes, 25 % of the Time 

State Job Code: 9915  

Salary Admin Plan: C 

Grade: 03  

Salary (Pay Basis)

: 5,226.25 - 7,784.50 (Monthly) 

Number of Openings

: 17 

Overtime Status

: Non-exempt 

Job Posting

: Jul 26, 2024, 11:27:48 AM 

Closing Date

: Aug 20, 2024, 11:59:00 PM 

Description

TPWD MISSION

To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

PLEASE NOTE:  

All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment (month/year) and hours worked per week, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed.  

Job history and volunteer experience should be listed in the work history section of the application to receive credit towards meeting the minimum requirements.  Part-time experience credit is prorated based on the duration and hours worked per week.  Please indicate hours worked for part-time/temporary/seasonal experience. If this information is not submitted, your application will be considered incomplete.

Applications with “See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state ‘unknown’ for any incomplete fields. If education is used to meet the minimum requirements of the job posting, a copy of a college transcript(s) issued from the registrar must be provided if you are selected for an interview. 

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APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS:  Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login. CAPPS Recruit, https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en  

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

Job Classification

Service

Military Specialty

State Park Police Officer series (Cadet through Major)

Army

11B, 11C, 11Z, 18B, 18F, 18Z, 31B, 31D, 31K, 31Z, 35L, 35M, 11A, 18A, 31A, 35A, 180A, 311A, 351L, 351M

State Park Police Officer series (Cadet through Major)

Navy

GM, MA, SB, SO, 113X, 615X, 649X, 715X, 717X, 749X

State Park Police Officer series (Cadet through Major)

Coast Guard

GM, IV, ME, MST, OS, INV, MLES, OAF10, OAP10, OAP12, OAP14, OAR10, OAR13, OSS, SEI18

State Park Police Officer series (Cadet through Major)

Marine Corps

0300, 0311, 0313, 0317, 0321, 0323, 0324, 0326, 0331, 0341, 0352, 0363, 0365, 0367, 0369, 0372, 0393, 5811, 5812, 5813, 5814, 5816, 5819, 5821, 8071, 0370, 5803, 5805

State Park Police Officer series (Cadet through Major)

Air Force

1N0X1, 1Z4X1, 3P0X1, 7S0X1, 14NX, 19ZX, 319X, 71SX

State Park Police Officer series (Cadet through Major)

Space Force Specialty

510, 5IX, 14N

*More information on military occupational specialty codes can be found below:

https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/ https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE:  If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach the required documentation referenced below at the time your application is submitted. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/.

Required forms that will need to be attached with application for Military Employment Preference:

1.     Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).

2.     Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

3.     Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

4.     Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty- Marriage Certificate and copy of spouses active duty military orders.

5.     Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household- Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating.

Documentation must be attached to the application before military preference can be granted.

BENEFITS:

Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, and frequent training and staff development opportunities.  Other benefits include longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit,  telework, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return to Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.

HIRING CONTACT:  EJ Rivera, (361) 405-9039

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: To be determined. Available vacancy locations*: Big Bend Ranch SP; Franklin Mountains SP; Monahans Sandhills SP, Lake Colorado City SP; Falcon Lake SP; Guadalupe River SP; Brazos Bend SP; Daingerfield SP; Cedar Hill SP; Goliad SP; Lake Corpus Christi SP; Lost Maples SP; Martin Creek Lake SP; Caddo Lake SP; Sheldon Lake SP; Lake Somerville SP; South Llano River SP, Davis Mountains, Balmorhea SP. 

*Additional vacancies could become available at a later date.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

PLEASE NOTE: The salary listed on this posting will receive a 5% legislative appropriated increase effective 9/1/2024.

NOTE: Position locations listed here will be dependent on availability and applicant may be offered a position which was not one of their initial choice.

Under the direction of the State Park Police Captain, the State Park Police Officer (SPPO) performs public safety and resource enforcement work in a state park and surrounding communities. The SPPO in the State Park Law Enforcement Academy (SPLEA) will receive instruction on subjects as they relate to the enforcement of all provisions of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Texas Penal Code and relevant provisions of other Texas laws, State Park Rules and Regulations and applicable Federal laws.

After successful completion of the SPLEA, the SPPO will be responsible for the law enforcement operations, public safety, security, preservation, protection of Texas State Parks.  Performs public safety and resource enforcement work in a state park and surrounding communities. Work involves providing field enforcement of criminal and general laws of the State of Texas, park rules, and regulations; resource protection; safety; and information and education to the public. Provides professional law enforcement and public safety operational services duties as described:  Enforcement of the Texas Penal Code and relevant provisions of other Texas Laws, Texas Parks & Wildlife Code, State Park Rules and Regulations and applicable Federal laws; Community oriented policing through education, community outreach and visitor relations; Citing, apprehending and arresting violators; Performs criminal and administrative investigations / manages caseloads - responsible for the preparation and submittal of law enforcement reports and investigations; Conducts search and rescue operations and develops and maintains emergency procedures; Public safety and emergency management response functions including working natural and man-made disasters; Homeland security operations including border protection, monuments, national & state historic land marks, public utilities / infrastructure, public water ways and land resources; Serve as a force multiplier to support law enforcement actions at other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies when called upon or assigned.  Responds to emergency situations and is on-call for service.  Partners with and communicates law enforcement and public safety information to the park management team and other state park staff.  Fosters professional partnerships with federal, state and local agencies and emergency service providers. State Park Police Officers may assist Captain with training, recruiting, hiring, mentoring and evaluating of officers. May conducts incident command functions incident, special events, natural or manmade disasters and develops and maintains emergency procedures.  Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations, procedures and general orders.  Performs additional duties as assigned.

NOTE: Successful applicant will be hired for the Academy as a State Park Police Officer I, Salary Group C03/Step 1. After successful completion of Academy, Salary will be commensurate with TCOLE commissioned service in a full time Texas Peace Officer position under Salary Schedule C.

NOTE:  State Park Police Officer Career Ladder advancement opportunities are available dependent upon meeting qualifications and business need.  For more information regarding Career Ladder advancements, contact Hiring Supervisor or visit: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/jobs/ppo/    

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Age:

Must be 21 years of age by January 6, 2025.

Citizenship:

Must be a citizen of the United States.

Work Eligibility:

Federal law requires that all new employees present original documents that establishes identity and U.S. employment eligibility. These documents must be presented at the time of employment.

Education:

Must have successfully completed and conferred a Bachelor’s level degree from an accredited college or university by January 6, 2025.

Experience:

At least two years TCOLE commissioned service in a full time Texas peace officer position.

License:

Must possess a valid State driver's license.

Qualifications

Peace Officer License:

Must possess a current license from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE);

Applicant must not have had a commission license denied by final order or revoked or have a voluntary surrender of a license currently in effect.

Military Service:

·         Applicants that have received a dishonorable discharge, not eligible for re-entry service or whose discharge from military service was for ineptitude, unsuitability, undesirability or like causes will be rejected.

·         Applicants that possess a honorable discharge, reentry code 4, general discharge under honorable conditions are eligible  to apply. Applicants with military service must submit a copy of their most current military history form (DD-214 Member-4 Copy or NGB-22) with required forms during the application process.

Background:

NOTE: Applicants that pass the PRT and accept the Guardian Alliance Technologies (Guardian) invitation will advance in the selection process.   

Accepting the Guardian Alliance Technologies (Guardian) invitation allows Texas Parks and Wildlife the ability to view your Personal History Statement.  If you fail to complete this step it will prohibit your advancement in the hiring process.

Applicant will be subjected to, and must successfully pass, a thorough and comprehensive background investigation prior to appointment to a State Park Police Officer position. The applicant must be of good moral character and not have any of the following incidents in their criminal history:

·         a conviction for any Felony or Class A Misdemeanor offense at any time (Deferred Adjudication is defined as a conviction);

·         a conviction for any Class B Misdemeanor offense within 10 years prior to the date of application time (Deferred Adjudication is defined as a conviction), which includes convictions for DWI (driving while intoxicated), DUID (driving under the influence of drugs) and BWI (boating while intoxicated), never have been convicted of any family violence offense, currently on court-ordered community supervision, and/or probation or parole for any criminal offense above the grade of Class C Misdemeanor.

Drug Use:

Applicant must have no current illegal drug use, within the past 2 years from the start date of the application process. Illegal drug use is the use of a drug that is considered illegal in Texas. For Example: Marijuana use in some states is legal, but illegal in Texas. So, if you used marijuana in those states, TPWD will consider that as illegal drug use. This also includes the use of prescribed drugs used in an illegal manner.

Psychological Condition:

Applicants that receive a conditional job offer must be examined by a TPWD designated licensed psychologist or psychiatrist and be declared to be in satisfactory psychological and emotional health for law enforcement duty prior to employment and the issuance of a peace officer license.

Physical Condition:

Applicant must be examined by a TPWD designated physician licensed by the Texas Medical Board and be declared to be able to physically perform the duties of a State Park Police Officer prior to employment.

Hearing:

Applicant must meet the minimal standard with or without hearing aids of 35 decibels or better in each of the following four frequencies: 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000Hz; to include long distance, directional and voice conversation hearing.

Vision:

Uncorrected visual acuity must be at least 20/100 (both eyes) for those who wear glasses or hard contact lenses;

Wearers of soft contact lenses are exempt from uncorrected visual acuity. If you wear contact lenses, you must wear them during the medical exam;

Corrected visual acuity should be at least 20/20 (both eyes) and 20/40 (each eye);

Applicant must have uninterrupted peripheral vision of 140 degrees or better, have night vision, and be able to distinguish red and green colors.

Physical Readiness:

The application process to become a Texas State Park Police Officer is very competitive, and only the top qualified applicants will be selected to attend the State Park Law Enforcement Academy.

Academy State Park Police Officer not passing the entrance physical readiness test at the minimum requirement will have their conditional job offer rescinded and will be sent home.

NOTE: Before being allowed to take the physical readiness tests, the applicant will be required to provide a description of the test to a physician and obtain written medical clearance.

Applicant must successfully complete a physical readiness test, which includes the following activities:

2,000 meter or 500 meter row: This test will be conducted on a Concept 2 Rower.

·         Applicants must achieve, at minimum, the 70th percentile with the 2000 meter or 50th percentile with the 500 meter V02 max;

·         Rowing time limits will be individualized and calculated based upon age, weight, and gender;

·         Each rower will be set at 2,000 meters or 500 meters, depending on option selected, with the damper set on level 5.

o    Indoor Rowing Machine Technique - How to use Concept2 Rowers

o    500-meter calculations-70TH percentile: Standard-2:00 minutes for males; 2:25 for females

o    2000-meter calculations-50th percentile *To calculate individual row times, use this link

Handgun Stability Test:

Complete five consecutive dry fire trigger pulls with the index finger in the standing position, with both the left and right hand, holding the barrel with a 5-inch ring without touching the sides of the ring. While holding the handgun with both hands, the applicant must transition to the kneeling position and dry fire the pistol five times while holding the barrel inside a 5-inch ring without touching the sides of the ring. After the exercise is complete, the applicant is required to return to the standing position and using both hands, pull the slide to the rear locked position therefore displaying a safe weapon.

Swim Test:

Applicants must fall backwards into the pool and tread water or float for 1 minute without touching the sides or the bottom of the pool. After the 1-minute water tread, applicants will be required to swim 100 meters within 4 minutes. Any stroke may be used. Applicants will be allowed to push off the vertical part of the wall under the water line on each end of the pool or use a flip turn. Applicants will not be allowed to do the following:

·         Touch or hold the horizontal edge of the pool;

·         Touch the bottom of the pool;

·         Hold onto any pool lane markers.

NOTE: Applicant needs to be mentally and physically capable of submerging themselves underwater.

Applicant must successfully complete ALL components of the physical readiness test on the assigned day of testing. Since all activities must be completed in one (1) day, applicants should consider some form of advance preparation for this test. Applicants are encouraged to seek professional medical advice prior to beginning a regimen of physical activity to prepare for this test

NOTE: Before being allowed to take the physical readiness tests the applicant will be required to provide a description of the test to a physician and obtain a written medical clearance.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Academy SPPO I:

·         Knowledge of State and Federal statutes and regulations related to wildlife and natural resource enforcement, the Texas Penal Code, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and TPWD policies and procedures;

SPPO I, Knowledge of Academy SPPO I, PLUS:

·         Knowledge of park administration and operations;

·         Knowledge of fiscal controls, revenue collected and accountability

·         Knowledge of natural and cultural resource management and conservation principles;

·         Knowledge of the Judicial process;

·         Knowledge of basic mathematics;

·         Knowledge of State Park law enforcement principles;

·         Knowledge of TCOLE proficiency standards and instructional techniques;

·         Knowledge of training procedures, techniques and practices;

Academy SPPO I:

·         Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook;

·         Skill in effective verbal and written communication;

·         Skill in using appropriate interpersonal skills;

·         Skill in making decisions and using discretion appropriately;

·         Skill in preparing and completing all required agency and investigative reports;

·         Skill in making independent, sound and timely decisions;

·         Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department, other State agencies and organizations;

SPPO I: Skill of Academy SPPO I, PLUS:

·         Skill in completing various daily, weekly, quarterly, annual and special reports; 

·         Skill in training others;

·         Skill in providing direction and guidance to less tenured staff;

Academy SPPO I:

·         Ability to work independently;

·         Ability to work as a member of a team;

·         Ability to conduct affairs with integrity and personal accountability; Ability to learn and apply new techniques and concepts;

·         Ability to maintain a positive attitude in adverse conditions;

·         Ability to follow directions;

·         Ability to be service minded;

·         Ability to interpret state and federal statutes and regulations pertaining to wildlife and natural resource enforcement;

·         Ability to interpret provisions of the Texas Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedures;

·         Ability to take enforcement action when law violations are observed, reported, or suspected;

·         Ability to lawfully use physical force, including lawful deadly force on another person;

·         Ability to enforce the statutes and laws of the Texas Penal Code and other relevant state statutes;

·         Ability to assist local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies;

·         Ability to provide assistance and respond to calls from the public;

·         Ability to work with local landowners, sports groups, and other constituents;

·         Ability to prepare and submit investigative reports, arrest and case reports, citations, dispositions, warrants, and other records related to enforcement activities, programs and operations;

·         Ability to testify in court, administrative hearings, and other official proceedings;

·         Ability to use and care for firearms, radio equipment, and other law enforcement equipment;

·         Ability to operate law enforcement vehicles and vessels;

·         Ability to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;

·         Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

SPPO I: Ability of Academy SPPO I, PLUS:

·         Ability to use radios and other electronic devices to detect and respond to law violations;

·         Ability to maintain integrity in on and off-duty activities and conduct;

·         Ability to effectively and appropriately use all levels on the force continuum;

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Required to meet qualifications with Firearms and Law Enforcement equipment according to agency and TCOLE training requirements;
• Required to work 40 hours per week, includes various schedules with hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and days off other than Saturdays, Sundays and holidays;
• Required to work in a high visitation public park with overnight camping;
• Required to respond to emergency and on-call situations;
• Required to travel 25% with possible overnight stays;
• Required to operate a State vehicle;
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions;
• Required to conduct patrols by vehicle, ATV, marine vessel, bicycle and foot;
• Required to work in and around natural outdoor pests such as insects, animals and poisonous plants;
• Required to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;
• Required to pass a national fingerprint-based background check to maintain employment;
• Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures;
• Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

Station Assignment:

Must be willing and able to accept assignment anywhere in the State of Texas upon graduation from academy training and commissioning as a State Park Police Officer;

Assignments will be made where vacancies exist statewide and shall be made in the best interest of the department. Duty Station assignments are given to applicants before the completion of academy training period. However, the trainees must successfully complete the academy as a condition of placement in their duty assignment.

Work Schedule:

Must be willing and able to: work state and federal holidays; work hours other than 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with days off other than Saturday and Sunday; are subject to call 24 hours a day, seven days a week;

Academy SPPO may be required to work over 8 hours per day.

Overtime Compensation:

In accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act, the department uses a system of compensatory time off in lieu of overtime payment, at a rate of 1.5 hours of compensatory time for every hour physically worked over 40 hours in a workweek.

Work Environment:

Academy SPPO I’s work extensively out-of-doors, during inclement and sometimes hazardous weather conditions, during natural disasters and under other possibly dangerous conditions. At times, they are required to work in highly stressful situations that may be hazardous to their health and safety, which could include working with people who are injured, violent, emotionally upset or otherwise pose a danger.

Dress Code:

Academy SPPO I’s are required to wear a prescribed uniform and adhere to established dress and grooming standards. Officers on duty and in uniform will maintain a neat and clean appearance according to the State Park Law Enforcement General Orders to include:

•               Officers are not permitted to where earrings with a setting larger than 1/8 inch in diameter.  No loops, gauges or hanging style earrings are allowed.

•               No other body piercing jewelry may be visible.

•               Officers in uniform, must have hair of natural color;

•               Academy SPPOs are not allowed to have facial hair while in the academy.

NOTE: The following dress code disqualifiers must be corrected or removed by the start date of the academy:

•               No head or neck tattoos are allowed

•               Tattoos or brandings anywhere on the body that promote racism/discrimination, indecency, extremist or supremacist philosophies, gang affiliation or lawlessness, violence, or contain sexually explicitly material are not prohibited.

•               No gauged earlobes will be allowed.

Residence:

Academy SPPO I will be required to live at the Bastrop State Park, 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop, TX 78602, for the duration of the training period, approximately 12 weeks. All rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the Academy must be followed while in residence.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER