State of Maryland

A Natural Resources Police Corporal is the lead worker level of law enforcement work in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) enforcing State and federal laws and departmental rules and regulation as they apply to conservation, boating, DNR managed lands, criminal, civil and traffic violations. Employees in this classification do not supervise, but assign, review and monitor the work of and train lower-level natural resources police officers.

Employees receive general supervision from a Natural Resources Police Sergeant or other higher ranking official. 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.

Positions in this classification are evaluated using the Classification Job Evaluation Methodology. The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of a class specification. Natural Resources Police Corporal is differentiated from Natural Resources Police Sergeant in that a Natural Resources Police Sergeant functions as a first-line supervisor.

Natural Resources Police Corporal differs from Natural Resources Police Officer First Class in that a Natural Resources Police Officer First Class performs the full range of police duties with complete independence while a Natural Resources Police Corporal assigns, reviews and monitors the work of and trains lower-level Natural Resources Police Officers.

Assigns, reviews and monitors the work of lower-level natural resources police officers and other DNR employees;  

Trains lower-level natural resources police officers;

Leads investigations and search and rescue operations;

Leads patrols of an assigned area on foot, in a motor vehicle, marine vessel, airplane, helicopter, snowmobile or other mode of transportation;

Reviews reports submitted by natural resources police officers and other DNR employees for completeness and accuracy;

Collects and preserves evidence;

Assists in the preparation of cases for judicial proceedings;

Testifies in judicial proceedings;

Responds to complaints and emergencies;

Renders first aid;

Issues warnings, citations and summonses and makes arrests;

Functions as Field Training Officer;

Leads inspections of commercial and recreational hunting, fishing or boating facilities to ensure compliance with laws, rules and regulations;

Leads investigations of hunting or boating accidents;

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

May lead inspections to ensure the possession of valid hunting and trapping licenses, adherence to legal bag limits, and the legal hunting and trapping methods and equipment;

Performs other related duties.

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

Knowledge of laws, rules and regulations governing commercial and recreational hunting, fishing and boating facilities and activities;

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

Knowledge of investigative techniques specific to hunting, fishing and boating accidents and crimes;

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

Knowledge of natural resources management principles, practices and methodology;

Knowledge of rules of boat handling and navigational practices;

Ability to identify marine and wildlife species and habitats;

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

Ability to prepare and review clear and accurate reports;

Ability to testify in judicial proceedings;

Ability to follow instructions;

Ability to communicate effectively;

Ability to react quickly and calmly during emergency situations;

Ability to render 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: Three years of experience as a commissioned law enforcement officer, at least two years of which must have been as a commissioned natural resources law enforcement officer at the full performance level.

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

2. Experience defined above must have been certified by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission.

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 the Public Safety Article, Section 3-207. 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 are subject to call-in 24 hours a day and, therefore, will be required to provide the employer with a phone number where they can be reached.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Employees in this classification are subject to assignment in any area of the State.