Responsive recruiter

Benefits:

Health insurance
Paid time off
Wellness resources

Closes: 10/3/2025

Conservation Officer (Animal Control)

Reports To: Lead Conservation Officer

Salary (Grade): $23.87/hour (G18-E) (Uncertified)

$32.00/hour (G24-E) (Certified)

Status: Reg., Full-Time (Non-exempt)

Location: Wildlife & Parks Office in Winnebago, NE

Job Purpose & Position Overview

The purpose of this position is to conserve, protect, and enhance the fish, wildlife, and other natural resources for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. The Conservation Officer is responsible for the management plan and records maintenance of the Animal Control Program. Conservation Officers are also responsible for maintenance and upkeep of Big Bear Park and other wildlife areas within the boundaries of the Winnebago Indian Reservation. A substantial share of the duties involve communication with Natural Resource Management, Conservation Law Enforcement, and Law Enforcement agencies.

Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Demonstrate the Winnebago Tribe’s core mission, vision, and values.
Schedule Veterinarians, Sub-Contractors, and Estimators for the Animal Control Program
Monitor progress on Animal Control Program projects
Coordinate ordering materials and equipment for the Animal Control Program
Respond to Winnebago Tribal Member requests and comments regarding Animal Control
Maintain Animal Control Program files on paper and electronically
Recognize and respond appropriately to safety issues within the Animal Control Program
Oversee maintenance and repair of dog kennels
Watch for emerging risks within the Animal Control Program and develop plans to mitigate them
Hold Animal Control Program meetings with the other Conservation Officers and The Winnebago Police Department.
Work closely with the Environment Health Department to meet program goals
Develop and maintain a registered animal database that is sorted by residence
Must uphold, adhere to, and enforce the Winnebago Fish & Wildlife Code by patrolling, investigating, and issuing citations to prevent and/or prosecute violations.
Must uphold, adhere to, and enforce the Winnebago Tribal Code for the Animal Control Department.
Will be responsible for issuance of hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses.
Survey and inventory wildlife and other natural resources as well as make recommendations to the Winnebago Fish & Wildlife Commission to aid in determining seasons, quotas, regulations, closed areas, and modifications to the Tribal Code for hunting, trapping, and fishing.
Mark boundaries and restrictions within the Winnebago Indian Reservation where wildlife may be taken as well as for identification of No Hunting areas.
Tag all wildlife taken and prepare monthly and annual statistical reports for short and long term planning and evaluation.
Make arrests for violations under the Wildlife & Parks Code. Will also assist in the prosecution of all violators of the Winnebago Wildlife & Parks Code as well as State and Federal Law. (NOTE: No person can make an arrest for prosecution in state and federal court without first completing a Basic Law Enforcement Training Program).
Implement and promote prevention, safety, and education programs which aim to prevent violations and accidents.
Develop and/or participate in training with natural resource management, conservation, and law enforcement.
Work with local, state, and federal authorities in fulfilling contract objectives.
Organize public forums, develop literature/visual materials to communicate information regarding hunting, fishing and other natural resources.
Assist in research, negotiations, and litigations relative to natural issues.
Work to develop additional funding to expand natural resources management and conservation programs.
Maintain all equipment and vehicles utilized under the Wildlife & Parks Department.
Maintenance and maintain litter control in all tribal parks and gathering places (equipment operated: mowers, chainsaws, weed eaters, etc.).
Build and repair picnic tables, benches, and playground equipment.
Work in conjunction with the tribal facilities and tribal roads departments to control litter on reservation roads and properties.
Maintain upkeep of buffalo herd and pastures. Will be required to butcher, slaughter, and transport buffalo for processing. Will maintain records on “Buffalo Nutritional Health” for the Tribal Health Programs.
Will perform all other duties as assigned by the Conservation Officer I.

Required Qualifications/Skills:

High School Diploma or GED is required. Formal post-secondary education/training is preferred.
Must have a valid driver’s license and can meet driver’s eligibility guidelines.
Must be 21 years of age.
Must not have a felony conviction or major fish/wildlife conviction on record.
Must possess general knowledge of Wildlife & Parks Management practices and enforcement procedures as well as Tribal, State, and Federal law as they pertain to Conservation Ordinances.
Must be willing to pursue training for cross-deputizing with local criminal and traffic law enforcement agencies.
Conservation Officers will provide support to existing law enforcement personnel when responding to criminal, civil, or domestic disturbances but will not be expected to be the primary responder (in cases of emergency or imminent danger, the Conservation Officer should perform as the primary respondent as needed to protect life and property).
Must be certified per Tribal Code Laws; must qualify in the use of firearms, be certified to carry side arms or shot gun if deemed necessary in the Wildlife & Parks Code and authorized by the Winnebago Tribal Council.
Must be certified in Hunter Safety and Bow Hunters Education through the state of Nebraska.
Must prepare and submit such scheduled reports as needed for effective management and operations of the program.
Must be certified by the National Animal Control Association in three (3) levels.
Must attend Defensive Driving course.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Training Requirements:

Must be willing to pursue a training and education plan.
Must attend all department training and meetings as required by the position and the Conservation Officer I.
Must complete Federal Law Enforcement Training and Indian Police Academy (FLETC) within one year of becoming employed, (Artesia, NM).

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations:

Law Enforcement certification is required within one year of employment.
All applicants will comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and to comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check.

Physical Requirements:

Normal to heavy work which includes the ability to lift 75+ lbs.
The Conservation Officer is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time and use hand (and feet) to operate computer equipment, radio equipment, phone, firearms, and vehicles.
Manual dexterity with cooperatively free range of motion of all extremities including neck, fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, arms, shoulder, waist, legs, hips, knee joints, ankles, and feet is required.
While performing daily duties, the Conservation Officer is regularly required to (without aid) talk, hear, smell, and taste.
The Conservation Officer will frequently be subject to physical exertion involving standing, walking, and running which requires sustained and considerable strength and endurance.

Work Environment:

The environment involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations including physical attack or attack with deadly weapons. Both indoor and outdoor assignments are involved with frequent prolonged exposure to inclement weather conditions. The Conservation Officer may be required to work extended or irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays with rotating shifts and duty stations. Assignments are subject to change without notice.

There is ever present danger of injury and/or death from physical assault or accident in the line of duty.

Mental Requirements:

Reading, writing, calculating
Above average social interaction skills
Reasoning/Analysis
Works with minimal to no supervision

Language Requirements:

Must possess the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.
Must be able to continually and effectively employ professional verbal and written communications skills.

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit an application at www.winnebagotribe.com, a resume, cover letter, and two (2) letters of recommendation are required. Applications submitted after the closing date or without proper documents will not be considered.
If claiming Native American or Veteran preference, please include pertinent documentation.
Call Human Resources at 402-878-2272 for further information.

As provided by Federal Law, all qualified Native American applicants shall receive preference over Non-Native American applicants. In the absence of qualified Native American applicants, consideration will be given to all other applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.