Internship Wilderness Search Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position falls under the Tribal Police Department for the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma (KTOPD). The Tribal Game Warden is a law enforcement official primarily responsible for patrolling designated areas to enforce fishing, hunting, and boating laws, protecting wildlife populations, investigating violations, and educating the public about conservation practices; they often work outdoors in various terrains using various modes of transportation like cars, boats, and on foot, and may need to compile evidence to testify in court. Enforcement of Federal, State, and Tribal laws. Their responsibility is to protect and manage wildlife in specific areas against activities like poaching through investigations, collecting evidence and citing offenders. This outdoor job involves patrolling lakes, wetlands, beaches, deserts, forests and backcountry areas. As the Tribal Game Warden for the KTOPD you would be responsible for patrolling designated areas to enforce fishing, hunting, and boating laws, protecting wildlife populations, investigating violations, and educating the public about conservation practices; they often work outdoors in various terrains using various modes of transportation like cars, boats, and on foot, and may need to compile evidence to testify in court.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

Tasks are as follows, but not limited to:

1. Regularly monitor designated natural areas to identify and prevent violations of tribal wildlife regulations in Indian country.

1. Respond to reports of illegal hunting, fishing, trapping, or other wildlife-related offenses, gather evidence, and issue citations or arrests. 

1. Collect data on wildlife populations through surveys and observations to inform management decisions. 

1. Conduct outreach programs to educate the public about wildlife conservation laws, hunting regulations, and responsible outdoor practices. 

1. Assist with wildlife rescue operations for injured animals, manage nuisance wildlife situations, and participate in wildlife relocation efforts. 

1. Collaborate with landowners to address wildlife concerns impacting their property.

1. Testify in court regarding wildlife violations and related legal proceedings. 

1. Respond to emergencies like search and rescue operations in wilderness areas. 

1. Extensive knowledge of wildlife identification, behavior, habitats, and outdoor navigation skills.

1. Understanding legal procedures, evidence collection, and arrest techniques. 

1. The ability to endure long periods outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain. 

1. Proficiency with data collection tools, GPS systems, and potentially specialized equipment like wildlife capture devices. 

1. Monitoring assigned wildlife areas to ensure people are following applicable fishing, hunting and boating laws.
2. Ability to handle firearms and use defensive and offensive tactics when interacting with suspected criminals.

Education and Experience: 

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent

Associate’s degree in business or related field, preferred.

Cleet Certified

2 years of experience as a Game Warden, preferred.

Additional Qualifications

A successful Tribal Game Warden candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications needed for the duties, including:

• Strong understanding of hunting, fishing and boating laws
• Ability to pass all testing required by the KTO Police Department.
• Experience working in and with nature and an understanding of being safe around wildlife
• Exceptional communication skills to explain laws and safety practices to the public
• Quick decision-making skills to handle urgent situations
• Ability to work independently and use good judgment
• Strong scientific background related to biology, botany and conservation
• Investigating complaints and infringements on these laws
• Conducting research, issuing citations and placing people under arrest when necessary
• Educating the public on wildlife laws and conservation
• Helping with conservation efforts
• Assisting other law enforcement agencies
• Helping with search and rescue situations
• Collecting and compiling wildlife data

Ability to work under pressure and maintain personal composure evaluates situations and act/react appropriately, use tact in dealing with business associates, staff, visitors, and tribal members in difficult situations. 

The Tribal Game Warden Primarily outdoors in diverse natural environments including forests, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and mountains.  Irregular work hours, including weekends, holidays, and night shifts depending on wildlife activity and enforcement needs. Potential for exposure to harsh weather conditions and challenging terrain

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job as an employee in an office setting.  Normal office conditions exist; Noise levels, stress, tribal members/visitors/Business Associates/staff and peers flow vary but may be considered high.  Administrative workload will be managed daily with additional hours required from time to time.

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, talk and hear/listen.  There are prolonged periods of sitting and reading as well as standing. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include reading, distance and computer and color vision.  Talking and hearing/listening are essential to communicate with tribal members/visitors/Business Associates/staff and peers.  

There are constant deadlines associated with this position.  The employee must be able to multi-task and interact with a wide variety of people at various times and on complicated and diverse issues.

Must be able to always maintain a professional demeanor and on any occasion wherein representing the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma. 

In performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees of The Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma are expected to conform to the following:

• Fully uphold all principles of confidentiality.
• Adhere to all professional and ethical behavior standards of the Kickapoo Tribe, must be compliant with the personnel policies.
• Interact in an honest, trustworthy, and dependable manner with tribal members, employees and vendors
• Must be culturally sensitive and respectful to the beliefs and traditions of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma.
• Meet or exceed the performance standards as set by the organization
• Work independently and as a team leader/member; consistently demonstrating professionalism, courtesy, efficiency, excellent internal and external customer service, high ethical standards and behavior which contribute to harmonious relationships.
• Comply with all Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma Policies and Procedures.
• Uphold the Policy and Procedures of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma and associated programs services.
• To report and document accidents/injuries immediately to the supervisor.
• Attend all scheduled employee trainings and brings suggestions for improvement.

The Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma is committed to Equal Employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation.  However, in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25 U.S. Code 472 and 473) preference in filling vacancies are given to qualified Indian candidates.