Conservation Officer 13-Information Technology Specialist

Job Description

The position serves as the sole state-wide specialist in the areas of law enforcement technology, equipment and training for such. This position functions as the division’s expert in conducting research, testing and evaluation of computer software and hardware and other law enforcement technology and equipment. This position develops policies and procedures for the appropriate and efficient use of law enforcement technology; conducting division-wide training in the proper use and benefits of available technology; problem-solving malfunctions or user errors with the equipment, software and hardware. This position functions as the specialist testing and evaluating law enforcement technology, equipment and commercial software programs. This position monitors guidelines and training courses related to the implementation and proper use of technology and equipment. This person is the division’s liaison with personnel and external agencies and vendors to independently resolve complex and technical issues related to these functions.

The position is essential to the continued success of the division’s mission to enhance the availability of quality technological and equipment resources and implement efficient training methodologies to enhance law enforcement officer performance. The purpose is to support the entire division by consolidating expert knowledge, skills and abilities to efficiently meet the division’s increasing needs for modern law enforcement technology, equipment and enhanced training methodologies. 

This position is a DART, firearm carrying position.

Position Description

Required Education and Experience

Education
Education level typically acquired through completion of high school.

Experience
Four years of experience equivalent to a Conservation Officer, including three years equivalent to a Conservation Officer 12.

Additional Requirements and Information

Please attach a cover letter, resume, and essay questions to your application.

Please answer the following essay questions and attach to your application.  The following have been identified as key knowledge, skill and ability areas.  The information you provide will be reviewed as part of this selection process.  Please limit your responses to a 1/2 page or less, for each of the following

1.  Implementing technology such as software and devices can be a lengthy process and often costly.  How would you go about the process of researching, evaluating and recommending new technological advancements to the division within a limited budget?

2. The Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB) establishes the criteria for what is considered Information Technology (IT).  What is your understanding of this definition, and how does it apply to the decision making within our division? 



Special Requirements, Licenses, and Certifications
Positions in this class are test-designated and subject to pre-appointment, random-selection, and post- accident drug and alcohol testing.

Willingness to submit to a thorough background investigation designed to measure the applicant's suitability for law enforcement work.

Must be a United States citizen.

Must be a resident of the State of Michigan upon completion of the Probationary Training/Field Training Officer Program.

Absence of a criminal record of felony or misdemeanor convictions which would prohibit the applicant from receiving, possessing, and carrying a firearm.

Possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a valid Michigan driver's license. 

Some positions in job are assigned job duties that may require possession of the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) issued by the Secretary of State as required by Public Act 346 of 1988 to operate a designated state vehicle.

Conservation Officer E11, 12, 13:

Must have a currently activated MCOLES law enforcement officer license and have successfully completed the Conservation Officer 10 probationary period.

View the Job Specification at: https://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdcs/JOBSPECS/C/ConservationOfficer.pdf

Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.

Benefits

State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.  
More details on benefits for our new hires are below: 

 Rewarding Work: State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state’s military and veterans; rebuild our state’s infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems. 
 
Insurance Benefits: The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees’ annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at www.mi.gov/employeebenefits. 
 
Retirement Programs: The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state’s contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at http://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc. 
 
Vacation and Sick Leave: Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions. 
 
Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child. 
 
Paid Holidays: Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year’s Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day. 
 
Bonus Programs: Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums. 
 
Military Pay Differential: Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual. 
 
Tax-Advantaged Programs: In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income. 
 
Student Loan Forgiveness: Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Please view  Student Loan Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education. 
 
Tuition Reduction: Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan. 
 
Professional Development: To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs. 
 
Alternative and Remote Work Schedules: Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek. 
 
Great Lakes and Great Times: Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park—just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan’s affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer. 
 
Updated: 2/28/24

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of MichiganDepartment Natural Resources Address 525 West Allegan

Lansing, Michigan, 48909 Phone517-284-5014
Website https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/careers