Job Summary

To patrols county lakes so boat and water laws are observed and enforced and perform related work as required.

Supervision Received

Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.

 

Supervision Exercised

No formal supervisory authority.

 

Essential Functions

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.

 

1. Enforces boat and water laws so that county waters are safe for public use by operating a patrol watercraft and advising / issuing warnings to offenders of boat and water laws.
2. Documents and records activities for department, as required.
3. Conducts inspections of rental watercraft within Aitkin County.
4. Assists licensed Deputies with Boat and Water or other Recreational Vehicle enforcement as assigned.
5. Attends training and meetings as needed.

 

• Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

 

Preferred Qualifications

High school diploma or GED. Must be 18 years or older. Prefer candidates that are enrolled in a law enforcement program or who have obtained a Minnesota POST license.

 

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks, a criminal background check, and pre-employment physical and drug test will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.

 

First Aid, CPR/AED training will be provided upon hire.

 

Must be able to work various shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned.

 

Completion of the online “Boat Minnesota” course and certification exam to obtain a Minnesota Boater Education Certificate is beneficial. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

 

Knowledge of:

1. County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices to safely and effectively accomplish the needs of the department.
2. State and local laws relevant to the work performed in the position.
3. Rules concerning personal flotation devices (PFD’s / life jackets) and the five types approved for use on recreational boats, navigation lights, fire extinguishers, ventilation, flame arrestors, whistles/horns, mufflers/noise limits, marine toilets, and required actions to stop aquatic hitchhikers.
4. General watercraft operation, motorboat operator age restrictions, rules of the road when passing, meeting, and crossing motorized and non-motorized watercraft, regulatory waterway markers including buoys and signs, white flashing lights, channel markers, size specifications for buoys, general watercraft operation prohibitions, capacity and overloading, BWI laws, jet ski, water skiing, tubing, and wake boarding regulations, sunrise and sunset time schedule, and other related boat and water rules and restrictions.
5. The principals, practices, methods and modern techniques of law enforcement, preservation of evidence, communications practices, and data privacy.
6. Geographic character of the county sufficient to locate buildings and lakes.
7. Community and law enforcement available resources.

 

Skill in:

1. Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with staff and the general public sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
2. Organizing and prioritizing work.
3. Efficient computer and typing skills. Current technology skills including GPS, cell phone, etc.
4. Use of intermediate weapons such as soft hand, hard hand, Taser, asp, baton, and mace as assigned.
5. Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently. Good writing and communication skills are required for report preparation and court testimony if necessary. Must be able to express self well orally and in writing.
6. Safe operation of vehicles in all weather and traffic conditions.

Ability to:

1. Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat co-workers, supervisor, and subordinates with respect, honesty, and consideration.
2. Tow and maneuver trailers hauling boats, ATV’s, snowmobiles, etc.
3. Administer emergency first aid to the injured or ill.
4. Perform efficiently in emergency situations.
5. Interpret and convey information, policies, and legal requirements to inquiring individuals and organizations.
6. Gather pertinent facts and record activities in order to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports.
7. Use verbal judo, a tactical communication, to use presence and words to achieve the desired outcome of the encounter.
8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, enforcement agency representatives, and the general public.
9. Maintain equipment.
10. Maintain confidentiality.

 

Language Skills

Intermediate Skills - Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.

 

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

 

Reasoning Skills

Intermediate Skills – Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

 

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software:

 

County Payroll Software/E-time, Microsoft Word, Outlook, specialized law enforcement software, Internet, and other job-related software as assigned.

 

Ability to Travel

Regular travel required to various lakes in the county and for occasional training or meetings in Aitkin County.

 

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

 

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, problem solving, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, leadership, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, initiative, patience, decisiveness, flexibility, and crisis management.

 

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

 

The working conditions under which this position operates are highly variable. The variations include not only the climatic conditions, but also the variation in the levels of stress and/or danger.

 

Equipment and Tools

Personal protective equipment, portable radios, flashlight, first aid, hand tools, measuring and metering devices, computer and software, printer, telephone, copier, fax, calculator, county-owned vehicles, trailers, ATV, winch, snowmobile, boat, and other job-related equipment.

 

Physical Activities/Requirements

Must have and maintain the physical ability to perform the essential functions of this position. Physical requirements include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, twisting, fingering, grasping, feeling, smelling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs heavy work, exerting up to 70 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects, including handling of buoys, loading and unloading trailers, boats, and other equipment.

 

Physical requirements also include the following: eyesight correctable to 20/20; ability to engage in activities which require physical exertion; ability to withstand inclement conditions (i.e. cold, rain, snow, heat) for extended periods of time; ability to perform under high stress situations; the capability of responding to situations involving physical violence.

 

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free workplace.

 

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.

 

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

 

05/13/2014

 

Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.

Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.

Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism