Serves as senior level officer and enforces state/federal fish, wildlife, food fish and shellfish laws, department rules/regulations statewide and within its concurrent and territorial waters. Enforces all laws of the state.

Positions at this level are either assigned to operate and maintain a vessel of at least 27 feet in length, with responsibility for that vessel and a crew of three to six officers or serve as a Master Instructor, developing and having written delegated responsibly for the statewide defensive tactics, firearms, or emergency vehicle operation programs.

Makes arrests, prepares evidence and reports, prosecutes cases in local district court and testifies in higher courts involving violations of both state and federal fish and wildlife regulations;

Aids and instructs user groups and the general public regarding fish and wildlife laws/regulations and their participation in the harvesting of fish and wildlife to include gear, methods, areas and season restrictions;

As a Master Instructor, develops defensive tactics, firearms or emergency vehicle driving training programs; develops impact weapon training program; establishes curriculum and requirements for the training programs; establishes testing criteria for training programs.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

The following legal requirements are necessary for positions in this category. Per RCW 77.15.075, an applicant must be a citizen of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident who can read and write the English language. All positions require successful completion of the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Academy or a Washington DJTC recognized basic law enforcement certificate from another state.

One year as a Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer 2 and successful completion and maintenance of the United States Coast Guard vessel master license requirements;

OR

One year as a Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer 2 and certified as a Master Instructor from the Criminal Justice Training Commission.

New class replaces 41142 Fish and Wildlife Officer 3; effective June 1, 2005.
Revised legal requirements, effective June 11, 2020.