Each summer, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources hires individuals to serve as Seasonal Water Patrol (WP) and ATV Patrol (ATVP). They patrol Iowa's waterways and shores, and ATV parks and riding areas, respectively, ensuring the safety of recreationists and the protection of resources.
Duties:
Seasonal Patrol are temporary, summer employees of the Iowa DNR. These are positions of high responsibility. Diverse duties for Water Patrol include checking for compliance with Iowa's navigation and fishing regulations and helping to ensure a safe recreational environment for the public. This is where Water Patrol spend the majority of their time. ATV Patrol duties include patrolling Iowa’s Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) parks and riding areas by ATV, motor vehicle and foot; checking for compliance with Iowa's ATV regulations; and helping to ensure a safe recreational environment for the public. This is where ATV Patrol spend the majority of their time.
Both Water and ATV Patrol also provide public assistance and safety education through personal contacts and by sometimes participating in DNR's educational programs.
Often, Seasonal Patrol are the first to respond to the scene of emergency situations such as accidents, missing persons or other calls for assistance. After assessing the situation and alerting officers and/or other agencies, they continue to assist investigating officers and rescue personnel.
When not patrolling, Seasonal Patrol must maintain their issued patrol vehicles and/or vessels, safety equipment and gear, and storage facilities in accordance with directives.
A final component of the job is the completion of required administrative duties, such as activity reports, case information narratives, timesheets, citations, and vehicle/vessel usage records. This type of activity is usually done at the patrol station; in some areas such as northwest Iowa's West Lake Okoboji, that station may be on the water's edge; in others, it may be where equipment is stored.
Work Schedule and Pay:
Seasonal Patrol work a 40-hour work week, with two days off per week during the week. The exact schedule varies by location and is assigned by the supervisor, but entails working weekends (including all the holiday weekends of Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day and in all types of weather. Pay for Summer 2017 will be $12.00 per hour.
Equipment:
Seasonal Patrol have issued the necessary equipment to perform their duties. Boats and machines vary in size and type, depending on the duty station. They have issued all the required safety equipment for their boats and vehicles, binoculars, warning and citation books, and a radio and cell phone for communicating with DNR officers, other law enforcement agencies, and the recreating public.
Training:
Before beginning patrol duties at their assigned areas, Seasonal Patrol attends formal training, usually held at Camp Dodge near Des Moines. While attending this training, lodging and meals are provided by the DNR. This training is provided by the Conservation Officer Instructor/Trainers within the DNR and by personnel from other state and local law enforcement agencies.
This training includes an intense introduction to defensive tactics, approach skills and tactics, professional communications, administrative responsibilities, and understanding, interpreting and enforcing the Code of Iowa, especially in relation to navigation, fishing, ATVs, and parks.
Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum Age: 18
- Valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License required.
- Submission to and clearance of a thorough background check.
- Ability to work alone, with the public, in a law enforcement capacity, in all conditions, on weekends, and including holidays, nights, and evenings.
See listings for Water Patrol Officers and ATV Patrol Officers for position specific information and applications.
The application period is currently closed for ATV Patrol Officers.
Locations:
Southeastern Iowa:
Lakeview OHV Park - Ely (Johnson County)
North Central Iowa:
Gypsum City and Nicholson-Ford OHV Parks - (Webster and Marshall Counties)
South Central Iowa:
Rathbun and Bluff Creek OHV Parks (Appanoose and Mahaska Counties)
Southwestern Iowa:
River Valley OHV Park - Council Bluffs (Pottawattamie County)
Northeastern Iowa:
Riverview and Tama County OHV Parks (Black Hawk and Tama Counties)