The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), Division of Animal Industry is recruiting for an Agricultural Police Officer 1 position, underfill to an Agricultural Police officer 2. This position may be stationed out of Carson City, Reno/Sparks, Fallon, Yerington, or immediate surrounding areas of these locations in Nevada based upon review and approval of the agency. The Incumbent must possess a current Category 1 Nevada POST certificate. Duties include, but are not limited to Conducting livestock inspections, performing investigations and law enforcement duties for all livestock, stray/feral horses or animal related events or incidents to include animal health inspection requirements, theft of livestock and animal cruelty. Additional responsibilities consist of monitoring animals entering the state from other states and international locations; conducting traffic stops of commercial/private agricultural vehicles on roadways and performing inspections at highway check sites.

Agricultural Police Officers are sworn peace officers of the Department of Agriculture. Incumbents ensure compliance with all State agricultural laws and regulations in the protection of public health, safety, property, and commerce. Incumbents are trained Category I peace officers in accordance with requirements established by the Nevada Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
Graduation from a Category I peace officer academy approved by the Nevada Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training; Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in agriculture, biology, conservation, criminal justice, wildlife management, or closely related field; and one year of professional experience enforcing and investigating suspected violations of agriculture, wildlife or criminal laws, and receiving and responding to citizen complaints; OR graduation from a Category I peace officer academy approved by the Nevada Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training; graduation from high school or equivalent education and three years of professional experience as described above; OR one year of experience as an Agricultural Police Officer I in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
Inspect, regulate, and monitor agricultural products and livestock located within the State, entering the State, and traveling within the State through stopping commercial and private vehicles transporting agricultural commodities or livestock; inspect plant materials for the presence of agricultural pests and for compliance with plant quarantine regulations; and ensure compliance with animal health laws, quarantines and brand inspection regulations.

Determine violations of plant/pest regulations and issue citations as appropriate; perform preliminary identification of insects and identify diseased or contaminated plant material; collect, tag, secure, and deliver specimens to specialists for further identification; intercept, seize, and dispose of condemned plants and agricultural products; and perform inspections and ensure compliance of commercial feed rules and regulations.

Escort vehicles carrying non-compliant agricultural products, commodities, plants or livestock to the State border for return to point of origin, or escort vehicles carrying commodities to a specific destination for inspection or enforcement of animal/plant quarantine hold orders.

Investigate suspected violations of law in the performance of statutorily recognized authority; receive, respond, and investigate citizen complaints regarding possible crimes; observe and interview witnesses, suspects, and informants; serve warrants and subpoenas; document, collect and preserve physical evidence; perform necropsy procedures on animal remains; track violators and livestock; take photographs and impressions of tracks and/or footprints; document information for reference and intelligence files; coordinate efforts with local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors; prepare investigative reports and testify in court; ensure compliance with federal and State animal health and disease traceability requirements.

Respond to requests for the proposed sale, change of ownership, slaughter, or movement of livestock across brand inspection district boundaries or out of state; visually inspect and process livestock utilizing specialized handling equipment to observe and identify scars, marks, tattoos, brands, gender, or other identifying characteristics; record information on transportation documents or other regulatory forms.

Verify conformance and accuracy of animal Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and corresponding health records; operate electronic brands program software and computer systems; issue brand inspection clearance certificates; calculate and collect fees according to established rates and procedures.

Initiate, participate, and/or cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in response to emergency situations; assist federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies in investigating agricultural or livestock related crimes or other types of criminal activity as required. Oversee and monitor livestock auctions for conformance with federal and State rules and regulations pertaining to animal ownership, identification, entry requirements, and disease traceability.

Participate in training such as the use of firearms, specialized defensive weapons, defensive tactics, specialized equipment operation, and communication equipment; may provide training to include developing lesson plans and curriculum, coordinating facilities and equipment, and certifying competencies in areas such as the use of firearms, specialized defensive weapons, specialized equipment operation, and communication equipment to maintain established training standards. .

Under limited supervision, incumbents perform the full range of duties outlined in the series concept, and in addition, may supervise Agricultural Police Officer I positions and other brand inspection staff as assigned to include performance appraisals, work performance standards, scheduling, work assignment and review, training and discipline.
This class specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.

Working knowledge of: criminal investigative techniques, methods and procedures used in conducting investigations; collection, preservation, and processing of evidence; laws of search, seizure, and arrest; legal procedures for filing criminal complaints; laws, policies and practices related to agricultural/animal products and livestock.

General knowledge of: Nevada law enforcement agencies.

Ability to: identify livestock, brands or other identifying marks; identify plants and plant diseases; recognize common pests, noxious weeds and chemicals used in agriculture; write clear, concise, accurate and effective investigative reports; recognize emergency and/or dangerous situations affecting public safety and respond appropriately; provide testimony in court proceedings; accurately complete required forms and documents; work effectively and cooperatively with resource agencies; interact with the public in a professional and courteous manner; enforce laws and regulations and perform law enforcement duties as required by the assignment; respond appropriately to situations involving argumentative and/or combative individuals; provide supervision and training to assigned staff; and all knowledge, skills, and abilities required at the lower level.

Recruiter Contact Information: Sonja Grass - SonjaGrass@admin.nv.gov