Major Duties and Responsibilities
Typical duties include, but are not limited to:
- Observes and checks activities, licenses, permits and catches of commercial fishermen, processors, and wholesale and retail seafood dealers including stopping trucks and vehicles engaged in interstate and intrastate commerce in order to enforce the law.
- Operates a patrol boat along the coast, investigates boating accidents, and conducts search and rescue operations for drowning victims, missing persons, and lost boats in order to perform patrol duties and protect people and property.
- Inspects both commercial fishing and recreational boats for proper safety equipment, compliance with boating regulations and licenses.
- Works commercial activity at wharves and boat landings where this activity is prevalent.
- Issues warnings, makes arrest, gathers evidence, and testifies in court in order to enforce laws, rules, and regulations, as well as assist in the prosecution of offenders.
- Confers with the federal, state, county, local enforcement, and conservation agencies in order to coordinate activities and provide assistance.
- Investigates complaints, observes incidents of law violation, and other problems in order to further marine resource conservation, protect property, and foster good public relations.
- Patrols and visits clam flats, brooks, streams, and salmon rivers in order to check for illegal fishing, harvest, and catches, or unlicensed operations.
- Administers assistance and first aid when necessary to accident victims.
- Completes and submits required reports and paperwork.
- Remains updated on current training techniques and opportunities.
Knowledge and Abilities
Requirements to successfully perform the work are:
- Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to and enforced by the Department
- Knowledge of the departmental policies and standard operating procedures
- Knowledge of search and rescue methods and techniques
- Knowledge of the equipment and gear used in coastal fishing and recreational boating
- Knowledge of fish and marine life and their environment and habits in Maine coastal waters
- Ability to qualify with and maintain firearms
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Ability to use and maintain patrol equipment
- Ability to work without immediate supervision
- Ability to endure strenuous physical activity often over difficult terrain or in adverse weather
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the fishing community
- Ability to quickly assess available facts and make sound decisions