DNREC Delaware Natural Resources Chief Police

State-of-Delawar; Dover (DE); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is seeking a senior leader to direct the Natural Resources Police, overseeing a 72-officer unit and guiding the ongoing transition into a single, streamlined department.

You will coordinate enforcement and operations, advise Cabinet on policy, and serve as a public spokesperson while partnering with DNREC divisions to enhance safety and resource protection.

Qualifications

• Possession of a State of Delaware Council on Police Training Certificate or eligible for certification within 90 days of hire.
• One year experience in law enforcement program administration including overseeing and directing development, implementation and evaluation of programs and services; establishing objectives; planning goals; developing policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Directs recruitment and retention of personnel and manages an operating budget.
• Oversees multiple funding sources including grants and general funds; ensures compliance with funding requirements.
• Leads policy development and implementation of programs; coordinates with divisions and agencies on enforcement and operational issues.
• Serves as a media spokesperson and represents the department at local, regional, state and national bodies.

Skills

Leadership

Policy development

Program administration

Budget management

Operations planning

Job description

Introduction

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has three Natural Resources Police units that work with the public to ensure safety, investigate environmental crimes, and make sure that Delawareans and visitors to the state can enjoy Delaware’s natural resources.

Summary Statement

Lead and manage 72-officer law enforcement agency with responsibility for public safety and protection of natural resources, including within state parks and wildlife areas, enforcing hunting and fishing laws and regulations, and investigating environmental crimes. Continue the 2024 transition from three separate police agencies into a single department, including recruiting and retaining outstanding officers along with harmonizing practices and procedures. Provide command staff with direction as needed and resource them for development and management of this new structure to better leverage the force for the needs of the department. Address issues that have escalated to senior management with personnel as necessary. Work with Deputy Chief on performance plans and reviews for direct report command staff. Represent the Department at local, regional, state and national bodies for law enforcement.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Manages technical, administrative, contractual and seasonal personnel directly or through subordinate supervisors, with focus on recruitment and retention.
• Prepares, justifies and controls an operating budget, with goal of transition away from reliance on department division revenue.
• Administers multiple funding/revenue sources including grants, general funds, special funds, donations and penalties
• Directs the implementation of multiple law enforcement programs and projects.
• Develops, evaluates and implements policies, procedures and operational plans to achieve key objectives.
• Ensures efficient application of resources, staffing and training to achieve agency's mission.
• Ensures agency's programs and activities are in compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, as well as departmental/divisional mission, goals and objectives.
• Advises the Cabinet Secretary and other top agency officials on policy issues applicable to assigned program area.
• Work collaboratively with DNREC divisions and programs on enforcement and operational issues which require police involvement.
• Serves as media spokesperson for applicable programs/investigations/issues.
• Regular contacts include professional and citizen advisory groups, elected/appointed officials, peers throughout the country, legislators, other government officials, landowners and the public.

Job Requirements

• Possession of a State of Delaware Council on Police Training Certificate or eligible for certification within 90 days of hire.
• One year experience in law enforcement program administration which includes overseeing and directing the development, implementation and evaluation of law enforcement programs and services; establishing program objectives; planning short- and long-range program goals; developing and implementing program policies and procedures and ensuring compliance and funding requirements. Provides advice to other agency organizational units through consultation.
• One year experience in budget administration which includes managing, developing, analyzing and implementing budgets; developing strategic plans and establishing internal control.
• One year experience in operations management which includes planning, directing, coordinating, controlling and evaluating operations typically through subordinate supervisors.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. DNREC does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1 B Visas.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and resume are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the resume to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.

Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling [phone] or by visiting delawarerelay.com.

If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call [phone] or email [e-mail].

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Selection Plan

October Application ReviewOctober Tentative Interview DateNovember Expected Offer Date