Marine Deputy-SEASONAL

at Bonner County in Sandpoint, Idaho, United States

Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:

DEPUTY SHERIFF-MARINE (Seasonal)

DEPARTMENT:

Sheriff

SUPERVISOR:

Sergeant

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None

SALARY RANGE:

EXEMPT STATUS:

Non-exempt

LAST REVISION:

11/13

Job Scope

Summary:  Performs daily patrol on waterways throughout the County.  Responds to calls for service, investigates crimes & boat accidents, arrest suspected violators, conducts boat safety inspections, and renders aid to injured people. Position enforces applicable state and local laws while educating the public on boating and waterway safety.    These tasks are accomplished through a balanced approach of law enforcement, boater safety education, search and rescue, and other emergency and community services. 

Other Information: Incumbent performs work that involves a wide variety of work situations that encompass a moderate degree of complexity due to the changing situations encountered.  Incumbent typically works under specific and definite directions and well-known procedures. Work requires the exercise of initiative, independent judgment and discretion insofar as incumbent applies standards and procedures to routine situations. Incumbent regularly interacts with supervisor while receiving periodic supervision.  Communicates with others both inside and outside the organization. Internal communication typically involves communication with coworkers and supervisors, while external communications are with a variety of members of the public.  Impact is usually moderate with distinct impact to the department and organization with significant impact on those to whom the incumbent responds for emergency services. Errors in judgment and performance may have significant impact to the County’s reputation and to the well-being of the incumbent, coworkers, and members of the public.  Work is generally performed outdoors, which may involve regular exposure to weather and dangerous conditions while engaged in normal patrol or emergency response activities. Travel is regular, not typically extending beyond the County.

Essential Functions

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following duties and responsibilities which are not listed in any particular order of priority and may be amended or added to by the County at any time:

1. Performs daily marine patrol to identify boaters in violation of Coast Guard Inland Rules of the Road, the Idaho Safe Boating Act and county ordinances.   Performs vessel safety inspections. Travels throughout assigned area to look for criminal activity. Also provides assistance as needed to those members of the public with which the incumbent comes into contact.

1. Responds to calls and issues citations and/or makes arrests as needed as it relates to applicable violation of state and local laws or County codes. Enforces Boating Under the Influence (BUI), Inland Rules of the Road and other laws. Responds to crime scenes and secures location. Apprehends suspects and other individuals as deemed necessary at the time of response.

1. Answers calls for service as directed by dispatch or as needed. Assesses situations, determines appropriate course of action, mitigates circumstances within proscribed policies and procedures, and calls for backup as needed. Abides by principles and regulations of safety to ensure safe conditions for the officer, other employees, and members of the public. 
2. Responds to non-emergency calls on Bonner County waterways as requested by members of the community and as dispatched by Bonner Communications/911. Reviews circumstances and determines appropriate course of action to answer questions or to mitigate the situation.

1. Assists in investigations as directed by supervisor or detective to assess criminal causes and identify offenders. May independently investigate boating accidents and incidents in order to assess cause or other determining factors in the accident or incident.

1. May serve as lead trainer over a specific specialty or expertise (e.g., outboard engine maintenance, patrol boat operation).

1. Assist specialty teams in skills training. Assists teams by responding to hazardous materials, water rescue, search and rescue and other emergency response situations on or near county waterway as directed or assigned. 

1. Appears before District and/or Magistrate judges as required for court testimony as an expert witness or as related to cases wherein the incumbent has pertinent information. Must provide accurate testimony in such cases as incumbent represents the credibility of the Sheriff’s Department in his/her testimony.

1. Completes all required paperwork as needed in the proper documentation of activities that take place during the course of each shift. Takes special notes of unusual incidents and ensures that supervisor is notified in a timely manner.  Maintains all necessary statistical information related to incidents and responses.

1. Performs boat safety activities for a variety of community organizations. Performs waterways surveys within the community in order to assess potential dangers and to make recommendations to prevent criminal activity or to improve public safety.

1. Participates in community involvement programs as assigned.

1. Maintains adequate levels of training as required by state POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training).

1. Compiles marine patrol related data and inputs into the computer for tracking and record keeping purposes.  Completes regular reports regarding accidents and citations for Coast Guard, State Parks and Recreation, and other agencies as needed.

1. Maintains all department marine equipment. Tows trailered vessels and launches same in various county waterways.  May operate personal watercraft, small boats or large patrol vessels.

Secondary Functions

1. May serve on a Specialty Team as assigned. May include Marine Accident Investigation, Outboard Engine Mechanic, Dive Team or Search and Rescue support or other specialty area.

1. Maintains knowledge and awareness of legal changes pertaining to public safety policies, marine regulations and procedures.

1. Serves on call as needed 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. May also be required to work extra hours, on weekends and holidays.

1. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

1. Sufficient combination of knowledge, skills and abilities so as to competently perform the essential functions of the job. High school diploma or equivalent required with post-high school education or experience in law enforcement or as a first responder favored.

1. Must complete Marine Post certification within first year of employment.

1. Must possess current driver’s license valid in the state of Idaho, with a good driving record and ability.

1. Requires annual firearms certification.

1. Incumbent should possess basic swimming skills.

1. Knowledge of and ability to use basic computer (PC) functions as needed for dispatching, communication, record keeping and reports.

1. Ability to assess and adapt to a wide variety of circumstances and situations wherein the incumbent must operate and make decisions quickly and independently.

1. Ability to proficiently use firearms for self-defense purposes.

1. Ability to work with members of the public possessing a wide variety of opinions, personalities and behaviors. Ability ...