Agriculture​/Forestry Enforcement Officer

This position is located within the Office of Forestry in Tangipahoa Parish.

The Office of Forestry's primary responsibilities include suppressing timberland wildfires; promoting sound forest management practices, disseminating information; facilitating educational programs; producing reforestation seedlings; enforcing timber-related laws; investigating timber theft; and assisting community urban forestry programs.

• Demonstrating Accountability: The ability to take ownership of actions, behaviors, performance, decisions, and outcomes.
• Learning Actively: The ability to pursue learning, seek feedback, and integrate new knowledge to improve personal and professional performance.
• Making Accurate Judgments
  :
  The ability to assess options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.

• Work in breathtaking natural settings
• Enjoy competitive pay and great benefits
• Make a real impact on the environment
• Be part of a passionate, supportive team

LDAF cares about the well-being of its employees! We offer a fully employer-funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing valuable support and resources to help you and your household members thrive at work and  EAP is also free for all members of your household.

Three years of law enforcement experience as a POST certified peace officer commissioned with the power of arrest; OR

A bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, veterinary science, forestry, or in a biological science or a criminal justice field.

An applicant who has been convicted of a felony or who is under indictment on a felony charge will be disqualified until relief from the disabilities imposed by state and federal laws is granted.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Possession of a current Louisiana driver's license.

A drug screen and background check will be administered prior to employment.

Successful completion of a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification within 6 months of employment.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

• Performs advanced inspectional and commissioned law enforcement duties for the Office of Forestry, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), under general supervision of higher-level Ag/Forestry Enforcement Supervisors, Managers, or Directors.
• Conducts complex criminal, administrative, and regulatory investigations involving forestry and agriculture, including wildfire arson, timber theft, and heavy equipment theft and vandalism; performs patrols, surveillance, and intelligence gathering related to suspected criminal activity.
• Develops, coordinates, and participates in statewide special investigations and operations, as well as joint investigations with state police, sheriff’s offices, municipal police departments, district attorneys’ offices, and other law enforcement agencies.
• Interviews suspects and witnesses; obtains statements; prepares reports, affidavits, search warrants, and arrest documentation; executes search warrants; makes arrests; transports suspects; presents cases and evidence to district attorneys; and consults with district attorneys and judges.
• Provides testimony in court and conducts enforcement activities in accordance with applicable state and federal forestry laws and regulations throughout the assigned region.
• Conducts audits and verifies the movement and receipt of timber and timber by-products; collects, maintains, and analyzes wildfire occurrence data to identify patterns and support targeted investigations and operations.
• Provides training to Office of Forestry personnel on forestry laws and regulations, investigative procedures, evidence collection and preservation, data-gathering methods, and court procedures; disseminates information related to forestry protection and conservation.
• Serves on first-response teams during terrorist threats, national emergencies, and disasters; monitors threats to the forest industry and assesses risks involving timber and lumber establishments.
• Assists with quarantines, roadblocks, traffic control, emergency response activities, patrols, and calls involving accidents or health-related incidents in coordination with other government and law enforcement agencies; maintains required firearms, POST, and CPR certifications.
• Develops and participates in public and media relations activities, including articles, public service…