Marine Patrol Officer

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DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES

MARINE PATROL OFFICER

Opening Date: March 16, 2026

Closing Date: Until Filled

Location: Statewide

Position Type: Permanent Full Time

Class Code: 9501

Grade: 22 (Law Enforcement)

Salary: $31.86 - $44.13 Per Hour*

*(This includes an $0.85 per hour Availability/Reachability Allowance)

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MAINE MARINE PATROL

A bureau of the Maine Department of Marine Resources, the Maine Marine Patrol provides law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime security, and public safety services on Maine's coastal tidal waters.

Today's Patrol Officer is instilled with the same philosophy that guided "Wardens" 100 years ago, which is to be impartial, and to work in close cooperation with fishermen, businesses, and residents of Maine's coastal communities.

JOB DESCRIPTION & BENEFITS:

The Maine Marine Patrol is the law enforcement Bureau of the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Officers with the Maine Marine Patrol are certified law enforcement officers for the State of Maine with full authority to enforce all criminal statues statewide. MPOs focus their enforcement efforts on Marine Resource and boat law violations on all tidal waters and within coastal communities of the State. MPOs are also deputized by the National Marine Fisheries Service to enforce Federal Fisheries regulations through a Joint Enforcement Agreement with NOAA.

Marine Patrol Officers live and work in the communities they serve. By building relationships with both commercial and recreational users, MPOs embody the concept of Community Policing within the Marine Resource community. MPOs patrol shellfish harvest areas, fishing docks and wharfs, wholesale and retail dealers, boat launches and marinas, seafood trucks, and tidal rivers and streams while shoreside. MPOs patrol aboard watercraft from "head of tide" in Maine's rivers seaward into the Gulf of Maine checking commercial and recreational fishing vessels and harvester's catches and equipment, conducting boating safety equipment and operation checks, providing maritime security and law enforcement, as well as performing search and rescue operations.

Marine Patrol Officers are assigned geographic patrol areas along the coast and at times are responsible to be on call 24 hours a day. MPOs work outside all year and are exposed to all the weather conditions coastal Maine has to offer. MPOs are issued 4-wheel drive pick-up trucks, laptop computers, cell phones, and utilize a variety of watercraft from 12 to 57 feet in length, as well as aircraft to patrol coastal Maine.

Qualified Veterans can receive regular Marine Patrol Officer rate of pay and benefits as well as Veteran’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH Benefits) for up to 24 months while you train to become a Marine Patrol Officer. For more info contact Program Manager – Pilot Steve Ingram at 207-624-6560 or [email protected]

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

This is investigative and protective services work involving the enforcement of marine resource conservation law, rules, regulations, and other laws within the jurisdiction of the Maine Marine Patrol. Responsibilities include patrolling an assigned coastal area by land, aboard patrol vessels, and aircraft, protecting marine resources, coastal property, and the public; enforcing applicable laws; and investigating complaints and incidents.

In order to qualify, you must:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be at least 21 years old by the time of appointment to the Maine Criminal Justice Academy -OR- can be only 20 years old and have completed an associate’s degree or 60 credit hours of post-secondary education.
• have successfully passed the Maine Criminal Justice Academy's Physical Fitness Test (PFT) within the past year; (see below for scheduling)
• Candidates must have no criminal or extensive motor vehicle record. Proof of age (e.g. legible copy of birth certificate or driver's license) and a copy of your high school diploma or equivalent MUST accompany your application.
• have or be able to obtain a valid Maine Class C motor vehicle operator's license;
• MPOs are responsible for identifying buoy colors in order to work cases and testify in court proceedings.

MAINE CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY REQUIREMENTS

Maine Marine Patrol Officers are required to attend the MCJA Basic Law Enforcement Officer Training Program; an 18-week training session required of all full-time certified law enforcement officers in Maine. The current BLETP entrance requirement, as well as additional information on the curriculum, can be found on the Maine Department of Public Safety's MCJA website HERE.

APPLICATION PROCESS & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS

An applicant will automatically be eliminated for the following crimes, attempted crimes, convictions, deferred dispositions, and conduct:

1. Murder;

2. Any Class A, Class B, or Class C crime or attempted crime, or conviction;

3. Any Class D crime or attempted crime, or conviction (including OUI);

4. Any Class E crime or attempted crime, or conviction for which the crime is contained in Chapter 15 (Theft), Chapter 19 (Falsification in Official Matters), Chapter 25 (Bribery and Corrupt Practices), Chapter 29 (Forgery and Related Offenses), Chapter 31 (Offenses Against Public Administration), Chapter 35 (Prostitution and Public Indecency), Chapter 41 (Criminal Use of Explosives and Related Crimes), or Chapter 45 (Drugs) of the Maine Criminal Code, Title 17-A, Maine Revised Statutes;

5. Conduct specified in 1, 2, 3, or 4 above in another state or other jurisdiction, unless the conduct is not classified as a crime in that state or jurisdiction;

6. Guilty plea pursuant to a deferred disposition of Murder, or any crime classified in state law as a Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D crime or violation of any provision of Title 17-A, Chapter 15, 19, 25, 29, 31, 35, 41, or 45;

7. Have been found guilty of any crime that is a violation of the domestic abuse provisions of any state or federal statutes;

8. Juvenile adjudication of murder or any crime or attempted crime classified in state law as a Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D crime;

9. Conviction of or adjudication as a juvenile of a crime specified in paragraph 8 in another state or other jurisdiction, unless that crime is not punishable as a crime under the laws of that state or other jurisdiction in which it occurred;

10. Any other conviction of a crime or attempted crime in another state or other jurisdiction that prohibits the same unlawful conduct described above;

11. Engaged in illegal drug use beyond what is considered as experimental;

12. Are currently abusing drugs or alcohol; or

13. Falsify or misrepresent a material fact when interviewed during the Background Investigation, or the Polygraph Examination, or on the Pre-polygraph questionnaire.

APPLICANT EXAMINATION PROCESS

Because of the responsibilities and authority of a Marine Patrol Officer, the examination and selection process is extensive and thorough. The complete testing process consists of multiple evaluation phases.

1. PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT): Applicants must take and pass the PFT within one year prior to submitting an application for the position of Marine Patrol Officer. The PFT may be scheduled by calling the Maine Criminal Justice Academy at (207) 877-8000. The Physical Fitness Test is a Pass/Fail test.  It consists of three events: Timed Push-Up Test (one minute); Timed Sit-Up Test (one minute); and 1.5 Mile Run. Testing information and standards for successful completion of the Physical Fitness Test are available by accessing the Maine Criminal Justice Academy’s website at www.maine.gov/dps/mcja (click “Forms”, then Under Law Enforcement Basic Training, click “Physical Fitness Testing Protocol”).  This information can also be obtained by calling the number listed above. Applicants must score in the 40th percentile or above based on the Cooper Standards. There is a $50.00 fee for this test. Testing is normally scheduled for the third Wednesday of every month at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy (MCJA) in Vassalboro, Maine. Applicants must attach their PFT results to their application.

2. APPLICATION EVALUATION: Completed applications received at the Department of Marine Resources will be held in order to be considered for the next screening interviews. Applications are reviewed to verify that each candidate meets the established minimum requirements listed on the Career Opportunity Bulletin. Applicants who do not meet these requirements are disqualified from further consideration as candidates.

3. SCREENING INTERVIEW: To be held at a date to be determined (Generally every few months). All applicants successfully meeting the Minimum Requirements and passing the PFT will be scheduled for a Screening Interview. The Screening Interview is a structured interview that evaluates applicant's skills in the areas of Commitment & Independence; Judgment & Logic; Decision Making/ Decisiveness; Tact & Diplomacy; and Communication Skills. It is highly recommended that applicants participate in a ride-along with an officer prior to their screening interview in order to become familiar with the duties of a Marine Patrol Officer. The top candidates in the screening interviews will be moved forward in the hiring process to a final interview known as a Colonel’s Interview.

4. FINAL INTERVIEW: The top candidates in the screening interviews will be scheduled for a Colonel’s Interview with the Chief and Deputy Chief of the Maine Marine Patrol. Candidates may receive conditional offers of employment after their final interview.

5. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: After a conditional offer of employment is made, the Maine Marine Patrol will conduct an extensive background investigation concerning the applicant, including military service, education, motor vehicle driving record, criminal history record, work history, and references.

6. POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION: Upon completion of the background investigation, viable candidates will be scheduled for a polygraph examination. The results of the background investigation and polygraph examination will be reviewed by a screening committee to determine if the candidate is eligible to continue in the hiring process.

7. PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION: Following successful completion of the background investigation and polygraph examination, candidates shall undergo a psychological evaluation which includes standardized tests and a clinical interview to assess suitability for the position.

8. MEDICAL ASSESSMENT: Candidates will undergo a pre-employment screening to ensure they possess the necessary physical and mental health to safely perform the duties of a Marine Patrol Officer without restriction.

9. SWIM TEST: Consists of a 10-minute tread water followed by an untimed 100-yard swim.

10. NOTE: Each component of the Marine Patrol Direct Hire examination process must be completed successfully. Failure to successfully complete any component will result in disqualification from further consideration.

Employment is contingent upon the outcomes of the background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, medical assessment, and swim test as well as the applicant’s ability to meet the entrance standards for the 18-week Basic Law Enforcement Training Program at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

MARINE PATROL APPLICATION INFORMATION:

You must complete a State of Maine Direct Hire Application form which is available at the Bureau of Human Resources in Augusta, all Maine Career Center Offices, and on our Web Page (http://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/application.shtml). Be as complete as possible in describing education, training, and work experience (paid and unpaid) on your application. Additional sheets may be used; however, information must be in the same format as shown on the application form. You can also apply online via Search for Jobs or at the Marine Patrol website at: Marine Patrol Officer Job Description and Requirements | Department of Marine Resources

Any papers applications, including the PFT results, copies of driver’s license or birth certificate, high school diploma or equivalent, cover letter, resume, proof of licensing and/or certifications (if applicable) should be sent to:

NATURAL RESOURCES SERVICE CENTER

MARINE PATROL APPLICATION
32 BLOSSOM LANE

SHS 155

AUGUSTA, MAINE  04333    

Questions relating to this posting may be directed to Marine Patrol Pilot Steve Ingram at 207-624-6560.

Maine Marine Patrol Officer Duties, Responsibilities, Knowledge, and Abilities

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

Benefits:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto, "Dirigo" or "I lead" as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes at least 19.89% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child, including fathers and adoptive parents, receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.