Matthew O'Connell
Boise
Summary
Dynamic conservation professional with extensive experience at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Proven leader in team management and training coordination, enhancing operational efficiency. Skilled in natural resource management and community engagement, successfully overseeing a team of 21 officers while enforcing environmental laws and fostering public awareness of conservation practices.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Conservation Officer
Idaho Department Of Fish And Game
Nampa
07.2021 - Current
- Enforced hunting, fishing, trapping, and recreational activity regulations.
- Organized public outreach events to educate citizens on conservation practices.
- Supervised three District Conservation Officers (Field Supervisor) and one Investigator.
- Program manager for a group of 21 officers, responsible for budget, equipment procurement, performance ratings.
Assistant Enforcement Chief
Idaho Department Of Fish And Game
Boise
07.2017 - 07.2021
- Coordinated recruitment, hiring, training, and equipment procurement for 112 conservation officers.
- Responsible for onboarding new hire officers, mentoring them through the Idaho POST Academy, and scheduling and coordinating the IDFG 10-week field training program.
- Assisted in the development of new policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency.
- Helped manage procurement of new sidearms and long guns during my tenure, tracking inventory and issuance and initial training
District Conservation Officer
Idaho Department Of Fish And Game
Nampa
07.2013 - 07.2017
- First-level supervisor of six conservation officers.
- Coordinated planning yearly work plans, equipment procurement, training opportunities.
- Enforced hunting, fishing, trapping, and recreational activity regulations.
- Monitored timekeeping, approving purchases, and completed yearly performance ratings
Senior Conservation Officer
Idaho Department Of Fish And Game
Boise
08.1994 - 07.2013
- Served in several different duty stations: McCall, Yellow Pine, Cascade, and S. Boise and E. Boise.
- Helped with wildlife and fisheries management projects in my assigned area
- Enforced hunting, fishing, trapping, and recreational activity regulations.
- Enforced hunting, fishing, trapping, and recreational activity regulations, while enforcing fish and wildlife laws.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Forestry And Natural REsource Management
Universtity of Wisconsin- Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI12-1986
Skills
- Team leadership
- Training coordination
- Conflict resolution
- Recruitment strategies
- Community engagement
- Natural resource management
- Environmental law enforcement
Accomplishments
- Idaho Conservation Enforcment Officer of the Year Award in 2011
- Citizens Against Poaching Officer of the Year Award in 2007
- Honor Graduate Award, Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy, 1993
References
- Josh Royce, Idaho Fish and Game REgional Supervisor, 208-465-8465
- Brian Jack, Idaho Fish and Game, Disttrict Conservation Officer 208-465-8465
- Ben Cadwallader, Idaho Fish and Game, District Conservation Officer 208-465-8465
Timeline
Regional Conservation Officer
Idaho Department Of Fish And Game
07.2021 - Current
Assistant Enforcement Chief
Idaho Department Of Fish And Game
07.2017 - 07.2021
District Conservation Officer
Idaho Department Of Fish And Game
07.2013 - 07.2017
Senior Conservation Officer
Idaho Department Of Fish And Game
08.1994 - 07.2013
Bachelor of Science - Forestry And Natural REsource Management
Universtity of Wisconsin- Stevens Point