Matthew O'Connell

Serve as the enforcement program manager for the Southwest Region, supervising three District Conservation Officers and a Regional Investigator in the largest geographic and highest populated part of Idaho. Oversee budgeting, training, equipment and administrative aspects of the enforcement program. Help facilitate inter-bureau work projects and day to day office management as the enforcement subject matter expert for the regional office staff.

Part of the enforcement bureau at headquarters, my primary roles were managing the conservation officer hiring and recruiting programs, coordinating statewide training content and administrative record keeping, coordinating the Field Training Officer program for training new hires, served as POST training liaison, new hire equipment procurement, and managed the statewide health and wellness programs. Responsible for budgetary and administrative oversight for statewide enforcement training and operating budget.

Served as the first level field supervisor for six conservation officers covering part of Fish and Game's southwest region. Coordinated work plans, professional development, enforcement priorities, and wrote yearly officer performance appraisals and objectives. Patrolled and enforced Idaho codes and regulations, checked anglers, trappers and hunters for compliance and helped supervised officers with support and mentoring in their job efforts.