The simple answer to your question regarding educational requirements is “It depends.” Of course, there is a longer answer which is that each state and province (in Canada) has different minimal requirements. I will attempt to capture these requirements according to the most recent data which I have on this, from the 1991-92 winter edition of the International Game Warden (IGW) magazine:
a) High school or equivalent education
AL, AR, AK, CN, DE, FL, GA, GU, HI, IA, IL, MA, MD, ME, MI, MS, NC, NE, NH, OR, PA, PR, SC, VA, VT CANADA- NB, NF
b) Two Year College or Associate Degree
CA, IL, IN, MN, NY, TX, WI, CANADA- AB, BC, MB, ON, NS, SA, YU c) Four Year College Degree
AZ, CO, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, MO, MT, ND, NJ, NM, NV OK, RI, SD, TN, UT, WA, WV, WY
d) Previous law enforcement experience can qualify in lieu of education
DE, IL, KY, LA, NY, SD, WA(F), WV CANADA - NF, ON
You should, of course, be advised that these are the stated minimum requirements. Because there are so few positions available (less than 12, 000 in North America) and very little turnover, this is generally a very competitive field. The summary referred to (IGW) may also be beneficial to you with information regarding starting and average salaries, job descriptions and working conditions, training programs and benefits. Back issues of IGW are available for minimal cost from International Game Warden, 3719 Washington Blvd., Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, 46205.
While this summary is somewhat dated, it has not likely changed too much in the last few years. However, NAWEOA is hoping to undertake a major survey of natural resources agencies in this year to update much of the data, including educational requirements.
You should also check with potential state wildlife and natural resource departments regarding other qualifications such as written and oral exams, medical and physical agility testing, character and criminal background checks, psychological assessment, and drug tests. As well some states put maximum age limitations and restrict applications to residents only.
How do I become an officer in State "X".
For specific information on your state, you can go to the agency’s home page. This will often take you to a page which lists available positions within that department. Check out our links page for an extensive listing of state and association web sites. For a very good site which will link you to job opportunities nationwide, I suggest that you visit the Federal Wildlife Officer’s Association page at www.fwoa.org/index.htn
What does a Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer (WEO) do? What are your typical day to day activities?
These really vary depending on your agency and duties. In
almost every area in North America, conservation officers do law enforcement. The type of enforcement varies from state to state and province to province, but includes:
· fish and wildlife law enforcement, which most officers deal with
· forestry enforcement,
· petroleum and aggregates(gravel) enforcement,
· forest fire enforcement,
· pollution enforcement,
· commercial and marine fisheries enforcement,
· boating enforcement
· park and campground enforcement
· habitat protection, and
· environmental law enforcement.
In some areas, WEO's are heavily involved in drug enforcement as well. Depends on where you work, but all are involved with the wildlife law enforcement. Some other activities include "Information and Education" where WEO's may talk to service clubs, school, newspapers and radio, TV, hunter education, etc.
Often, officers gather biological and/or harvest information. We count animals (from the ground and from helicopters and airplanes), check hunters and their harvest, run check stations, etc.
Some officers plan or have input on habitat improvement projects to try to make the land better for wildlife. Some conservation officers do timber work, managing forests, and fighting fires.
One of the best things about our jobs is that they are not the same day after day. Something new every day. What do you think are the Specific Skills/Personality that is takes to make a good WEO?
You have to be a "people person" because you deal with the public almost every day. You have to have good communication skills because you will be giving talks, and you have to be able to communicate one on one as well. You need to have network building skills to know how to work with others in your communities. You need to have a very strong ethical perspective and integrity - both to do the job well and to receive the respect of the community, which you need to be an effective officer. You have to be self motivated because often you are scheduling your own time. If you don't have the self-discipline to get out and work when you need to (get out before daylight to watch for illegal hunting, for example) you would not make a very good conservation officer. You need to have outdoors skills, because you may work in very remote locations and in very challenging weather conditions. What is the Job Satisfaction of Wildlife Enforcement Officers? Most wildlife officers are extremely satisfied with their jobs. In contrast with many other government jobs where people change jobs often, most conservation officers make a lifetime career out of our jobs.
What is the most important thing to remember when on the job:
I would have to say safety. We must always be safe. We are often dealing with violators who are going to be charged with violations that will cost them a lot of money. They can become upset. Our training and basic skills are what keep us from getting in trouble, and if something does fall apart, we have defensive tactics training that hopefully will help us to control the situation.
Why should I choose this career?
This will vary from officer to officer, but in my case, I had a high school counselor who said "Whatever you choose for a job, choose one you like because you will be doing it for the rest of your life". I thought about what I liked to do: hunt, fish, be outdoors. It seemed like this was the perfect job for me. I really like the job, but now when it is hunting season, I am working. If it is a beautiful day for fishing, I am working . I do get to hunt and fish some, but not nearly as much as I would be doing if I had a different job. I do love working outdoors. Much nicer than sitting in an office behind a desk.
What subject areas should I study to prepare for this career:
Take all the science, biology, math, reading and writing that you can. Take advanced classes if available. Check with the specific agency where you want to work, and see what the job requirements are. They most likely will require some college degree, so see what kind of degree and find out where most of their employees went to college. Call your local conservation officer and visit with him/her. You can usually get in contact with them through your local law enforcement offices.
What is the average salary of Wildlife Enforcement Officers?
WEO salaries across North America are extremely variable, ranging from the upper $20k range through to the low $60 (US), depending upon the state, province or federal agency. For specific information on your state, you can go to the agency’s home page. Check out our links page for an extensive listing of state and association web sites.
Many officers will tell you, however, that if you want to become rich, you should find another job. But if you want the greatest job in the world, become a Wildlife Enforcement Officer - where 50% of the salary is in cash and 50% is in scenery!