Conservation Officer
Conservation officers work with conservationists to secure and protect natural resources. They are state and tribal law enforcement officers responsible for enforcing a wide range of laws related to conservation, outdoor recreation and public safety.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Conduct patrols by truck, aircraft, boat or on foot to ensure compliance with state and federal laws relating to fish, wildlife and the environment
- Help to manage, protect and improve the natural resources of conservation
- Participate in management of forage resources through fire, herbicide use or revegetation
- Construct and maintain watershed and soil erosion structures
- Provide emergency services such as human or animal search and rescue activities
- Manage wildlife and human interactions on roadways or in campgrounds
- Provide public education and encourage visitors at parks and other sites to develop a sense of stewardship for park resources
- Conduct investigations and gather evidence that can be used in court
- Utilize equipment for monitoring conservation structures and navigation
- Offer advice regarding water management, forage production methods and control of brush
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education
- earth science
- chemistry
- biology
- botany
- mathematics
Education/Training Required:
A bachelor’s degree in natural resources, crop science, soil science, biology or a related field, such as horticulture, plant physiology or environmental science, is required. An associate degree or training in law enforcement is an additional benefit for this job. Additionally, conservation officers are required to take training programs for nature conservation in their states.
