How to Become a Wildlife Officer in Pennsylvania

Wildlife conservation officers in Pennsylvania help protect wildlife and their habitats in the state.

Becoming a wildlife officer in Pennsylvania involves a commitment to education and high standards, in addition to a love for animals and their habitats. As a law enforcement official, wildlife officers usually work alone, responsible for a given area in Pennsylvania, with the tasks of protecting the wildlife and natural resources of the state, while educating the public about conservation and enforcing conservation laws. To work as a wildlife officer, candidates must have relevant education, pass a written test, pass a background check and a medical and physical fitness test, and graduate from the Wildlife Officer's Training Program.

Instructions

1. Graduate from college with a bachelor's degree in natural science, biology, zoology or environmental science. Although not listed as a requirement, a college degree is important due to the limited wildlife officer positions available and the stiff competition for those positions. A bachelor's degree in one of the mentioned fields provides candidates with a solid understanding of the importance of conserving natural resources and protecting the habitats of wildlife. In addition, while attending college, candidates should take legal courses focused on conservation laws in the state of Pennsylvania.

2. Gain experience in wildlife conservation by volunteering with wildlife institutions, zoos or parks, working with animals and caring for their habitats. Such experience helps to set candidates apart from others applying for a position. Other experience that may help candidates include military service, proving to the game commission a candidate has the discipline, character and physical fitness to succeed in a high stress environment.

3. Fill out the application for wildlife officer by visiting the website of the Pennsylvania Civil Service Commission. Candidates should fill out the application entirely, documenting all education and volunteer experience (see Resources)

4. Sit for and pass the civil service exam for wildlife conservation officers, administered by the Civil Service Commissions. Candidates with applications showing education and experience related to wildlife conservation receive an invitation to sit for the exam. The Civil Service Commission will provide a time, date and location to take the exam by mailing a letter to the applicant detailing the invitation. Candidates must refer to the Civil Service Commission directly to obtain detail regardless the topics covered in the exam and how long the exam takes to complete.

5. Submit to and pass the background check done by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The background check will determine any criminal history, as well as establish the moral character of the applicant by interviewing relatives and known associates. Candidates making it to this level are provided a background check form to fill out, along with instructions on having fingerprints taken.

6. Attend the scheduled interview. All candidates scoring well on the written test will receive an invitation to interview. Be prepared to explain reasons for wanting to work as a wildlife conservation officer, your accomplishments to date and what working as a wildlife conversation officers means.

7. Graduate from the Ross Leffler School of Conservation of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. All trainees must live at the school while attending the training program, which lasts 48 weeks. The training prepares candidates to work in the field as a wildlife conservation officer and includes practical field experiences with experienced officers. Upon graduating, candidates receive appointment as a Wildlife Conservation Officer and gain placement into vacancies as they open.

Tips & Warnings

• The first vacancy an appointed wildlife conservation officer fulfills is the role of land manager. However, there are some opportunities for advancement according to job performance. Those positions include higher supervisory positions and administration positions within the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

• Once a vacancy opens for placement, an appointed candidate must be willing to relocate permanently to fill that position, wherever it may be in the state. Appointed candidates who refuse to relocate may have to relinquish their appointed status.

References

• Pennsylvania Game Commission
• Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania: Game Warden

Resources

• Pennsylvania Civil Service Commission