Career Explorer > Career Details
| Conservation Officer |
$53,500 Annual Average (US Bureau of Labor and Statistics) |
| Career Cluster: Government & Public Administration | |
| General
Information: Conservation officers patrol districts to prevent violations of game laws and damage to the environment, arrest offenders, and compile biological data on fish and wildlife. |
|
| Career
Information: Conservation Officers work for state and Federal governments. They enforce the laws and regulations of hunting and fishing. They also teach people conservation and safety practices, and work to preserve and enhance natural resources. Conservation Officers patrol their district or region (which may range from 580 to 2,000 square miles) by car, off-road vehicle, boat, or plane; on horseback; or on foot. They observe hunters and anglers to insure that they are using legal methods and equipment to take fish and wildlife. Conservation Officers may warn, ticket, or arrest lawbreakers. They may investigate reports of illegal trapping, hunting, fishing, or even illegal dumping of waste or chemicals. These officers may serve warrants, make arrests, appear in court to present evidence, and file reports on all actions. Evidence may consist of samples of pollutants or photographs of illegal activities. In patrolling their districts Conservation Officers watch for littering, fire hazards, and unsafe or illegal boating or trail-riding practices. Conservation Officers investigate and file reports on hunting accidents. They may also look into reports of crop damage by wild animals. An important part of the work of Conservation Officers has to do with the preservation of wildlife and natural resources. State Conservation Officers (sometimes called fish and game wardens or rangers) work with regional agents to gather data on wildlife populations, habitats, and the availability of food and cover. These workers may help in fish and wildlife counts and suggest seasons and bag limits for hunters and anglers. State Conservation Officers may stock streams with fish from fish hatcheries. In this activity, they may observe and report on suspected pollution of streams or other bodies of water. State and local Conservation Officers or game wardens often take part in public relations efforts. They may talk to school children, hunting clubs, or civic groups about wildlife conservation. They may teach classes in gun safety or persuade groups to cooperate in programs to restore game habitats or clean up lakes and streams. |
|
| Educational
Requirements: 4 year degree within discipline |
|
| Suggested High School/Collegiate
Courses: Agriculture, science, biology, business and computers. Degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, Law Enforcement or Conservation |
|
| Skills
Necessary: Oral Communications , Interpersonal , Scientific , Dependable , Patience , Adapts to Change , Team Player , Manual Dexterity , Work independently , Decision Making , Computer Skills , Written Communications , Self-Motivated , Management , Physically Fit , Tactful , Works under pressure , Presentational , Research , Responsible , Customer Service , Negotiating , Investigative , Good with Animals , Helps Others , Quick Thinking , Steady Nerves , Good Judgment , Inquisitive , Determination , Confidence , Outgoing Personality |
|
| Job
Availability: Good Growth |
|
| Location
of jobs: Federal, state local government, universities, research facilities or extension offices |
|
| Working
Conditions: Systems analysts normally work in offices or laboratories in comfortable surroundings. They usually work about 40 hours a week; however, evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines or solve specific problems. |
|
| FFA
Programs that Promote this Career: Agriscience , CDE: Ag Communications , CDE: Ag Issues , CDE: Creed Speaking , CDE: Environmental and Natural Resources , CDE: Extemporaneous Public Speaking , CDE: Forestry , CDE: Job Interview , CDE: Prepared Public Speaking , Supervised Agriculture Experience: Exploratory , Supervised Agriculture Experience: Placement , American Degree , Stars Over America , Proficiencies , Risk Management Essay |
|
| Related
Occupations: Agriculture Environmental & Natural Resources , Government |
|
| FFA Sponsors/Employers in this Industry: Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies , Delaware Amry National Guard , National Rifle Association , Smithsonian National Zoological Park |
|
| Current
FFA Sponsor/Employer Opportunities Available: |
|