Help protect wildlife in Pennsylvania by becoming a wildlife control officer.
A wildlife officer is sometimes referred to as a conservation officer or a game warden. Becoming a wildlife officer is a great way of combining a career in law enforcement and a love for nature and animals. If you want to become a wildlife officer in Pennsylvania, you should be a state or local officer. Your job and mission as a wildlife control officer is to manage and protect wildlife and their habitat, as well as to inform and educate the general public about wildlife, and safe hunting and fishing practices.
Instructions
1. Earn your high school degree or a GED equivalent. Pennsylvania is one of the states that do not require a bachelor's degree for wildlife control officers. However, a bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, zoology and natural sciences will significantly improve your employment possibilities. A background in law enforcement or finishing a police academy course will also be very helpful and will put you ahead of most candidates. Military and law enforcement experience is a big advantage in pursuing a wildlife control officer career in Pennsylvania.
2. Familiarize yourself with Pennsylvania wildlife laws. Make sure to study other broader laws, such as Endangered Species Act or the Migratory Bird Treaty Act , because these laws also apply in Pennsylvania.
3. Become an associate member of the Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania Association (COPA). As a member of COPA, you will be informed of programs, activities and conventions regarding wildlife and nature conservation.
4. Gain experience in the field of forestry, environmental science, zoology and wildlife management. Apply as a volunteer and look for temporary employment opportunities in your local wildlife institution, parks and reserves. You can also approach different wildlife and environmental organizations in Pennsylvania affiliated with the COPA and the Pennsylvania Game Commission to gain experience and learn about wildlife and nature conservation.
5. Attend the North American Wildlife Enforcement Association (NAWEOA) annual conferences. Visit other game warden conventions and lectures. Study about nature and animal protection and join online communities for wildlife control officers. Also learn about the history of the conservation movement in the United States and Pennsylvania and visit the North American Game Warden Museum.
6. Visit the website of Pennsylvania State Civil Service Commission. Print out the application form for conservation officers and mail the application.
7. Take and pass the exam for conservation officers. After you pass the exam, the state of Pennsylvania will conduct a background check on you. Pass the background check and wait to be contacted.
8. Attend the interview for conservation officers. Once you pass the interview, enroll in a special wildlife officer educational program as a Game Conversation Officer Trainee and complete the program within 48 weeks. You will have different classes and field assignments until the final test. Pass the test and work as a wildlife controller in Pennsylvania.
Tips Warnings
Enrolling in courses involving public speaking and legal procedures are also very helpful in pursuing a career in wildlife control and nature conservation.
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