Additional Information
The real starting point for aspiring conservation officers is in the classroom.
People who are considering this career should begin preparing for it by taking
high school math, English, biology, physical education and law.
Official educational requirements for conservation officers differ from
state to state. Some areas require only a high school diploma. Because of
stiff competition, however, the better trained you are, the better your chances
of breaking into this field.
Programs in resource management or conservation differ greatly among colleges.
Depending on the school you plan to attend and the type of education you're
looking for, an education in this field may involve a one- to three-year program
in fish and wildlife management or resource management and wildlife technology,
or a four-year degree in wildlife biology or conservation.
A background in criminal justice may also be a valuable qualification for
a position in this field.
"If you're going to be a conservation officer, back it up with criminal
justice. You have to be a cop. In the parks, you're dealing with people, so
you're looking at child abuse, domestic abuse, [and] driving while impaired,"
says conservation officer Dina Hopper Lincon.
While classroom learning is important, conservation officers need some
outdoor experience as well. Snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting,
boating and swimming are all useful hobbies for a conservation officer.
"You have to like the outdoors to do this job. Almost any kind of outdoor
activity is job training for a conservation officer, because we have to be
so adept at maneuvering outside," says Missouri conservation officer George
Allerby.
There's lots of opportunity to get your feet wet in this field with volunteer
projects such as local stream enhancement and habitat preservation.
Local state park offices are a good place to start. They may have volunteer
programs in place, or they can point you toward local conservation projects.
To find out about qualifications or education in your state, contact your
nearest representative of the North American Association of Wildlife Officers.
The NAAWO has no head office, but each region has a representative who can
provide you with information specific to the area.