How Do I Become a Conservation Officer?

To become a conservation officer, you should be familiar with ways to protect animals and natural resources. This means it can be a good idea to take college courses in natural resource conservation, marine biology, and environmental law, among others. If you are able to earn an associate's degree in forestry or wildlife science, this could be helpful as well. You may want to become familiar with hunting and fishing laws, as some jurisdictions may require you to take a test before being hired. Conservation officer careers are often posted on state and national park websites.

The right college courses can give you the training you need to become a conservation officer. Some of the things you might want to study could include marine biology, natural resource conservation, or animal science. This training may take place in a classroom setting, but if you are given the opportunity to take a field trip, this could help you apply what you have learned. If you are able to take classes that are taught by an experienced conservation officer, the instructor may be able to give you practical advice on how to apply your knowledge when performing typical conservation officer duties.

While it can be helpful to take the right college courses, an associate's degree can give you an advantage over other applicants. Some colleges have degree programs in law enforcement with an emphasis on conservation officer duties. One of these degrees can prepare you to become a conservation officer, but if this degree program is not available, you may want to study forestry or wildlife science instead.

Conservation officer requirements vary from one region to the next, but may sometimes include a written exam. Studying local hunting and fishing laws can often help to prepare you for this test. If a test is required in your area, applicants who score the highest may be chosen to become a conservation officer over others. This means it can be very important to do well on this exam, so you may want to look for a study guide at your local library.

Once you have met all the conservation officer requirements, you are ready to begin your job search. Visiting local and national government sites may often list open positions. After sending a resume, it can be a good idea to follow up with a personal visit so that you will stand out with the hiring manager when it is time to schedule interviews.