Wildlife Conservation Officer Training

Having been certified by the Civil Service Commission and approved by the Game Commission, Game Conservation Officer Trainees are required to complete a 48-week training program. The training is conducted by the Game Commission at its Ross Leffler School of Conservation located in a wing of the Headquarters Building, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Upon entering the school, applicants are classified as Wildlife Conservation Officer Trainees and paid bi-weekly in accordance with the Commonwealth Compensation Plan. Board and lodging are provided at the school.

Trainees are required to reside at the school, and are granted leaves of absence as the training schedule may permit.

Course of Instruction

Major subject materials include:

• Wildlife Management and Natural History
• Law Enforcement Methods and Procedures
• Legal Procedures
• Land Management Practices
• Tree, Shrub, Animal and Bird Identification
• Public Relations
• Public Speaking
• Self-Defense and Physical Training

Field Assignments

The training program will include temporary practical field assignments with experienced officers in law enforcement and other specialized phases of wildlife management. Trainees are reimbursed for authorized expenses incurred on these assignments.

Upon successfully completing the training course, a Trainee is appointed to the position of Game Conservation Officer with an annual salary in accordance with the Commonwealth Compensation Plan. Additionally, each graduate must serve a satisfactory period of probation before permanent Civil Service status is granted. Also, upon graduation, the Conservation Officer is assigned to a district of about 350 square miles, as the vacancies occur. The new officer must be willing to move permanently to a location within that district.
 

History of Ross Leffler School of Conservation