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"ROAD MAP" FOR WATERWAYS CONSERVATION OFFICER TRAINEE CANDIDATES
NATURE OF WORKWaterways Conservation
Officers perform specialized law enforcement work in
fisheries conservation and watercraft safety under the
jurisdiction of the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Typical
duties include patrolling by foot, car and boat to detect
violators; apprehending violators; issuing warnings and
or citations; serving warrants; presenting evidence at
hearings and court proceedings; investigating JOB REQUIREMENTSWaterways Conservation Officers work long hours, including holidays and weekends. The job has many other unusual and demanding conditions: TESTING AND SELECTIONSuccessful candidates must pass a written test consisting of subject areas including reading comprehension, numerical reasoning, public relations, written communication and judgment/problem solving. Successful candidates must also pass an oral examination during which they are evaluated on job interest, oral communication, and demeanor. Finally they must pass medical, vision, hearing, physical, strength, agility and swimming tests. Before candidates are assigned the duties of Waterways Conservation Officer Trainee, they must complete an extensive training program beginning with approximately 17 weeks of training in law enforcement principles and practices conducted by the State Police or other authorized training contractor. An additional 20 weeks of classroom training under close supervision and according to strict rules is conducted by the PA Fish and Boat Commission at the H. R. Stackhouse School of Fisheries Conservation and Watercraft Safety at Bellefonte, Centre County. This training includes fish and boat laws and regulations, watercraft safety, land and water management, fish propagation, fisheries biology and conservation, weapons use, physical training and public relations. Also included in this segment of training are seven weeks of field training consisting of field assignments under the direction of experienced Waterways Conservation Officers. The last eight weeks are on-the-job evaluated training while assigned to a specific region. CAREER OPPORTUNITIESUpon successful completion
of the training regime, the candidate begins a 12 month
working probationary period as a Waterways Conservation
Officer Trainee assigned to seasonal positions. Placement into permanent positions will be made from those officers assigned to these seasonal positions according to the needs of the Commission. Additional opportunities for appointment depend on normal turnover due to retirements, promotions, transfers and resignations. Promotional opportunities to higher level supervisory, training and managerial positions become available to Waterways Conservation Officers periodically. BENEFITSEmployee benefits include medical, hospitalization, dental, vision and life insurances in addition to Workers’ Compensation insurance, paid State holidays, paid annual, sick and personal leave and membership in the State Employees Retirement System. All uniforms and other job related equipment are provided. CONSERVATION OFFICER CODE OF ETHICSAs a conservation law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind and the public for whom I work. To assure that all who wish, have an equal opportunity to share in the enjoyment of the natural resource that we all possess but at the same time to protect the natural resource from any illegal overuse or danger that would jeopardize the right of future generations to enjoy the same natural resource for time eternal; and to respect the constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice. I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the regulations of my agency. Whatever I see or hear of a personal and confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty. I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for violations and with relentless pursuit of violators, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities. I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of a law enforcement officer. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession ....CONSERVATION LAW ENFORCEMENT. HOW TO APPLYApplications and further information can be obtained from:
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