Conservation Officer

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Conservation and Fishery Officers (2224) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Conservation and Fishery Officers (C124) 
• 2011 NOC: Conservation and fishery officers (2224) 
• 2016 NOC: Conservation and fishery officers (2224) 

A conservation officer’s duties and responsibilities vary. In general, they:

• Safeguard park visitors
• Minimize conflict  among visitors
• Protect natural resources in parks and on public lands
• Patrol geographic areas to monitor    recreational users, anglers, and hunters
• Enforce federal and provincial laws, regulations, rules, and orders relating to recreation, fish, and wildlife
• Investigate complaints, apprehend violators, prepare administrative and court documents, issue summonses and warnings, and prepare and present evidence in court
• Investigate complaints about human-wildlife conflict, take appropriate control measures, and advise recreational visitors about effective wildlife control measures  to implement on their own
• Deliver public service programs such as school presentations and public education activities
• Supervise and train park employees
• Respond to correspondence, complete reports, and issue permits
• Conduct search-and-rescue operations
• Contribute to park management and operational plans

Conservation officers frequently patrol their areas by truck, foot, boat, off-highway vehicle (OHV) and sometimes by plane, snowmobile, skis, or horseback. They watch for potential hazards and assess the condition of the park, its wildlife, and its other natural resources.

Conservation officers are trained in first aid and lifesaving techniques and must take charge when visitors are lost, injured, or in danger. They work in cooperation with other first responders and law enforcement agencies to assist visitors in need.

Conservation officers work indoors and outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather, remote areas, or rough terrain. Risk may be involved in the management of wildlife and during the enforcement of legislation.

Hours of work include evenings, weekends, and holidays, and may include split shifts or standby shifts. Overtime may be required in order to respond to complaints or serious occurrences.

Lifting up to 10 kilograms is routinely required; lifting over 45 kilograms may be required in some circumstances.

Conservation officers need:

• An interest in nature and genuine concern for the environment
• Good health and strong physical condition
• Tact, diplomacy, and the ability to deal effectively with difficult people and situations
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong oral/written communication skills
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Excellent problem- solving skills

You should enjoy conducting patrols, compiling information, and working with people.

Conservation officers are employed by the Government of Alberta. They may be posted or transferred to districts across Alberta. Most officers are transferred at least once during their first few years of employment.

Experienced conservation officers may specialize in particular types of work or advance to supervisory positions.

Conservation officers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2224: Conservation and fishery officers. In Alberta, 91% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Public Administration [pdf]
• Information, Culture and Recreation [pdf]

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• Trends and events affecting overall employment, especially in the industries listed above
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca

Government of Alberta website, conservation officers career information: www.albertaparks.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.