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Law Enforcement Officer, Ranger
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:
| Starting | $32.02 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $37.81 |
| Top | $40.28 |
Interest in driving - operating to conduct patrols by truck, aircraft, boat or on foot to ensure compliance with provincial and federal statutes relating to fish, wildlife and the environment; and in implementing and supervising approved techniques in preventing and overcoming damage caused by wildlife
Interest in compiling information when investigating complaints and arresting violators; and in gathering resource data by making inventories of fish, collecting water samples and assisting biologists in scientific research
Interest in speaking with the public to generate awareness of fish and wildlife conservation and regulations; and in supervising or providing firearms safety training courses and trapper education courses
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Park wardens are peace officers as defined in the Criminal Code of Canada. The key role of park wardens is to:
Park wardens’ primary law enforcement responsibilities are:
Park wardens work both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather conditions and terrain. The work may be seasonal or year round.
Park wardens work irregular hours, including weekends and statutory holidays. Overtime and travel, at times on short notice and to remote locations requiring periods of isolation, may be required.
Lifting up to 20 kilograms is routinely required. Some circumstances may demand heavier lifting.
To reduce the risk of injury, park wardens wear personal protective equipment, such as a defensive baton and pepper spray. They also carry a sidearm.
Park wardens need to possess:
They should enjoy working outdoors in various geographic and weather conditions, and working individually or as part of a multidisciplinary team.
The minimum education requirement for park wardens is a degree in natural resource management, environmental sciences or a field related to conservation or natural resource law enforcement.
Candidates for park warden positions also need working experience:
Conditions of employment include:
Experience and expertise in hiking, skiing, boating, mountain climbing, wilderness camping, horseback riding and using a firearm are definite assets.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Park wardens are employed by the federal government. While they are located at specific sites, they support other locations at times of need and may be temporarily reassigned, allowing then to broaden their experience. Park wardens looking to advance to the supervisory level may pursue specialized skills related to law enforcement though training and in-service experience.
Park wardens 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:
The employment outlook (PDF) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Park warden positions are part of a group represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada and therefore are subject to the applicable collective agreement. The salary for park wardens ranges from $59,402.00 to $67,544.00 per year, while the salary for park warden – supervisor ranges from $66,676.00 to $75,810.00 per year (2016 estimate).
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $27.96 | $38.26 | $32.02 | $29.78 |
| Overall | $29.42 | $44.75 | $37.81 | $36.08 |
| Top | $33.41 | $44.75 | $40.28 | $37.86 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Public Administration | $72,190 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $71,932 |
ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca
Parks Canada website: www.pc.gc.ca
Public Service Alliance of Canada website: psacunion.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2017. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.