Park Warden
Park wardens are responsible for law enforcement in Canada's national parks, national marine conservation areas, historic sites and national urban parks.
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Avg. Salary $71,932.00
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Avg. Wage $37.81
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Minimum Education 4 years post-secondary
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Outlook N/A
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Employed < 1500
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In Demand Lower
Also Known As
Law Enforcement Officer, Ranger
NOC Codes
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)
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
8%
8%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
| Starting | $32.02 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $37.81 |
| Top | $40.28 |
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Certification Not Regulated
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Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg
Interest Codes
The Park Warden is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Conservation and Fishery Officers
- DIRECTIVE
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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
- METHODICAL
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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
- SOCIAL
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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
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
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.
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Park wardens are peace officers as defined in the Criminal Code of Canada. The key role of park wardens is to:
- enforce laws that protect natural and cultural resources
- provide public education
- ensure quality visitor experiences.
Park wardens’ primary law enforcement responsibilities are:
- enforce legislation related to Parks Canada’s mandate
- patrol campgrounds
- conduct investigations
- take statements
- complete search-and-seizure operations and make arrests, as required
- prepare court briefs and give evidence during trials.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2017
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.
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Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Park wardens need to possess:
- a keen interest in all aspects of nature and a serious concern for the environment
- integrity and a strong sense of ethical conduct
- good judgment and self-confidence
- good health and physical conditioning
- an aptitude for outdoor travel, such as driving, hiking and riding
- tact, diplomacy and an ability to deal effectively with difficult people and situations
- good oral and written communication skills
- an ability to prioritize
- an ability to connect with people
- an ability to take on a leadership role
- an ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
They should enjoy working outdoors in various geographic and weather conditions, and working individually or as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2017
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:
- in the natural environment in a job related to resource conservation, law enforcement or education (law enforcement experience is preferred)
- on projects with tangible results, in collaboration with the public or partners outside their work unit or organization.
Conditions of employment include:
- a valid driver's license (emergency vehicle class may be required)
- a valid standard first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification (wilderness first aid certification may be required)
- successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam and periodic medical checks
- successful completion of psychological evaluation and a fitness test
- an ability to obtain and maintain secret security clearance, which means no criminal record
- a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL)
- a Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card
- completion of the Canadian Restricted Firearm Safety Course
- Parks Canada law enforcement certification and ongoing professional development training.
Experience and expertise in hiking, skiing, boating, mountain climbing, wilderness camping, horseback riding and using a firearm are definite assets.
Required Education
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
University of Alberta
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences - Conservation Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences - Conservation Biology and Management
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences - Environmental and Conservation Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences - Wildlife and Rangeland Conservation
University of Calgary
Related Education
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.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2017
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:
- trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- location in Alberta
- employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
- occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
- size of the occupation.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2017
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).
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| 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 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* 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.
A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition
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.
Industry Information
| Public Administration | $72,190 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $71,932 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
8%
8%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
N/A
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
N/A
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2017
ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca
Parks Canada website: www.pc.gc.ca
Public Service Alliance of Canada website: psacunion.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.
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.
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