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The requirements outlined below apply to general duty, uniformed field staff - conservation officer (CO21) positions.
Education
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On Patrol |
To be considered for employment, applicants require a secondary school (high school) diploma. Preference is given to applicants with a degree or diploma, from a recognized post-secondary institution, in one of the following areas: natural resources law enforcement, natural resource/environmental management, criminal justice/criminology, or law.
Work Experience
While there is no minimum requirement, preference is given to applicants with work experience in any of the following areas:
- conducting inspections to verify compliance with statutes, regulations and standards
- conducting investigations of suspected non-compliance with statutes, regulations and standards
- taking enforcement action to resolve issues of non-compliance (e.g. issuance of advisories, orders, warnings or tickets; recommendations for formal charges; recommendations for administrative sanctions)
We also see significant value in the following:
- community volunteer experience
- work experience in a position of responsibility and trust
- work experience in a position that involved significant interaction with the public
- applied knowledge of computers
- second language skills
Special Requirements
Applicants must submit proof of the following prior to a conditional offer of employment:
- Valid driver’s license (class 5 or higher), with a demonstrated record indicating safe and responsible vehicle operation
- Occupational First Aid Level 1 or equivalent certification
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) certification
At the time a conditional offer is accepted, applicants must be at least 19 years of age and agree to meet the terms and conditions outlined in the:
Physical Ability
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Preparing to transport a tranquilized bear cub |
A conservation officer’s job demands many skills, both mental and physical. To ensure that officers possess the minimum physical abilities needed, candidates must present proof of successful completion of one of the following prior to a conditional offer of employment:
- the Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (P.A.R.E.)
- the Police Officer’s Physical Abilities Test (P.O.P.A.T.)
Detailed information on the PARE and POPAT, including testing locations and dates, is widely available on the internet.
Security Screening
The law enforcement profession is distinguished by the character and values of the individuals within it. Accordingly, the responsibilities and privileges of a conservation officer should only be entrusted to persons who can demonstrate high standards of honesty and integrity.
Security screening assists the Conservation Officer Service in screening out individuals whose past behaviour suggests a significant risk of officer misconduct (e.g. dishonesty, substance abuse, violent behaviour, disregard for authority, etc.).
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Officer in Training |
Administered by the Police Services and Security Programs Branch, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, a thorough background investigation will be completed on applicants who accept a conditional offer
of employment. This will include the following:
- police information systems check (e.g. level 4 criminal record check)
- driving record check (i.e. driver’s abstract)
- verification of educational and employment
history
- financial background check
- check of the Conservation Officer Online
Reporting System (to be conducted by the COS)
- check of the Departmental Violations System, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Lifestyle and Integrity Questionnaire
- security interview, incorporating results from the Lifestyle and Integrity Questionnaire and employing digital voice stress analysis
- certified criminal record check (i.e. fingerprinting)
- follow-up interview and/or field investigation, as required
While the process may cause a certain degree of anxiety, we are not looking for individuals with a perfect record. Successful candidates are those who embody our key values, including integrity, service, accountability, impartiality and respect. If you are interested in learning more about the security screening process, contact the Officer in Charge of Staff Development, Training and Recruiting.
Medical Exam
Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must submit to a pre-placement medical exam before their appointment can be confirmed.
The Conservation Officer Service medical guidelines set a minimum, medical standard with respect to an officer’s job duties. Consideration is given to the safety of the individual, fellow workers, the public and, where applicable, the integrity and security of the organization.
An applicant’s health is tested in the following areas (this list is not exhaustive):
- vision
- hearing
- cardiovascular
- respiratory
- endocrine
- psychiatric
- cerebrovascular, and
- musculo-skeletal
Occupational Health Programs (OHP), B.C. Public Service Agency, will advise the Conservation Officer Serivice in writing as to whether an individual is deemed medically fit or unfit for hire according to the above medical guidelines. No other details of the examination are divulged to the agency. However, the employer must be informed of any condition(s) that might pose a safety risk in the workplace should the applicant be hired.
Psychological Evaluation
Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must submit to a pre-placement psychological evaluation before their appointment can be confirmed.
A registered and experienced psychologist will assess the applicant’s suitability, giving specific consideration to the stresses imposed by a law enforcement job (e.g. hostile, armed encounters and the carrying and use of firearms).
The psychologist will recommend acceptance or rejection of the candidate or a period of careful supervision and will specify reasons for the recommendations. The evaluation’s results remain the property of the Conservation Officer Service and will not necessarily be disclosed to the applicant.
Contact Us
For further information, contact the Officer in Charge of Staff Development, Training and Recruiting at:
Ministry of Environment
Conservation Officer Service
PO Box 9376 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9M5
Ph: (250) 356-9256
Fax: (250) 356-9197
E-Mail: Conservation.Officer.Service@gov.bc.ca |
Conservation Officer Service 
