Conservation Officer Service

Pre-Employment Physical Abilities Test for Conservation Officers (PATCO)

Conservation Officers have a unique occupation, with many physically demanding job duties. Physical fitness underlies an officer’s ability to perform these critical tasks safely and effectively. Consequently, applicants to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service must demonstrate a minimum level of fitness by successfully completing the pre-employment Physical Abilities Test for Conservation Officers or PATCO.

The PATCO is comprised of the following three assessments, which, in combination, evaluate an individual’s aerobic/anaerobic fitness, whole body muscular strength, balance, agility, and flexibility.

• Obstacle Course
• Strength Tasks
• Modified Pack Test

PATCO was designed and validated on the bona fide occupational requirements of an entry-level Conservation Officer. In other words, based on a thorough job and physical demand analysis, the test battery sets the minimum standard that an entry-level field officer must attain for safe and productive job performance.

See Background for general information on the use of physical abilities testing in the hiring process.

Medical Clearance

To minimize the health risk, applicants who have been invited to an interview must have medical clearance before they can participate in the PATCO. Since many participants will experience maximum or near-maximum heat rates, a medical examination is required to determine if an individual has any medical contraindications to their participation. See the PATCO Medical Clearance Form [pdf].

If you have questions or concerns regarding the Physical Abilities Test for Conservation Officers, please contact:

Conservation Officer Service
Ministry of Environment
710 Redbrick Rd.
Victoria, BC V8T 5J3
Ph: (250) 952-4631
Fax: (250) 952-4628
E-mail: Conservation.Officer.Service@gov.bc.ca