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03-11-2015, 10:40 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Calgary
Posts: 53
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Becoming a fish and wildlife officer?
Im currently a grade ten student and am seriously considering becoming a fish and wildlife officer in the future. I already plan on going to the Lethbridge college to get my bachelor of applied science degree in conservation law enforcement (4yrs total) after highschool. I was wondering if anyone on here has had experience working as a fish and wildlife officer/conservation officer or happens to be one and is willing to give me details of what the job is really like and how competitive of a job it is and how hard it is to become one.
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03-12-2015, 06:15 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: As far out of town as I can get
Posts: 944
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My son is shooting for the same degree. Hes in grade 12. Go to a F&W office and talk to an officer. Better yet, hit the Boat and Sportsman show this weekend. F&W will have a booth set up. The officers there are more than willing to answer any questions you have face to face. Good luck to you.
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03-12-2015, 09:11 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Regina
Posts: 84
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Tip
Never work for government unless you have to - most people that you will meet who work in government are incapable of doing anything else in their lives. This applies to enforcement work of any kind and especially to those who serve in executive capacities in any level of government. Sorry, I haven't had my coffee yet.
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03-12-2015, 09:19 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 6,928
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilbur1005
Never work for government unless you have to - most people that you will meet who work in government are incapable of doing anything else in their lives. This applies to enforcement work of any kind and especially to those who serve in executive capacities in any level of government. Sorry, I haven't had my coffee yet.
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A sense of civic duty shouldn't be discouraged in our young people.
like others have said go to the F&W office or stop at a sportsman show and ask some questions. it's a highly competitive field for jobs as there just aren't very many. try to get some summer jobs working for the parks services or maybe an environmental engineering firm or volunteer for some wilderness rehabilitation conservation group, will look good on the resume. maybe ask the officers you speak with if it's possible to do a ride along.
__________________
Respond, not react. - Saskatchewan proverb
We learn from history that we do not learn from history. - Hegel
Your obligation to fight has not been relieved because the battle is fierce and difficult. Ben Shapiro
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03-12-2015, 09:27 AM
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Banned
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: rollyview
Posts: 7,860
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unfortunately as a youngster i learned the lesson that they do not employ very many f&w officers.
so do what i didn't.. try your hardest in school, get good grades, and fight for what you want.
check the job listings once a week and apply. find out who you need to know in the government and get a recommendation. sweet talk the hr person doing your interview.
it'll be hard but if you want it you will get it
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03-12-2015, 09:46 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,885
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I know one f+w officer very well (he is the brother of a good friend of mine). He had to fight tooth and nail to get the position as it is extremely competitive, and even more so now.
Also, I would think long and hard about why you want to become a f+w officer....you have almost no time during hunting season to hunt for yourself, you have long days alone where almost everyone you see doesn't want to see you, your in potentially dangerous situations, etc. Just because you like hunting and fishing doesn't mean you would like that career by anymeans...not saying you haven't already thought this through, just wanted to point it out in case you havent.
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03-12-2015, 10:23 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 284
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My understanding is if you do get into the F&W officer, most likely you will be posted in some remote crappy location and have no say in where you get posted
it takes years and years (10 + ) to get somewhere you might actually want to be.
i would also expect to see heavy cuts to f & w in the future with low oil prices, so there may not even be any jobs for a long time
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03-12-2015, 11:45 AM
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Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 6,890
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilbur1005
Never work for government unless you have to - most people that you will meet who work in government are incapable of doing anything else in their lives. This applies to enforcement work of any kind and especially to those who serve in executive capacities in any level of government. Sorry, I haven't had my coffee yet.
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I'd love to work for gov't, paycheques that don't bounce, paydays on time, paid sick days, paid vacations, medical and dental benefits, pension plan, cost of living raises, protected by union from having to do things that are unhealthy or dangerous and still keep your job. Whats not to like?
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03-12-2015, 01:06 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Spruce Grove, AB
Posts: 3,045
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Wanted to be one when I was in grade 7. That was 48 years ago. Always regretted not doing it. What I will say is this. Dream about what you love to do then don't let nay sayers talk you out of it. There is another branch you might want to consider. That of a biologist. They do some pretty interesting things and it might not have as much competition. Good luck and don't stop dreaming!!!!!
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03-12-2015, 01:26 PM
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: Calgary
Posts: 7,506
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I took the course in Lethbridge in the late 80s in hopes of becoming a F&W Officer. Like others have mentioned it's very competative and difficult to land a job, especially a full time / permanent one. If I recall correctly, we had about 30 people in the class, and I'd say only about 25%, maybe less, actually became a Conservation Enforcement Officer. Many of those had to find work in other provinces. I don't know how many SRD Enforcement Officers are in Alberta now, but I'd guess it's less than 150. There aren't many times they are hiring for that position. Also, SRD is at the mercy of the budget of the goverment of the day, and with the economy the way it is now, I wouldn't expect there to be many positions to open up soon.
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03-12-2015, 01:49 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Regina
Posts: 84
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bushrat
I'd love to work for gov't, paycheques that don't bounce, paydays on time, paid sick days, paid vacations, medical and dental benefits, pension plan, cost of living raises, protected by union from having to do things that are unhealthy or dangerous and still keep your job. Whats not to like?
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Well, fair enough, but read closely to what I wrote - don't work in government unless you have to. And, if you need the items you listed out, then government work is for you.
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03-12-2015, 02:04 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 614
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilbur1005
Never work for government unless you have to - most people that you will meet who work in government are incapable of doing anything else in their lives. This applies to enforcement work of any kind and especially to those who serve in executive capacities in any level of government. Sorry, I haven't had my coffee yet.
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Wow, why don't you tell us about your career path.
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03-12-2015, 02:11 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: As far out of town as I can get
Posts: 944
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilbur1005
Never work for government unless you have to - most people that you will meet who work in government are incapable of doing anything else in their lives. This applies to enforcement work of any kind and especially to those who serve in executive capacities in any level of government. Sorry, I haven't had my coffee yet.
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Really ???????
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03-12-2015, 05:56 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,513
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becoming a fish and wildlife officer
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilbur1005
Well, fair enough, but read closely to what I wrote - don't work in government unless you have to. And, if you need the items you listed out, then government work is for you.
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I have worked in a government position for the last few years, and still have trouble every day wrapping my head around how they operate. I've never seen a place where money is wasted, and people don't seem to care like they do. Lots of bosses, who achieve very little results at the tax payers expense.
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03-12-2015, 07:38 PM
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Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,692
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An alternative...?
which still might qualify you to apply to be an "F&W" officer, but opens some other doors in "similar", and "dissimilar" stuff(?). Thompson Rivers U in Kamloops offers a B.Com. in "Adventure Management". Basically a business degree with a major in management of such businesses as whitewater rafting, helicopter skiing, fishing and hunting resorts, "ecological" tours, etc. If this had been offerred in my day (40 years back) and I had been aware of it, they would have had to "beat me off" to keep me from going. Imagine the horror of getting up in the morning in your residence and realizing .. damn I have to go fishing/hunting/skiing/rafting today(?). Assuming there are actually some jobs directly related to such a degree out there (and I think there probably are lots for anyone with the ambition, and willingness to "start at the bottom"?), if you don't get an F&W one, you will likely get an "outdoorsy" one while you continue to look and apply, with relevant experience to add to the resume (and then you might be faced with "should I give up helicopter skiing for an F&W job?). And if not, you have a business degree, which is very highly "marketable" all by itself, anyway, in a number of areas. And, what a blow to have to spend several years in Kamloops attaining this ...? they have great residence accomodations in my review of same. Much better than taking the train to U of A every day (?).
I keep trying to talk my own youngest son (who is adrift on what he wants to do as a "career") into looking into this.
In any event, don't let the naysayers deter you at all. Having a specific ambition like this at your age is a huge advantage - so many young people (like myself at your age) have no such specific goal. Go for it, and good luck.
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03-12-2015, 07:46 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Calgary
Posts: 1,629
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilbur1005
Never work for government unless you have to - most people that you will meet who work in government are incapable of doing anything else in their lives. This applies to enforcement work of any kind and especially to those who serve in executive capacities in any level of government. Sorry, I haven't had my coffee yet.
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A young lady asked about a dream of hers to become a fish and wild life officer and this is your "tip"?!? You sir are right, you haven't had your coffee, give your head a shake! I don't know why you even bothered to comment on this subject..that's just not right.
To the young lady;
I think that career path is very nobel and contributing to Alberta's wild life's substainability, and I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavours. I do not have any advice for you pertaining to your question, however there are many members on here that can point you in the right direction. Good luck and never give up on your dream.
H1602
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03-12-2015, 09:42 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Wakaw SK
Posts: 789
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Gov isnt a bad deal at all, I have worked for gov of Sask 2x and the pluses were better than the negatives, i just didnt realize it at the time.
My advice is to ask if you can go for a ride along, then you will experience a day in the life of an officer and have plenty of time to ask questions. Good luck and do what you like, because hating your job blows...i know this personally!
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03-12-2015, 10:06 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Look behind you :)
Posts: 27,771
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Follow your dream...you won't be famous or make a fortune doing it but it's a good gig and can be a rewarding job!
I originally went to school to be a F&W officer but went down the environmental side of things instead. I make more money now but I think I would enjoy that work more.
LC
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03-12-2015, 10:17 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Aridzona
Posts: 3,456
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I went to LCC with the goal of doing the same thing.
There is a LOT of competition for not-so-many jobs. Also noticed a fair deal of nepotism, though you get that everywhere.
Good luck with whatever you choose. I got out of the field entirely, largely because of work opportunities. I know some of my schoolmates eked it out, but only a minority.
Not saying it can't be done
__________________
“We need more gun laws because we don’t have time to enforce the ones we have.” - Joe Biden 2013
NRA/NFA Supporter and "...gun toting tea party psychotard..." -
Last edited by doetracks; 03-12-2015 at 10:18 PM.
Reason: grammar
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03-12-2015, 10:25 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Lacombe.
Posts: 2,932
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I hear its extremely competetive right now. However you wouldnt be looking for a job for 6ish years? Lots of time for things to change. I wish you th best of luck, study hard. You will do great no matter what you choose.
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Legislation can not fix stupidity.
-Grizz-
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03-12-2015, 11:07 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 746
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WomanOfTheWild
Im currently a grade ten student and am seriously considering becoming a fish and wildlife officer in the future. I already plan on going to the Lethbridge college to get my bachelor of applied science degree in conservation law enforcement (4yrs total) after highschool. I was wondering if anyone on here has had experience working as a fish and wildlife officer/conservation officer or happens to be one and is willing to give me details of what the job is really like and how competitive of a job it is and how hard it is to become one.
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DO IT! Unlike the others in this thread, I know first hand what it's like to be a game warden! Recently retired after 26 years in uniform. It wasn't in Alberta but close enough. I can say without one ounce of apprehension, I could not have chosen a better career!
Times have changed all across western Canada. Every province is starving for good, young people with outdoor experience to hire as game wardens.
The best 2 years of my life are still the 2 years that I spent at Lethbridge College. I encourage anyone who has a sincere desire to pursue a career as a game warden to absolutely....DO IT!
If there's one thing that I've seen on this forum in particular it's that there's minority support for the game warden profession. I recommend that you leave this discussion far behind you and go straight to your nearest F+W office to get an objective response to your questions.
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03-12-2015, 11:10 PM
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Banned
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: northern AB
Posts: 2,241
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Sorrily, just from talking to the local guys around here....it is not as it was. Just as the gov't in there wisdom, a few years back, amalgamated all the military services into one pot of...what turned out to be slop, well they didn't learn their lesson till it was too late then....so they decided to do it again, having forgotten how they screwed up b4. This time they are doing to the F&W , parks ,peace officers and whatever else they can throw into the "stew".. It also appears that those getting postings are not hunters or fisherpersons but rather tree huggers. That is scary but headed in that direction. These are not only my observations but as I said...words from those already there.. Morale at an all time low.
I feel for those guys who are having to stick it out
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03-12-2015, 11:15 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 746
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sourdough doug
Sorrily, just from talking to the local guys around here....it is not as it was. Just as the gov't in there wisdom, a few years back, amalgamated all the military services into one pot of...what turned out to be slop, well they didn't learn their lesson till it was too late then....so they decided to do it again, having forgotten how they screwed up b4. This time they are doing to the F&W , parks ,peace officers and whatever else they can throw into the "stew".. It also appears that those getting postings are not hunters or fisherpersons but rather tree huggers. That is scary but headed in that direction. These are not only my observations but as I said...words from those already there.. Morale at an all time low.
I feel for those guys who are having to stick it out
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Interesting comment! However, not entirely correct. In fact Alberta has recently hired a number of young officers who were employed as game wardens in other jurisdictions. Manitoba lost at least half a dozen really good officers to Alberta. All were experienced and enthusiastic hunters and anglers. Some trapped fur during the prime seasons. There wasn't one tree hugger in the bunch.
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03-13-2015, 06:41 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 122
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Career
A lot can change in a couple more years .
But researching your interests thoroughly will help now .
I went that route a while ago, and while I have no regrets about the education, friends, and experiences had, it opened new doors and opportunities that took me elsewhere.
I still look back and ponder that past .
Would I do it again. No. I have a severe allergy to working with narrow minded minions with little life experience. But that's my experience . I am sure it isn't like that everywhere (cough).
But you can only do what's best for yourself right now .
But do get the facts on what a take home paycheck looks like after taxes. You only work a small amount of hours a day . What you do after hours with that check is a big factor in the staff retention .
After all, this is Alberta .
Land of opportunities
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03-13-2015, 07:35 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 45
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilbur1005
Well, fair enough, but read closely to what I wrote - don't work in government unless you have to. And, if you need the items you listed out, then government work is for you.
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Spoken like a man who's dependant on the government and has become entitled. I've worked for the GOA for many years. I've never had a better employer.
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03-13-2015, 09:03 AM
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Banned
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: edmonton
Posts: 11,434
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZipperHead
Spoken like a man who's dependant on the government and has become entitled. I've worked for the GOA for many years. I've never had a better employer.
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Have to disagree with this statement. Govt. employees have a steady paycheque, job security, great benifits, and good pension.
EDIT... The quote should have been from the post about never work for the govt. and didn't have coffee yet.
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03-13-2015, 10:02 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 1,436
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Fish and Wildlife Officer Career
I also went to LCC but only for a semester to pick up all the law enforcement related courses. I had already graduated from Sir Sandford Fleming College (SSFC) in Lindsay, Ontario as a Fish and Wildlife Technician, so needed to pick up these courses. LCC was alot of fun, a great learning opportunity, and gave me the opportunity to be a Student Fish and Wildlife for the summer. It was a great summer, as I got to work with a great Officer Stan Hawes in the Cochrane / Kananaskis area.
When I graduated from SSFC, there were 51 Fish and Wildlife Technician grads. A couple walked right out of college, and directly into jobs that led into a Conservation Officer position. A few others made it into Conservation Officer positions, but the majority were unsuccessful.
A few of the guys / gals I went to school with at LCC made it to the Fish and Wildlife Officer / Conservation Officer ranks. Again, I think it was the minority. It was and is a very competitive field to get into.
Would I do it again - maybe but I might be more focused on getting into another service like Park Warden / Park Ranger, and use the experience gained to segway into a Fish and Wildlife Officer position.
The disappointing part I found throughout the years is that whenever I went for an interview and was unsuccessful was a lack of constructive feedback. If there was an area that needed improvement, I would have liked to know about it, so I could learn and improve. Usually there was no feedback whatsoever.
WomenofTheWild - if it is your goal to become a Fish and Wildlife Officer - GO FOR IT !! Don't let the disappointment of others dissuade you from chasing your dream. Being a Fish and Wildlife Officer always was the dream career for me - put everything into it and make it the dream job for your career.
Work hard and good luck
Mr Conservation
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03-13-2015, 02:06 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 125
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I retired in May of 2014 after 29 years as a Conservation Officer in BC - very similar to the Alberta F&W officers. I started LCC in 1982 and heard all the same stories about competition for jobs and no positions available etc. Things change radially with gov't and there will be lean times in the hiring of officers, but there is also many time where positions are filled in significant numbers all at once.
Make sure you keep you options open and don't just focus on one career path. There are several agencies that have jobs in the same field worth considering, Fisheries and Oceans, National Parks, other provinces F&W programs. You may have to take a few different career paths to get you where you want to be.
I am glad I did it and highly recommend it as a career. Please feel free to send me a private message and I can try to answer questions you may have. I was involved in recruiting for BC for several years as well.
Good Luck!
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03-13-2015, 09:18 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: central Alberta
Posts: 12,626
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Woman of the Wilds....
Follow your heart, trust in your path and you will go far.
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This country was started by voyagers whose young lives were swept away by the currents of the rivers for ten cents a day... just for the vanity of the European's beaver hats. ~ Red Bullets
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It is when you walk alone in nature that you discover your strengths and weaknesses. ~ Red Bullets
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03-13-2015, 09:20 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: central Alberta
Posts: 12,626
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The F&W conservation officers are our frontlines in the battle for conservation and protection of our wildlife.
My hat is off to all the officers efforts, past and present, involved in this noble cause. Even though there are not many of you, I can't imagine what our wilds would be like without people like yourselves. Thank you for your unwavering diligence.
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This country was started by voyagers whose young lives were swept away by the currents of the rivers for ten cents a day... just for the vanity of the European's beaver hats. ~ Red Bullets
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It is when you walk alone in nature that you discover your strengths and weaknesses. ~ Red Bullets
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