Conservation Officer, Park Warden & Fishery Officer
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Conservation officers manage resources, visitor services, maintenance and recreation in provincial parks and educate the public about related issues. Fish and wildlife officers protect, preserve and manage fish and wildlife resources. Park wardens are responsible for natural and cultural resource management, public safety and law enforcement in Canada's national parks. (Adapted from alis.alberta.ca)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- ECO Canada career profiles
- Career Explorer by Sokanu - U.S.-based occupational information:
- Career Fact Sheet: Natural Resource Officer - Manitoba Government
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- A Day in the Life of a Park Ranger (U.S.) - The Princeton Review
- Resource Conservation Careers (video - bilingual) - Parks Canada
- Become a Fishery Officer - Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Career Profile: Natural Resource Manager at Riding Mountain National Park - Government of Canada
Education
Completion of a program in renewable resources management, environmental conservation or a related discipline is usually required, including courses in law enforcement (NOC). The University of Manitoba does not offer specialized education, but students may choose to pursue a related degree at U of M and build pertinent experience. Please contact Parks Canada, Environment & Climate Change Manitoba or other provincial parks and conservation departments for recruitment information.
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit the faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
Exploring Other Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- OpportuNext salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations organize events and directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities are also available. This is a great way to learn and network.
- Manitoba Conservation Officers Association (Facebook)
- North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association
- National Association of Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Listing of National Parks - Parks Canada
- Provincial Parks listing - Manitoba Government
- Environmental Careers Organization Canada (ECO Canada)
- United States Fish & Wildlife Service (U.S. Government)
- U.S Fish and Wildlife Association
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
External resources that will provide you with additional information about the occupation, areas of work and opportunities to build experience:
- Parks Canada - Government of Canada
- Fisheries & Oceans Canada - Government of Canada
- Environment & Climate Change Manitoba - Government of Manitoba
- Nature Manitoba
- Manitoba Wildlife Federation
- Manitoba Association of Watersheds
- Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS)
- Ducks Unlimited (Manitoba)
- Canadian Wildlife Federation
- Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (U.S.)
- Green Mentor Program: Project Learning Tree Canada - for youth aged 18 to 30 with an interest in forestry and conservation