Also called: Conservation Officer, Game Warden
A law enforcement officer who protects wildlife and enforces hunting, fishing, and boating laws.
Patrols a lake by boat checking fishing licenses, goes undercover to catch an illegal bear-parts trafficker, rescues a lost hiker, and teaches hunter safety classes. Carries a badge and a gun.
BLS May 2024.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 5 years after high school. Bachelor's in wildlife or criminal justice often preferred, plus a law enforcement academy.
Ways in: 4-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Conservation Biology, Criminal Justice.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Drones and cameras help catch poachers, but patrolling backcountry, enforcing laws and talking with hunters stays human.
Classes: Biology, Government or civics, Physical education, AP Environmental Science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 33-3031.
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