On April 5, 1896, the 1st State Legislature enacted a state system providing "...that all the laws of the state for the protection of fish and game are faithfully enforced through just laws... and for this purpose the authority exercised by sheriffs and constables... is hereby given to Fish and Game Wardens." The faithful discharge of this responsibility, "that the fish and game of the state be given all the protection possible," has been a continuous and ongoing effort.

How to become a conservation officer

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Law Enforcement section is moving forward into the new century. The career of conservation officer is varied and filled with new challenges each day. As the population of Utah grows the task of protecting our fish and wildlife has become more demanding. A conservation officers primary responsibility is law enforcement. They are involved in proactive and reactive enforcement activity, which varies from patrolling blue ribbon trout fisheries to investigating poaching of trophy elk. However, they are also involved with the community to ensure the future of our wildlife heritage. conservation officers have adapted the principles of community oriented policing to help them work with game biologists, property owners, sportsmen and the public to protect fish and wildlife.

The path to becoming a conservation officer begins with a bachelor's degree in wildlife science, biology or a closely related field. It is also acceptable to have a degree in a criminal justice field with biology as a minor. Seasonal or full-time work in a natural resource field prior to application for a conservation officer position is also important. Many conservation officers have attended the Utah Police Corps training program and received money to help pay for their education.

Once the state of Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources, Department of Human Resources has been authorized to announce and fill positions a notice of recruitment will be published and applications will be accepted and reviewed to determine if the minimum requirements have been met; you will then be notified by the Division's Law Enforcement section when the interviewing and testing process will begin. This process includes:

• A comprehensive background investigation.
• A physical test including cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, strength and flexibility, and swimming.
• A written aptitude test.
• An oral board interview with four officers and a biologist.
• A polygraph exam.
• A psychological exam.
• A medical exam (following Americans With Disabilities Act guidelines).
• POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) 13-week basic academy.
• FTO (Field Training Officer) instruction and guidance.

Successful applicants are hired as a district conservation officer trainee, Level I, and are required to attend the Police Academy located in Salt Lake City for the 13-week program. Preference is given to applicants that are already certified or have been accepted into the Police Corps program.

Following successful completion of the academy, trainees enter into the FTO program, where they're taught a number of tasks they'll perform when assigned to their district. Some of these tasks include: Investigative report writing, Title 23 Utah Fish and Game Code, crime scene investigations, proclamations, fish culture, agriculture depredation, daily logs and firearms training.

After successful completion of the three month long FTO training the trainees receive their first district assignment. Trainees remain on probation for 18 months from their initial hire date.

The competition is tough and those individuals who qualify, but are not accepted, are encouraged to keep an updated scannable resume with the state of Utah, Department of Human Resource Management, for employment consideration at a later date.

For more information on how to submit your resume, contact the state of Utah, Department of Human Resource Management at (801) 538-3025.