The Fish and Boat Commission is now accepting applications from individuals interested in becoming Waterways Conservation Officers.

Applications will be accepted through October 1. All written testing must be completed with the Civil Service Commission by November 22.

WCOs perform specialized work in fish conservation and watercraft safety under the jurisdiction of the Commission, blending law enforcement and public relations duties.

Typical duties include patrolling by foot, car and boat to detect violations of fishing and boating laws; apprehending violators; issuing warnings and or citations; serving warrants; presenting evidence at hearings and court proceedings; investigating water pollution incidents; investigating boating accidents; and stocking fish.

Appearing in public to conduct classes or provide information to groups are also highlights of the WCOs duties. WCOs work demanding schedules including holidays and weekends, to perform their vital public safety and conservation duties. Additional information about a career as a WCO is available on the Commission’s Careers page.

All WCOs begin their career as a WCO Trainee. Before candidates are assigned the highly independent duties of Waterways Conservation Officer, they must complete an extensive 52-week specialized training program beginning with approximately 20 weeks of instruction in law enforcement principles and practices that meet the standards of the Municipal Police Training Act.

An additional 32-week period follows with 20 weeks of classroom training by the Commission at the H. R. Stackhouse School of Fisheries Conservation and Watercraft Safety in Centre County, Pennsylvania and 12 weeks of supervised field training. The program is conducted under close supervision, according to stringent rules. Those who successfully complete the training program will be promoted to a Waterways Conservation Officer position.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at date of hire and possess a current valid Pennsylvania driver’s license. Applicants must be residents of Pennsylvania, of good moral fiber and be able to perform the essential functions of the job. Successful candidates must pass written, oral, and physical evaluations.

During the application period, application forms and further information on the application process can be obtained from the State Civil Service Commission website.

Information may also be obtained from State Civil Service Commission offices in Harrisburg at 717-783-3058 (Text Telephone: 717-772-2685), Philadelphia at 215-560-2253 (Text Telephone: 215-560-4367), or Pittsburgh at 412-565-7666 (Text Telephone: 412-565-2484.) Information may also be obtained by contacting the PFBC’s Human Resource Office at 717-705-7820.

8/29/2008