Overview
Conservation and fishery officers, inspectors and observers enforce federal and provincial regulations established for the protection of fish, wildlife and other natural resources and collect and relay information on resource management. They are employed by federal and provincial government departments.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Conduct patrols by truck, aircraft, boat, or on foot, to ensure compliance with the provincial and federal statutes relating to fish, wildlife and the environment
Investigate complaints, arrest violators, prepare briefs and present evidence in court
Issue licences, export documents and special permits and collect royalties assessed on fish, wildlife and timber resources
Implement and supervise approved techniques in preventing or overcoming damage caused by wildlife
Perform resource protection duties, such as inspecting fishing gear and equipment and monitoring fishing activities for compliance with regulations
Gather resource data by making inventories of fish, collecting water samples and assisting biologists in scientific research
Supervise or provide firearms safety training courses and trapper education courses.
Generate public awareness of fish and wildlife conservation and regulations
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$55,623
$79,253
$104,280
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
115expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of a college program in renewable resources management, environmental conservation or a related discipline is usually required.
On-the-job training and courses related to law enforcement and resource management are provided.
A class-5 driver's licence, pesticide applicator's licence and explosives licence may be required.
Additional information
Progression to senior and supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certifications to practice as Conservation and fishery officers in B.C.
- Pesticide Applicator Licence - Conservation and Fishery Officers
- Blaster Certification - Conservation and Fishery Officers
Pesticide Applicator Licence - Conservation and Fishery Officers
To work as a conservation and fishery officer in B.C., you need the correct pesticide certification for the type of work you will be performing. Eligibility is achieved by passing the requisite exam through Service B.C.
Blaster Certification - Conservation and Fishery Officers
To work as a conservation and fishery officer that will set and detonate explosives in B.C., you must have blaster certification issued by WorkSafeBC.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.