Duties:

Conservation Officers are fully certified state peace officers with the authority to enforce all the laws of Iowa. As U.S. Federal deputy game wardens, they are also able to cross over state lines when violations of federal laws related to wildlife crimes have been committed.

The main responsibilities are enforcement of hunting, trapping, fishing, navigation, commercial fishing, snowmobiling, and ATV laws. They also investigate accidents involving outdoor recreation.

In addition, officers teach hunter education, snowmobile, trapping, and bow hunting, and boating courses. They present a variety of programs to school groups, community organizations, and the media. Field Officers inspect game breeders, taxidermists, bait dealers, wildlife rehabilitators, and falconers to name a few.

While Field Officers typically cover a one to two county territory, RSOs are assigned to as many as 19 counties and perform many of the same duties as Field Officers. They work closely with the recreational safety programs and the volunteer instructors as well as provide accident investigation assistance to Field Officers.

Work Schedule:

Officers are on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week by radio and telephone. They work most weekends, particularly opening of hunting seasons and summer holidays. The work schedule like the duties varies, but officers have two days off per week. Offices are maintained in their homes and in their issued vehicles

Equipment and Training:
Officers are well equipped and trained to do their diverse jobs. Uniforms and seasonal apparel, such as waders, snowmobile suits, and personal flotation devices (PFDs) are provided. Tools of the job include all shapes & sizes of boats, snowmobiles, and ATVs. Each officer is issued a patrol vehicle that is equipped with lights, siren, cell phone, and radio.

Officer training does not end after completing initial basic training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. In-service training includes defensive tactics, firearms, communication skills, ice & swift water rescue, and law enforcement driving. Many Officers act as instructor/trainers for the Bureau and for other law enforcement agencies as well.

Hiring:

Conservation Officers are usually highly motivated, independent workers. They tend to be career employees, with vacancies typically only occurring through retirement. Thus, turnover can be relatively low. However, for those who have the strong desire to work in and protect our resources and the people who enjoy them, this is a job worth working toward.

Individuals selected as Conservation Officers usually have 4-year degrees in fish and wildlife management, biology, criminal justice or similar fields. Most also have experience recreating in the outdoors and using the tools of outdoor pursuits. Often they also have experience working for the DNR or other natural resource agencies or groups. One means of gaining that work experience is through the Bureau's Water Patrol Officer (WPO) program.