The BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) is a public safety provider focused on natural resource law enforcement and human wildlife conflicts prevention and response. Every day, the BCCOS is building on its vision to be a progressive and respected leader in environmental compliance, shared stewardship and public safety.

Conservation Officers are highly trained, dedicated individuals with a desire to protect BC’s environment, fish and wildlife resources. A Conservation Officer’s job is diverse and demanding – from backcountry patrols, to tracking a cougar, to investigating a spill -- no two days are alike.

As the frontline of environmental law enforcement in British Columbia, a tremendous amount of responsibility and trust is invested in each member of the BCCOS. The BCCOS conducts hundreds of investigations each year and often works with multiple other agencies.

As leaders in our field – our Predator Attack Team trains officers across North America – and with the latest mobile technology, today’s Conservation Officers now spend more time in the field than ever before. Successful candidates come from all backgrounds, although the BCCOS is particularly interested in those with natural resource or law enforcement experience.

If you are interested in joining our team, the BCCOS has a range of career options, including being a Field CO in one of our 45 offices across BC, or being a Detective in our General Investigation Section. With opportunities for career advancement, a job that provides new challenges each day, and a competitive salary and benefits package, the BCCOS is an employer that provides a career like no other. There are over 69,000 law enforcement officers in Canada, and only 164 of them can be BC Conservation Officers. This is your chance for 2024.

The Conservation Officer Development Plan blends the recruit level training received while at WCLEA with the experiential training received throughout the BCCOS New Conservation Officer - Field Training Program. For more information about starting a career as a Conservation Officer please visit: www.gov.bc.ca/conservationofficerservice.

Job Requirements:

Base Qualifications (CO 18 - Under implementation)

• Applied degree or technical diploma in a recognized post-secondary institution which offers a program in natural resource law enforcement.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications (CO 24 – Full working level)

• In addition to meeting the base qualifications, completion of the Western Conservation Law Enforcement Academy (WCLEA) or equivalent academy training in natural resource law enforcement.

Willingness Statements -- Applicants Must:

• Hold a valid BC Class 5 driver’s licence or equivalent.
• Have successfully completed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.
• Have successfully completed the BC Conservation Outdoor Recreation and Education Course (CORE) or Provincial equivalent.
• Have successfully completed and possess current Occupational First Aid Level 1 or equivalent training.
• Hold a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) certification.
• Be fully operational and able to carry out the duties of an armed Conservation Officer.

In addition, those selected must provide proof of the following pre-employment requirements at the time of the interview:

• COS Willingness Statement.
• COS Standards of Personal Deportment Agreement.
• Successful completion of the RCMP PARE physical abilities test to the COS recruit standard of 4:45 minutes (it is recommended that this be completed before the interview; however, with valid reason, this can be completed prior to being offered for hire).

Successful candidate(s) will be required to complete:

• COS security screening, which includes, but is not limited to: criminal record check, security interview, and computer voice stress analysis (see the sample BC Security Screening Questionnaire attachment below). Note: This is not required upon application; however, it will be required as part of the interview stage.
• Medical evaluation.
• Psychological evaluation.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Steve.Cook@gov.bc.ca.

About this Position:
Amendment September 20, 2023: contact for questions regarding this position has been updated above.
Amendment September 12, 2023: posting closing date extended to September 26, 2023.
This posting is to establish an eligibility list for future permanent and temporary vacancies with the BC Conservation Officer Service.
The eligibility list will be used as follows: fully qualified candidates who meet both the Base and Preferred Qualifications are hired first at the fully implemented Conservation Officer 24 level, then under implemented candidates who meet the Base Qualifications only and still require WCLEA training are offered at the Conservation Officer 18 level until fully implemented.
Successful candidates will be appointed to the appropriate classification level based on their qualifications (refer to the Job Profile for more information).
The eligibility list may be used to fill multiple positions in multiple locations.
Depending on the successful candidate’s location, a bi-weekly isolation allowance may apply.
Note: Students currently enrolled in a post-secondary program of natural resource law enforcement and scheduled to graduate with a diploma or degree by April 30, 2024, may be considered for this competition on condition of graduation by April 30, 2024.

Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit) seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. For guidance on applying and interviewing, please contact IndigenousApplicants@gov.bc.ca or 778-405-3452.

The BC Public Service is an award winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, great learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development options. For more information, visit What the BC Public Service Offers.

How to Apply:
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above.

Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history, including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) and your job related responsibilities for each job in your employment history, and any relevant information that relates to this position.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a comprehensive questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Include all relevant information about your educational accomplishments and employment history including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and how you obtained your relevant experience. The questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes to complete.

Helpful tips, videos and more regarding the application process can be found on the Your Job Application page of MyHR. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, e-mail BCPSA.Hiring.Centre@gov.bc.ca, before the stated closing time, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Additional Information:
Enhanced Security Screening will be required as detailed above.

Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on the Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies as outlined in the attached Job Profile located at the bottom of the posting.

Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition.