Conservation Officer

Government of Manitoba; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 72,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Government of Manitoba is seeking Conservation Officers to enforce natural resources legislation across Manitoba. You will conduct patrols, inspections and enforcement actions, promoting compliance through public education while protecting wildlife and resources.

Starting with 16–20 weeks of paid training in Spring 2027, successful candidates join a province-wide eligibility list and may be posted at various locations. Strong fitness and conduct standards apply.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in resource management or related field with resource law enforcement content.
• Two years of post-secondary plus related training may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Administer and enforce legislation pertaining to fish, wildlife, forestry, parks, crown land, and wildfire.
• Conduct compliance patrols, inspections and enforcement actions; promote compliance through education.

Skills

Resource management

Law enforcement

Interpersonal skills

Stress tolerance

Leadership

Initiative

Organizational ability

Problem solving

Supervising

Wildlife conflict handling

Education

Resource management degree/diploma

Relevant training/knowledge test

Job description

Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures

Conservation Officer Service, Conservation and Wildfire

Various rural locations MB, Various urban locations MB

Advertisement Number: 45580

Salary(s): RO3 $71,583.00 - $87,131.00 per year Plus Remoteness Allowance and Qualification Pay, if applicable.

Closing Date: September 25, 2026

The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of building an exemplary public service reflective of the citizens it serves, where diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, identities, languages and perspectives drives a high standard of service and innovation. The Manitoba government supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities).

Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this competition. Consideration will be given to women, Indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities.

An eligibility list may be created for similar positions and will remain in effect for 12 months.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

The recruitment process will involve various qualification stages. Only those who satisfy the established requirements will progress to the next phase.

• Work related references as obtained from previous supervisor(s) validating work experience, and past performance is an integral part of the recruitment process. All references must be deemed satisfactory.
• Following completion of the steps outlined, successful candidates will be placed on a province-wide eligibility list for future vacancies. Prior to appointment, candidates are required to attend and successfully complete 16 - 20 weeks of Enforcement Academy Training or in-house training.
• Successful candidates will be appointed to work locations across the province as vacancies arise. Final appointment will be conditional upon satisfactory performance and meeting qualifications and testing standards.

Introduction

As a front line law enforcement professional, you will manage resource protection and compliance programs throughout Manitoba. You will be trained and skilled in enforcement of Acts dealing with natural resources, fish and wildlife. Conservation Officers in Manitoba also maintain the public peace when carrying out their duties.

Duties:

As a uniformed Conservation Officer you will have a variety of responsibilities, which include the administration, and enforcement of legislation pertaining to fish, wildlife, forestry, provincial parks, crown land, and wildfire. This involves conducting compliance patrols to inspect, investigate, and carry out enforcement action as well as promoting compliance of natural resource legislation through public education.

In order to become a Conservation Officer (CO), incumbents must first successfully complete 16 to 20 weeks paid training prior to starting work. This training is expected to start in the Spring of 2027.

CO recruits must represent themselves and abide by the CO Code of Conduct, learn enforcement of federal and provincial regulations for protecting fish, wildlife and other natural resources, learn how to conduct patrols for resource users, forestry operations and ensure compliance with the provincial and federal statutes relating to fish, wildlife and resource legislation.

CO recruits will be supported by the Field Training Officer and will investigate complaints, detain/arrest violators and prepare necessary court documents. The CO recruit must develop communication and interpersonal skills to provide information to the general public regarding legislation and resource management. CO recruits will learn how to issue permits for various resources, compile and submit reports on resource data. CO Recruits may supervise Patrol Officers or other seasonal staff.

Qualifications:

• Candidates are required to provide proof of graduation (by May 1, 2027) with a degree and/or diploma in a resource management field, including, but not limited to, the following programs: Renewable or Resource Management, Environmental Management Studies, Conservation Law Enforcement, Natural Resource Compliance, Resource Management Officer Technology, Natural Resource Protection, Resource and Environmental Law, Natural Resources Management Technology, Land and Water Management, Fish and Wildlife Technician or Natural Resource/Environmental Law. Candidate's education must include resource law enforcement content (minimum of three credit hours). Alternatively, candidates with a minimum of two years of post-secondary education and a completed diploma or degree in a related field acceptable to the Chief Conservation Officer combined with relevant training and work experience with a Conservation Officer Service (COS) may also be considered, subject to passing a knowledge test.
• Knowledge of legislation, and experience in law enforcement and legislative compliance applicable to Natural Resources.
• Ability to work effectively under stress in hostile or adverse environmental conditions.
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to deal effectively with others.
• Ability to prioritize and organize changing workloads and demands.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to effectively lead and coach others.
• Ability and/or experience supervising employees.
• Experience with human/wildlife conflict and ability to conduct problem wildlife control.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Must be able to pass and maintain a Government of Manitoba Security Clearance.
• Must be able to provide and maintain a satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Must be able to provide and maintain a satisfactory Manitoba Child Abuse and Adult Abuse Registry Checks.
• Must have no criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted.
• Must be able to provide and pass a satisfactory resource activity and violation check. NOTE: Candidates with previous infractions may be considered, subject to review and approval by the Chief Conservation Officer.
• Must be able to successfully complete an approved Psychological Assessment.
• Must possess and maintain a current valid 4F Manitoba Driver's Licence upon hire.
• Must possess and maintain a current Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate or an approved equivalent.
• Must possess and maintain a current Standard First Aid Certificate or an approved equivalent.
• Must be able to successfully complete the Physical Abilities Readiness Evaluation (PARE - exit level 4:45 min), Police Fitness Assessment (PFA - Field Version) or Winnipeg Police Service Physical Abilities Test (WPS-PAT - exit level 4:15 min). The Conservation Officer Service will accept successful PARE, PFA or WPS-PAT tests dated within six months prior to the application deadline and must be completed prior to October 30, 2026. For more information about the certifications please visit https://www.gprc.ab.ca/files/forms_documents/PAREinfo.pdf or http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/kinrec/recreationservices/occupation_wpspat_instructions.html
• Must be able to complete and maintain certification in a Conservation Officer Service approved Firearms, Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC), and Defensive Tactics (DT) training and certification.
• Must be eligible for appointment as a Conservation Officer.
• Must possess a current Canadian Firearm Safety Certificate; or proof of successful completion of Canadian Firearms Safety Course; or Possession and Acquisition Licence.
• Must successfully complete Law Enforcement Academy training satisfactory to Conservation Officer Service. (i.e. APA/WCLEA/WPS/RCMP DEPOT/ etc.)
• Must be willing and able to work irregular shifts including: evenings, weekends, overtime, stand‑by and attend to after‑hours call‑outs.
• Must be willing and able to travel including overnight stays for extended periods of time.
• Must be physically able to perform the duties of this position including: conducting outdoor investigations and patrols in adverse weather conditions, walking over rough terrain and carrying up to 100 lbs (45kg).