Conservation Officer Trainee

State of South Dakota; South Dakota; On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Dental and vision

Job summary

State of South Dakota Game Fish & Parks is hiring Conservation Officer Trainees to enter a structured training path toward full certification in wildlife law enforcement. Trainees will attend the SD Law Enforcement Training Academy in Pierre and complete weeks of field training before converting to a Conservation Officer at pay grade GI.

Incumbents may be assigned to regional offices across the state and must travel extensively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife and fisheries or equivalent.
• Must complete training and become certified officer in SD.
• Strong communication and analytical abilities required.

Responsibilities

• Enforce conservation, parks and related laws and ensure public safety.
• Manage wildlife, fisheries, land resources, and habitat programs.
• Represent the department to the public and provide hunter/angler access.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Writing skills

Public speaking

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in wildlife and fisheries

Job description

Job ID: 37078
Agency: Game Fish & Parks
Location: Statewide
Salary: $29.64 - $37.12/hr, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: G
Closing Date: 09/09/2026

South Dakota Game Fish & Parks is hiring positions in training to become fully certified Conservation Officers (CO) for the Division of Wildlife. CO Trainees must enter the training program with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of expertise related to fish and wildlife management, they cannot be gained from the training programs provided.

A Conservation Officer enforces conservation, parks and other laws and provides for public safety; manages wildlife, fisheries, water, and land resources; implements and delivers department programs and services; represents the department to the public and secures hunter and angler access and provides for recreational opportunities.

CO Trainees begin by entering the SD Law Enforcement Training Academy in Pierre and complete thirteen weeks of training in a general law enforcement curriculum. In order to retain employment and proceed to the next phase of training, incumbents must graduate from the Academy and become certified as law enforcement officers in South Dakota.

Incumbents are then assigned to the Conservation Officer Field Training Program and spend approximately fifteen weeks in a field assignment designed to train them in various functions of conservation and park law enforcement, community policing, and problem solving; plus, additional classroom training in wildlife, fisheries and habitat management. This program requires the incumbents to travel extensively throughout the state. Wildlife Training Officers (WTO's) function as mentors during the program and evaluate the performance of CO Trainees on specific training tasks and on their abilities to apply knowledge and skills in field situations.

Upon successful completion of both training programs, Conservation Officer Trainees are converted to a Conservation Officer at a pay grade GI. They may be temporarily assigned to regional wildlife offices in Rapid City, Watertown, Chamberlain, or Sioux Falls until permanent duty stations are available. Incumbents must be willing to accept any vacant duty station in South Dakota. Conservation Officers function in five primary areas: wildlife and wildlife damage management, fisheries management, land and habitat management, conservation and parks law enforcement, and public relations.

Licenses and Certifications

Incumbent must be 21 years of age, have a valid driver's license, be or become a certified law enforcement officer in the State of South Dakota, successfully complete an extensive department field training program for conservation officers and pass semi-annual qualifications in defensive tactics and firearms. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a thorough background investigation and successfully complete psychological testing and a polygraph examination. A physical exam is also required for this position. An arrest/conviction will not necessarily bar employment. This is a safety sensitive position and incumbent is subject to State of South Dakota drug testing requirements. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening. Incumbent will be required to work a significant number of weekends throughout the year, especially during primary fishing, hunting and park seasons, outdoors and sometimes in extreme weather and under arduous physical conditions.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills; the ability to deal effectively with people, especially in stressful situations; strong writing skills, the ability to speak in public; effective organizational skills; competent problem-solving skills.
• A bachelor's of science in wildlife and fisheries or equivalent degree and/or experience is preferred

Knowledge Of

• conservation and parks law enforcement principles, practices, techniques and tactics;
• fish, wildlife and habitat conservation and park management practices;
• biological principles and practices pertaining to fish and wildlife;
• an understanding of habitat management practices beneficial to fish and wildlife;
• agency programs that promote public access;
• wildlife damage management techniques and practices;
• state and federal laws, regulations and agency policies that govern hunting, fishing, trapping, boating and snowmobiling;
• court and criminal procedures, rules of evidence collection and preservation and criminal investigative techniques.

Skill To

• identify native fish, wildlife, and plants;
• collect and preserve evidence and provide effective courtroom testimony;
• interview witnesses and suspects and write clear and concise reports;
• effectively collect data while conducting fish and wildlife surveys;
• make sound fish and wildlife harvest recommendations.

Ability To

• effectively deal with people from a variety of social and cultural backgrounds;
• establish and maintain relationships with landowners, sportsmen, and park users;
• promote conservation and park law enforcement, fish and wildlife management, hunter/angler access opportunities;
• deliver wildlife damage program services;
• de-escalate conflict and problem solve;
• operate boats, snowmobiles, ATVs, firearms and other specialized equipment;
• effectively present educational and outreach programs.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach copies of your high school/college diploma transcripts.

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class B retirement under SDRS.

An Equal Opportunity Employer