Description
Patrol and protect natural resources on lands and waters; enforce conservation, wildlife, and boating laws; investigate resource damage, pollution, and accidents; educate the public; and collect biological and environmental data to support management.
- • Serve warrants and make arrests as authorized.
- • Patrol assigned lands and waters by vehicle, boat, ATV, aircraft, or on foot to enforce conservation laws.
- • Protect native wildlife, plants, habitats, and ecosystems.
- • Deliver hunter, boater, and outdoor safety education and outreach.
- • Assist local, state, and federal law enforcement partners as needed.
- • Address schools, civic groups, and media on conservation topics and regulations.
- • Recommend updates to resource management plans, seasons, and regulations.
- • Inspect commercial and recreational operations for regulatory compliance.
- • Monitor and report fish, wildlife, habitat, and water-quality conditions.
- • Conduct harvest and use surveys to evaluate management effectiveness.
- • Investigate crop, property, habitat damage, pollution, or poaching complaints and advise on prevention.
- • Plan or implement measures to prevent or mitigate resource damage and human-wildlife conflicts.
- • Document damage and prepare loss estimates or compensation recommendations.
- • Lead or supervise seasonal staff and volunteers.
- • Issue licenses, permits, and related documentation.
- • Provide information and assistance to park, forest, and refuge visitors.
- • Maintain facilities, trails, and equipment; control invasive species or pests as needed.
- • Collect, preserve, and present evidence for administrative or court actions.
- • Investigate recreation accidents and alleged conservation law violations.
- • Issue warnings or citations and complete incident and activity reports.
- • Participate in search-and-rescue and emergency response operations.
- • Arrange disposition of illegally taken wildlife or seized natural resources.
- • Seize contraband and equipment used in conservation or recreation violations.
- • Support wildfire prevention and firefighting efforts.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
