HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has announced the recruitment of its 27th class of Waterways Conservation Officer (WCO) Trainees. Applications are being accepted by the State Civil Service Commission (SCSC) through February 3, 2025.
WCO Trainees will undergo extensive training beginning later this year, with graduation anticipated in the summer of 2026. The program involves instruction at various sites, including the PFBC’s H.R. Stackhouse School of Fishery Conservation and Watercraft Safety in Bellefonte, Centre County. Participants will study a broad curriculum covering fisheries conservation, watercraft safety, environmental protection, and law enforcement practices.
“Waterways Conservation Officers are law enforcement professionals who have a passion for the outdoors and work to protect, conserve, and enhance Pennsylvania’s aquatic resources,” stated Col. Jeffrey Sabo, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Law Enforcement. He emphasized the rewarding nature of this unique career, which combines outdoor work with a commitment to safeguarding the state’s aquatic habitats.
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Pennsylvania resident
- Hold a valid driver’s license
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Successfully pass a criminal background check
Applications will only be accepted online through the state’s employment portal at www.employment.pa.gov. Upon submission, candidates must complete the required SCSC exam by March 5, 2025.
Waterways Conservation Officers patrol Pennsylvania’s 86,000 miles of waterways and are vital to preserving fishing and boating resources while fostering environmental stewardship across the Commonwealth. Prospective candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline to pursue this fulfilling and dynamic career path.
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