Conservation Officer

Idaho Department of Fish and Game Opportunity

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Please Note:

Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

Make a difference, become a Conservation Officer for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG)!

Are you passionate about the outdoors and ready to turn that passion into purpose? As a Conservation Officer with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, you’ll have a career unlike any other — you’ll turn that passion into a meaningful career—safeguarding Idaho’s diverse wildlife, upholding natural resource laws, and serving communities across some of the most scenic landscapes in the country.

This Isn’t Just a Job — It’s a Calling!

IDFG Conservation Officers are law enforcement professionals, biologists, and public educators all in one. You’ll patrol mountains, rivers, deserts, and forests using a variety of tools — from horses to jet boats — to enforce laws, prevent poaching, support wildlife research, and build community relationships.

No two days are ever the same. One day you might be investigating wildlife crime, and the next you could be gathering data to assist with a wildlife study or speaking to a classroom about conservation.

• Protect Idaho’s Natural Resources:
  Enforce fish and game laws, patrol public lands, investigate wildlife violations, and promote ethical outdoor behavior.
• Support Science-Based Wildlife Management:
  Collaborate with biologists to gather data, conduct studies, and assist in wildlife population monitoring.
• Serve the Public:
  Educate hunters, anglers, landowners, and youth on wildlife laws and conservation efforts. Build relationships rooted in respect and stewardship.
• Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflicts:
  Work with landowners and communities to address property damage and other wildlife-related issues.

The individuals we are looking for to fill these positions are ideally those who are:

• Passionate about wildlife, conservation, and outdoor life.
• Strong communicators who can listen, educate, and de-escalate.
• Self-starters who thrive in independent, often remote work environments.
• Adaptable and ready for the unexpected.
• Have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher in fish and/or wildlife management from an accredited college or university.

• Enforcement: conduct field patrols to detect and investigate fish and game law violations; check licenses and bag limits of sportsmen in the field; issue citations and make arrests; operate short-term check stations; monitor license-vending activities; assist other law enforcement agencies when requested; testify in court regarding offenses; act as a relief officer for other patrol districts. Proficiency with department issued firearms, meeting POST qualifications annually with a rifle and biannually with a handgun.
  
  Pass POST physical fitness biannually. Work a varied schedule including weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Fish and game management: collect biological data for wildlife studies; trap, tag, and transplant animals, birds, and fish; conduct wildlife feeding programs; evaluate habitat for wildlife; investigate, resolve, and report on wildlife depredation; dispose of deceased, dead, or injured animals.
• Information and education: participate in wildlife education and youth mentoring projects; conduct hunter safety programs; assist in search and rescue operations; write news articles; participate in news programs; attend meetings and conferences regarding fish and game practices and problems.

• Good knowledge of fish and wildlife management practices including habitat and forage requirements, behavior and identification of wildlife species, and wildlife population dynamics. Typically gained by successful completion of at least 12 upper division (300-400 level) credits in fish, wildlife, biology, or a related natural resources field from an accredited college or university by…