Photo: Getty Images
Applications are now open for those interested in becoming Waterways Conservation Officers (WCO) in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is recruiting its 27th class of WCO trainees, with applications accepted until February 3, 2025. The training program will begin later this year and is expected to conclude in the summer of 2026.
Trainees will undergo comprehensive training at various sites, including the PFBC's H.R. Stackhouse School of Fishery Conservation and Watercraft Safety in Bellefonte, Centre County. They will study law enforcement principles, fish and boat laws, watercraft safety, and environmental protection. Upon successful completion, trainees will be promoted to full-time WCOs, responsible for patrolling Pennsylvania's 86,000 miles of waterways.
Applicants must be Pennsylvania residents, at least 21 years old, possess a valid driver's license, and have a high school diploma or GED. Applications are accepted online through the state employment portal, and candidates must complete a State Civil Service Commission (SCSC) exam by March 5, 2025. For more information, visit the PFBC website.