This is a rough time frame for the hiring process because becoming an Idaho Conservation Officer is a lengthy and exhaustive process. Still interested?
Application process
Applications for conservation officer are accepted several times throughout the year, with a deadline usually being April, August, and December. When the application period is open, a link to the written application can be found on the Idaho Fish and Game website under About/Employment. The application process is only open when vacancies exist. After the closing date, applications are carefully reviewed.
Interviews
Shortly after the closing date, you may receive an invitation to the video interview process. Top performers in the video interviews are invited to the all-day assessment center; our formal interview process which occurs at our Boise headquarters building.
After the assessment week, conditional hiring offers are made to fill existing vacancies. A comprehensive background check on each candidate starts as soon as conditional hiring offers are made.
Health assessments
Conditional candidates spend half a week in Boise undergoing a psychological exam, a medical exam and taking a physical fitness test which includes a 1.5-mile run, 300-yard sprint, vertical jump, sit-ups and push-ups. After completing those tests and the background check, formal hiring offers, and duty locations are extended to candidates.
Assignment and training
Approximately three months after the application period closes, new hire orientation will begin, and new hires will report for duty in their assigned areas.
Within the first year of hire, new officers will attend Idaho’s 14-week POST academy in Meridian and then complete IDFG’s 10-week FTEP (Field Training and Evaluation Program).
