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Conservation Officer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

City of Rochester, NY

Animal Control Officer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$52K - $67K/yr

... Conservation, within six (6) months of appointment; * All licenses and certificates must be ... Officer Trainee* For full-time employees: The City of Rochester offers a complete benefits package ...

All JobsConservation Officer JobsConservation Officer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Conservation Officer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$23.2K

$74.9K

$180.1K

How much do conservation officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation officer in Rochester, NY is $74,917.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a conservation officer?

Conservation Officers are law enforcement professionals responsible for protecting natural resources, wildlife, and public lands. They enforce environmental laws, educate the public about conservation, and ensure compliance with regulations related to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Conservation Officers often patrol parks, forests, and waterways, investigate environmental crimes, and collaborate with other agencies to promote sustainable resource use. Their work helps preserve ecosystems and maintain biodiversity for future generations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conservation officer?

To thrive as a Conservation Officer, you need a solid understanding of environmental science, wildlife management, and law enforcement, typically backed by a relevant degree and sometimes POST certification. Familiarity with GIS mapping, evidence collection tools, and regulatory databases is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication are vital for interacting with the public and resolving conflicts. These skills ensure the effective protection of natural resources, enforcement of environmental laws, and productive community engagement.

What are some common challenges conservation officers face in the field and how can they prepare for them?

Conservation Officers often encounter challenging situations such as working in remote locations, dealing with unpredictable weather, and interacting with individuals who may be violating environmental laws. They must be prepared for physical demands, potential confrontations, and the need to make quick decisions under pressure. Staying physically fit, continuously updating knowledge of laws and local ecosystems, and participating in regular training can greatly help Conservation Officers navigate these challenges safely and effectively.

What is the difference between Conservation Officer vs Wildlife Technician?

AspectConservation OfficerWildlife Technician
Required CredentialsEnvironmental or natural resource degree, certifications in conservationWildlife biology or related degree, field-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, community outreach, enforcement activitiesField surveys, data collection, habitat management
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, conservation organizationsResearch institutions, wildlife agencies, NGOs

Both Conservation Officers and Wildlife Technicians work in natural environments and require related degrees. Conservation Officers often focus on enforcement and community engagement, while Wildlife Technicians primarily handle field data collection and habitat management. They share similar certifications and work in overlapping settings, but their roles differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is becoming a conservation officer hard?

Becoming a conservation officer typically requires completing relevant education such as a degree in environmental science, wildlife management, or a related field, along with passing physical and written exams. The job can be competitive and often involves on-the-job training, certifications, and experience in law enforcement or natural resource management.

What degree do you need to be a conservation officer?

Conservation officers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, wildlife management, biology, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of local ecosystems, law enforcement, and often certification in first aid or law enforcement training, depending on the jurisdiction.

What does a conservation officer do?

A conservation officer enforces laws and regulations related to wildlife, natural resources, and environmental protection. They conduct patrols, investigate violations, educate the public, and may require certifications in law enforcement or environmental science. Their work often involves outdoor activity and collaboration with agencies to preserve ecosystems.
More about Conservation Officer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Conservation Officer jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Conservation Officer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Conservation Officer jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Conservation Officer jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Conservation Officer jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Conservation Officer job openings:

Conservation Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Officer job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,917 per year, or $36 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

Rochester, NY • On-site

City of Rochester, New York
See more jobs at City of Rochester, New Yorkexternal

$52K - $67K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Animal Control Officer

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofrochester/jobs/newprint/5445397)

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Animal Control Officer

Salary

$52,421.00 - $67,287.00 Annually

Location

Rochester, NY

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26DM421DRA21

Department

Department of Recreation & Human Services

Bureau

Commissioner' Office

Opening Date

08/12/2026

Closing Date

8/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

  • Description

  • Benefits

General Description

This employee performs duties in the capture, admission, and care of animals as well as community outreach and the enforcement of City ordinances governing animals in the City of Rochester. Supervision is received from higher-level Animal Services personnel and the Assistant Director for Animal Control. Related duties are performed as required. Most of the work involves dogs but also includes other domestic animals and wildlife

Under the NY HELPS Program, the Civil Service Exam for this title has been waived. For additional information regarding the NY HELPS Program, please visit: https://www.cs.ny.gov/help/faq.cfm

Typical Work Activities

  • Responds to calls for service involving stray, injured, or threatening animals (mostly canines but includes other domestic animals and wildlife);

  • Captures and transports animals to the animal shelter for care and treatment;

  • Safely operates a vehicle to transport animals, pick up and deliver supplies, and conduct community outreach;

  • Assists the public with animal-related concerns;

  • Issues citations and warnings to animal owners in violation of City ordinances;

  • Investigates constituent complaints of animal-related incidents and activity;

  • Refers suspected animal cruelty or neglect situations to appropriate personnel;

  • Shares information with pet owners to support the appropriate care and maintenance of their pets;

  • Writes routine reports and completes written and electronic forms, working within the records management database;

  • Administers vaccines and treatments upon intake;

  • Assists with euthanasia of animals, as needed;

  • Patrols city neighborhoods to enforce City animal ordinances and perform proactive outreach and pet owner assistance;

  • Collaborates with sworn City personnel when requested;

  • Assists in the development of new Animal Control Officers;

  • Maintains interior and exterior of the facility for the safety of employees and the public as requested by supervisory personnel;

  • Attends training deemed necessary by management;

  • Testifies in court, as required.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or Equivalent, PLUS one (1) year of work experience (full-time or part-time equivalent) which involved the care, treatment, handling, or transport of animals.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Possession of a valid New York State Class D driver’s license at the time of appointment;

  • Possession of a valid National Animal Control Association I (NACA I) certification at the time of appointment;

  • Possession of a valid National Animal Control Association II (NACA II) certification within two (2) years of appointment;

  • Possession of a valid Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator permit, issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, within six (6) months of appointment;

  • All licenses and certificates must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

  • Candidates who do not possess a NACA I certification or have less than one year of experience must begin as an Animal Control Officer Trainee*

For full-time employees:

The City of Rochester offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

For less-than full-time employees:

The City of Rochester offers numerous growth opportunities to include the potential to transition into full-time, permanent employment.

Employer

City of Rochester (NY)

Address

30 Church Street Room 103A Rochester, New York, 14614

Phone

585-428-7115

Website

http://www.cityofrochester.gov

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