A successful conservation officer should have a core interest in the relationship between the human world and nature. College-level preparation in forestry, biology, wildlife ecology or the earth sciences is a prerequisite in many states. The University of Maine in Orono offers a comprehensive degree program through its College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture. Make your college preparatory plans for a conservation officer career with their offerings as a guide.
Most states require a conservation officer candidate to have a state peace officer license before applying. Many agencies also provide additional law enforcement during the orientation process. With a skill set necessary to cover a range from border security to drunk and disorderly, ongoing off-duty training is recommended. The Public Agency Training Council, or PATC, based in Indiana, offers courses supportive to law enforcement professionals.
The conservation officer is active outdoors. On-the-job exercise should be supported by daily attention to physical fitness and personal health. A self-designed or guided fitness program should support and improve agility, aerobic capacity and muscle strength for speed, stamina and long-distance dragging or carrying dense weight through the woods.
Conservation officers work under public policy decisions. As a result, studying public policy, especially within the environmental arena, could prove to be a useful elective study for career officers. The University of California, Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy provides a comprehensive environmental policy course listing.