PFBC seeks applicants for upcoming WCO trainee class

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is looking for individuals interested in a career as a waterways conservation officer. Applications for WCO trainee positions must be sent to the state Civil Service Commission and must be received or postmarked by Saturday, June 23, and all written testing must be completed with the Civil Service Commission by Saturday, July 28.

Typical duties include patrolling by foot, car and boat to detect violations of fishing and boating laws; apprehending violators; issuing warnings and or citations; serving warrants; presenting evidence at hearings and court proceedings; investigating water pollution incidents; investigating boating accidents; and stocking fish. Appearing in public to conduct classes or provide information to groups are also highlights of the WCOs duties.

WCOs work demanding schedules, including holidays and weekends, to perform their vital public safety and conservation duties. All WCOs begin their career as a trainee, and before candidates are assigned the highly independent duties of waterways conservation officer, they must complete an extensive 52-week specialized training program beginning with approximately 21 weeks of instruction in law enforcement principles and practices that meet the standards of the Municipal Police Training Act.

An additional 31-week period follows with 19 weeks of classroom training by the Commission at the H. R. Stackhouse School of Fisheries Conservation and Watercraft Safety in Centre County, and 12 weeks of supervised field training under close supervision, according to stringent rules. Those who successfully complete the training program are promoted to a waterways conservation officer position.

Applicants must be Pennsylvania residents, at least 21 years of age at date of hire, and have a valid Pennsylvania driver's license. Successful candidates must pass written, oral, and physical evaluations.

Waterways conservation officers are required to wear a uniform and carry a firearm while on duty. Additional information about a career as a WCO is available on the PFBC's Careers web page at www.fishandboat.com/career.html or by calling the Human Resources Office at 717-705-7820.

Application forms and further information on the process can be obtained from the State Civil Service Commission website at www.scsc.state.pa.us. Information may also be obtained from State Civil Service Commission offices in Harrisburg at 717-783-3058.

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Sunday's edition of "Experience The Outdoors," hosted by award-winning Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association member Doyle Dietz, at 7 a.m. on 1410 WLSH and 9:30 a.m. on Magic 105.5, will feature Mike Gogal of Gogal Publishing.

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There will be a muzzleloader shoot, Sunday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by First Frontier Militia, at Bowmanstown Rod and Gun Club, Gun Club Road, off Route 248. For information, call Roger Fisher at 610-377-2812.

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Beltzville State Park will host a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Basic Boating Course Monday, May 14, and Wednesday, May 16, and both sessions are from 6-10 p.m.

There is no charge for the course, but all participants must preregister by calling the park office at 610-377-0045 and must attend both sessions. Students who successfully complete the course may apply for a Boating Safety Education Certificate for a $10 fee, and the certificate is required of all operators of personal watercraft or anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 who operate a motorboat of more than 25 horsepower.

A 3-D course for vertical and crossbows is open daily, 24/7, at the Hazleton Archery Club, 170 Woodside Drive, Freeland. For information, call the club at 570-450-0988.

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Bear's Head 3-D course is open daily through Friday, Oct. 12, from dawn to dusk, located on club grounds located off I-81 exit 134, 148 Lofty Road, Delano. For information, call the association at 570-467-0331.

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Registration is underway for the Schuylkill County Youth Field Day at Friedensburg Fish and Game, Saturday, May 19, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event is for youth between the ages of 10-15, and for information and required pre-registration, call "Porcupine Pat" McKinney at 570-622-4124, ext. 113 or email porcupinepat@yahoo.com.

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Trout Unlimited Western Pocono Chapter will hold a Memorial Day Picnic, Monday, May 28, at the White Haven Sportsmen's Club picnic grounds, located alongside the Upper Lehigh River, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fishing is permitted after a demonstration by casting and champion and author George Daniel. For information and required advance tickets, contact Western Pocono Trout Unlimited, Box 414, Albrightsville, Pa. 18210.

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A National Wild Turkey Federation Women In The Outdoors event will be held Saturday, June 9, at Ontelaunee Rod and Gun Club, New Tripoli, for those age 14 and older. For information and required preregistration, contact Donna Balgosky at 610-767-6932 or email LehighValleyWITO@yahoo.com by Friday, June 1.