State Police

1. State Police Jake Cramer

2. Nature of Work • State Police Troopers provide and maintain traffic enforcement and control, crime scene response and investigation, public order, staff support, and security for the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Troopers often work independently and are required to recognize immediate problem areas. Troopers must make responsible decisions and take the appropriate corrective action without the benefit of close supervision. Troopers often operate in situations that are stressful and dangerous.

3. Education and Training • Educational Requirement - Applicants must possess a high school diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED) plus an Associate's Degree or 60 semester credit hours from an university of higher learning at the time of application. • If accepted state police academy completion is required before becoming a trooper.

4. Other Qualifications • Age Requirement – Applicants must be at least 20 years of age on or before the date the application is completed.  Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and cannot have reached their 40th birthday prior to or on the date of appointment as a State Police Cadet. • Residency and Citizenship Requirement – Applicants must be a resident of Pennsylvania and possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license upon appointment as a State Police Cadet.  Applicants must be a United States citizen at the time of initial application.

5. Future Outlook and Job Expectancy • Employment of police and detectives is expected to grow by 7 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Continued demand for public safety will lead to new openings for officers in local departments; however, both state and federal jobs may be more competitive.

6. Potential Starting and Future Salary • Starting Yearly Salary is $58,211.00 • Troopers earn 10 vacation days within the first year of employment • Troopers earn 15 sick days per calendar year • Troopers receive 13 paid holidays and 4 personal days per calendar year

7. 3 Related Occupations • Game Warden • City Police • Security Guard

9. Game Warden Deputy

10. Nature of Work • 1) Seize equipment used in fish and game law violations, and arrange for disposition of fish or game illegally taken or possessed.2) Serve warrants, make arrests, and compile and present evidence for court actions.3) Document and detail the extent of crop, property, or habitat damage, and make financial loss estimates and compensation recommendations.4) Inspect commercial operations relating to fish and wildlife, recreation, and protected areas.5) Participate in search-and-rescue operations and in firefighting efforts.6) Perform facilities maintenance work such as constructing or repairing structures, and controlling weeds and pests

11. Education and Training • After getting a high school diploma Most fish and game wardens learn their skills through both formal and on-the-job training. Requirements vary by state and agency. Wardens must have at least an associate degree and many have a bachelor's degree. Combining a wildlife management major with law enforcement courses is good preparation. Community colleges, technical schools, and universities all offer these courses.Work experience • Experience as a law enforcement officer is a good background. • Gaining experience in the field is important while attending college. One way to get experience is a summer job or internship at a national park or fish hatchery. You might work with crews that perform stream or wildlife surveys. • On-the-job training • The length and type of on-the-job training varies by the type of job. Most fish and game wardens attend the same law enforcement academy as police patrol officers. Training generally lasts up to one month. Those who are wildlife special agents or inspectors generally receive extra training.

12. Other Qualifications The requirements to become a game warden vary slightly from state to state. Most states require applicants to be at least 21 years old, but a few states allow game wardens to be 18. Fish and game wardens must not have any felonies, must have a valid driver's license, be in good physical condition and be a United States citizen. Special agents with state Fish and Wildlife Departments often need a 4-year college degree. A 2-year associate's degree with full-time fish and/or wildlife experience or law enforcement experience can substitute for the 4-year college degree requirement in some states.

13. Future Outlook and Job Expectancy job growth in this career is projected to be very modest and there are far more individuals seeking game warden jobs than there are jobs. By earning a 4-year degree, you can set yourself apart from many other job applicants.

14. Potential Starting and Future Salary • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2011, the mean annual Fish and Game Warden Salary was $55,670, with Maryland offering the highest Game Warden pay at $69,410. The lowest of the high paying states was Wyoming, coming in at $52,370. The BLS indicates that Game and Fish Warden pay in some states can start at $27,090 per year. Those with additional education tend to earn more than Game Warden's who do not have degree's.

15. 3 Related Occupations • Police • game commissioner • Park warden

16. Work cited • http://patrooper.com/ • http://patrooper.com/requirements.html • http://www.allthingspolitical.org/careers/police_job_outlook.htm • http://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Fish-and-Game-Wardens.cfm • http://www.iseek.org/careers/careerDetail?id=3&oc=100083 • http://www.legal-criminal-justice-schools.com/Criminal-Justice-Degrees/how-to-become-a-game-warden.html • http://www.criminaljusticeschoolinfo.com/game-warden-salary.html