24TDR034 - Conservation Officer Training Accommodations

a) Project Background- The Environmental Enforcement Branch (EEB) is currently in the process of recruiting to backfill vacant conservation officer (CO) positions. As such, in late 2023 EEB will be hosting a recruit academy for up to fifteen CO recruits. Conservation enforcement is a specialized and nuanced component of the province's law enforcement and public safety continuum. COs are specialists trained to proactively focus on the protection of resources and ensure public safety on diverse and complex landscapes utilizing a wide variety of legislation. As such, COs are required to complete an extensive training program before conducting duties in the field.

b) Project Objectives- This mandatory training program is an in-person training academy that occurs over a 21 week period (the total duration will fluctuate based on required holiday breaks). The recruit training academy for this current staff recruitment is scheduled to begin December 10, 2023 with anticipated completion May 13, 2024. EEBs recruit academy is held at the branch's training facility in Lac La Biche, Alberta. To host recruit academy EEB will be required to procure and provide accommodations for both CO recruits and in-service instructors, during their scheduled instructional periods while in Lac La Biche.