Academy Director:
Capt. Nate Stebbins
Academy Coordinators:
Lt. Jason Green
Lt. Chad Alexander
chad.alexander@wildlife.ca.gov
Department Contact Information:
Kelsey Harvey
harveyke@big5vn.com
(530) 895-2401
(530) 895-2938 FAX
Prospective Cadets Valuable Info
Are you ready for the challenges of the academy:
(Self-Assessment for Academy Success)
Take a P.O.S.T. Practice Test:
___________________________________________
Non-Discrimination Statement
Butte-Glenn Community College does not permit discrimination or harassment in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy and, state, local or federal law. The College values fairness and equity for all members of the College community. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and Section 504 discrimination:
Curtis Pahlka
Title IX Coordinator
Student Administrative Services (SAS) Building 210
titleix@big5vn.com
530-893-7487
Chris Little
Executive Director-Human Resources
Student Administrative Services (SAS) 344
Imelda Simos-Valdez
Vice President for Student Services
Student Administrative Services (SAS) Building 210
For further information and resources on notice of non-discrimination,
San Francisco Office
Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
U.S. Department of Education
50 United Nations Plaza
Mail Box 1200, Room 1545
San Francisco, CA 94102
Telephone: 415-486-5555 FAX: 415-486-5570; TDD: 800-877-8339Email: ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov
Fish & Wildlife Academy
Self-Sponsored applications for the Spring 2025 academy will open August 12, 2024.
Dates: TBD
Applications for Sponsored Cadets are open through the Deparment of Fish & Wildlife for the Spring 2026 Academy at http://wildlife.ca.gov/Enforcement/Career/Apply
DEADLINE March 1, 2025.
LOCATION:
3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, CA 95965.
Fish and Wildlife Academy classes are held in the Allied Health/Public Service Building of the Butte College Campus. The campus is located at the geographical center of the communities of Chico, Oroville and Paradise at the corner of Clark and Durham Pentz Roads. There is convenient access from Highway 99 and Highway 70.
Fish and Wildlife Academy classes are held in the Allied Health/Public Service Building of the Butte College Campus. The campus is located at the geographical center of the communities of Chico, Oroville and Paradise at the corner of Clark and Durham Pentz Roads. There is convenient access from Highway 99 and Highway 70.
THE PROGRAM:
The Fish & Wildlife Academy seats 50 students. The Department of Fish & Wildlife conducts their hiring process during the year and has priority for the 50 academy seats. Once the Department of Fish & Wildlife concludes their hiring process, filling as many seats as they have new hires, Butte College will fill the remaining seats with individual applicants who wish to attend. Typically, the Department of Fish & Wildlife will fill 25 seats leaving 25 seats available for self-sponsored individuals. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife Academy is approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.). P.O.S.T. requires law enforcement recruits to receive a minimum of 664 hours of training. Our program exceeds this requirement and offers approximately 1200 hours of instruction in the 42 Learning Domains and Fish and Wildlife specific instruction.
CERTIFICATION:
The Butte College Fish and Wildlife Academy conforms to standards for certification by P.O.S.T. and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Upon successful completion of the program, the student is eligible to apply for Game Warden positions and entry level law enforcement positions in the State of California.
NOTE: California Government Code Section 1031.4 states that any peace officer employed by an agency that participates in the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) program shall be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 405, Sec. 3. (AB 89) Effective January 1, 2022.)
TIME:
Typically, class is held from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for 30 weeks. However, some exercises will be conducted during hours of darkness and on Saturday or Sunday, depending on training needs.
REQUIREMENTS:
High school diploma from an accredited high school or GED. No misdemeanor or felony convictions which would prohibit you from possessing a firearm. Possess a valid unrestricted Driver License, without current or recent suspensions. Pass P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B) exam with a score of 42 or higher. Pass the Pre-Law Enforcement Academy Physical Training Test 1.5 mile run in 15 minutes or less. Attend a Law Enforcement Academy Orientation. Possess a Butte College Student ID number.
FEES:
(SUBJECT TO CHANGE) It is estimated that the cost for California residents to attend this course is approximately $5,500.00, including tuition, material fees, driving fees, textbooks, uniforms, physical training clothing, hearing and eye protection, and facility use fees. Not included are living expenses. Weapons and required safety equipment will be furnished during training. Out-of-state students will be charged an additional $270.00 per unit. NOTE: The college has a fee policy called "7 Days to Pay." For more information: http://3azb.big5vn.com/7days/
ACADEMY ENTRANCE STEPS:
- Complete and return the attached "ACADEMY ENROLLMENT APPLICATION."
- Call our office, (530) 895-2401, and reserve a slot to take a P.O.S.T. Entrance Examination. Bring a valid form of photo identification to the examination site. See below for additional information.
- Call our office, (530) 895-2401, if you are notified that you have passed the P.O.S.T. Entrance Examination and reserve a slot to take the Pre-Law Enforcement Academy Physical Training Test 1.5 mile run. Bring a valid form of photo identification to the examination site.
- Attend the Law Enforcement Academy Orientation if you complete the 1.5 mile run in 15 minutes or less.
- Possess a Butte College Student ID number. You will have a Student ID number if you have ever attended a Butte College class. If you need to obtain a Butte College Student ID number go to the main page at 3azb.big5vn.com and click on the "Apply Now" link at the bottom of the page.
- Specific and detailed instructions will be emailed to each applicant who has successfully completed the entrance examination, has successfully completed the Physical Training Test 1.5 mile run in 15 minutes or less, and has been selected to attend the academy.
Entry Level Exam:
Each applicant must complete a P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Examination (PELLET-B) consisting of basic language skills. Approximately two and one-half hours are allowed for the examination. Examinations are normally offered two times prior to the start of each academy. Applicants can take the examination at any facility in California offering the PELLET-B as long as the results are submitted on agency letterhead. Applicants are encouraged to take the test more than once, since the highest score is used to determine entrance eligibility.
Be aware that when you take the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Examination you must wait one month before you can retake the test. Examination results take approximately 10 working days. P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B) examination scores will be accepted from other agencies if the results are documented on agency letterhead. NOTE: Testing space is limited. The first 150 to contact this office will be accepted for each testing date. Location of Academy Testing
POST Entry Level Exam
Saturday,September 7, 2024 |
9:00 am AHPS 118 A |
| Saturday, October 12, 2024 |
9:00 am AHPS 118 A |
Pre-Academy 1.5 mile Run (If you pass the POST Entry Level Exam with a score of 42 or higher)
The Pre-Law Enforcement Academy Physical Training Test 1.5 mile run must be completed no more that 3 months prior to the 1st day of the academy to be valid.
November 23, 2024 |
8:00 am Track |
Law Academy Orientation (If you pass the 1.5 mile Run)
The Pre-Law Enforcement Academy Physical Training Test 1.5 mile run must be completed before you attend the Law Academy Orientation.
November 23, 2024 |
10:00 a.m, AHPS 118 A |
To take a sample entry-level examination, go to the link on left side of this page to "Take a P.O.S.T. Practice Test" and click on "Practice Test"
If you have a learning disability, you should contact Disabled Student Services at (530) 895-2455, prior to scheduling the Entry Level Test, so that we can accommodate your special needs. Any special accommodations must be arranged and this office notified of the special arrangements prior to the test date.
PRE-LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY PHYSICAL TRAINING TEST:
Each applicant who has successfully passed the P.O.S.T. Entrance Examination with a score of 42 or higher will be required to take and successfully complete the Pre-Law Enforcement Academy Physical Training Test 1.5 mile run. You must successfully complete the run in 15 minutes or less to be considered for entrance into the Law Enforcement Academy. The test will be administered two-weeks after the P.O.S.T. Entrance Examination.
The Pre-Law Enforcement Academy Physical Training Test 1.5 mile run must be completed no more that 3 months prior to the 1st day of the academy to be valid.
You MUST call ahead of time to reserve a slot to take the exam by calling (530) 895-2401. If your name is NOT on the list, you may be refused admittance to the run.
The testing will begin PROMPTLY at the time listed. Late arrivals will not be accepted. A valid form of photo identification will be required for admittance.
ORIENTATION:
Applicants successfully completing the pre-academy 1.5 mile run in 15 minutes or less are required to attend a pre-academy orientation which will be presented immediately following the 1.5 mile run. During the two-hour presentation we will provide an overview of what will be expected of you physically, mentally, and academically to ensure that you are informed and prepared for a successful experience in the academy program. Questions are encouraged during the orientation. Family members are welcome to attend.
UNITS:
Upon successful completion of the program, the student will receive 50 semester units.
UNIFORMS:
All participants will be required to wear the Butte College Fish and Wildlife Academy uniform. Details will be provided to those who are accepted.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
Academy recruits are required to have a laptop computer. Computer must have WiFi capabilities, be able to open PDF's, and have some type of note taking program.
FINANCIAL AID:
The Butte College Financial Aid office can be reached at 895-2311, and the college's Veterans Office can be reached by calling 895-2566. Assistance may be available to qualified students. Please apply for grants and loans as soon as possible due to the fact that academy fees are due prior to the start of the academy program. For more information and to apply: http://3azb.big5vn.com/financialaid/
BUTTE COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM:
This program is an opportunity to have your fees paid if you don’t qualify for FAFSA. It is not income based; you must apply for FAFSA first. This program will apply if you don’t qualify for FAFSA. BC Promise Sholarship Program FAQ
HOUSING:
There is no housing on campus. Neighboring communities are approximately a 20 minute commute from the campus. There is ample rental housing in these communities. For those students who desire a dormitory environment, Craig Hall in Chico is available to both Butte College and CSU Chico students. Craig Hall can be reached at (800) 559-1393.
INFORMATION:
Please call our office at (530) 895-2401 between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday.
IF YOU WANT TO APPLY TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE FOR EMPLOYMENT PRIOR TO ATTENDING THE ACADEMY THEIR EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS ARE: If you have attended a college and have units equivalent to the completion of two years (60 semester units) of college with 18 semester units in the biological sciences, police science or law enforcement, natural resources conservation, ecology or related fields it is highly recommended that you apply for employment with the Department of Fish & Wildlife prior to attending the academy (http://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Enforcement/Career). (Students who have 30 semester units of college, and have 18 semester units completed in the required or related fields, will be admitted to the DFW examination, but must produce evidence of completion of 60 semester units before they can be considered eligible for appointment.)
For more information on becoming a Department of Fish and Wildlife Officer please visit: http://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Enforcement/Career.
