FWC June 2021 Closing Date

[MHenry_FWC]

Hi, everyone. FWC applicant here for the 2021 cycle! Third time applying, first time I'll actually get to go through the process though. Little background, graduated with my Bachelors in Marine Sciences in May 2019 and applied directly after. Tore my ACL 2 weeks before PAT for the 2019 app cycle so had to withdraw my application. Applied again in 2020, but app was cancelled due to COVID. Hoping third time's a charm with this application process in 2021.

Figured we could use this forum to discuss the application, testing, and interview process. And to help share information since info is limited as far as the app cycle goes. Looking forward to "meeting" everyone and good luck to all who apply this year!

[LeoGrind33]

MHenry_FWC Good to hear you are healthy and moving forward with the process this year man. I also submitted application last year only for the job announcement to be cancelled for Covid. I am an out of state applicant so logistics is a problem getting down there for every necessary step but is well worth it. Do you know if the BAT is only offered at the locations listed on FWC’s website or are there additional locations across the state that proctor that test? I was completing my application and one of the last questions was “have you completed the Basic Abilities Test”, is it ok to select no in that box and submit my application or will that eliminate me? Also, based on the closing date of this announcement when do you expect them to invite folks out for the PAT?

[WheelBoss71]

You do not have to complete the BAT until it's time to fill out the supplemental part of the application. That won't be until after you have taken the PAT. Selecting "No" on your initial application will not hurt you.
The full list of testing centers is available on the Pearson Vue website. That is the company that does the testing for the CJBAT. I would look to the Pearson site for a list of testing facilities and then double check with that testing facility is open and not closed for Covid. The test is about 40 bucks.
If the application process isn't extended, I wouldn't expect to run the PAT until August at the earliest. I'll go ahead and speculate now. The earliest I would expect an Academy to start would be July of next year, realistically probably the fall of 22.

[LeoGrind33]

WheelBoss71 Thanks for the insight. That will save me some time there. I can try to knock out the BAT around the same time as the PAT if possible so I can save a trip. Are you guys working with recruiters right now? Have the mentioned how many positions they are trying to fill? I would imagine they probably need some bodies considering they were trying to hire last year and the announcement got cancelled unfortunately.

[Eddyp0311]

Whats up everybody, 3rd timer here aswell, hopefully we all get through this and see each other in havana, didnt get picked for the last class so hopefully 3rd times the charm, good luck to all and glad to hear your doing better brother.

[MHenry_FWC]

I've talked with my recruiter but he didn't mention how many they'd be hiring. Hoping it's a little more than normal; more positions the better our chances. And I'd agree with LeoGrind33 in expecting the PAT around August/September they've usually offered PAT about 2 to 3 months after app closing date. Long app process but hopefully this year will be worth it and turn out in our favor!

Where's everyone applying from?

[SaltyDog]

Really is no telling how many vacancies they are looking to fill but all we can do is apply and compete. As most of all of us know it's tough getting selected and we're all fighting for a spot. I'm applying from Palm Beach but willing to transfer and move anywhere.

[DT44]

Hey folks, if you haven’t done it yet, check out the updated PAT on YouTube. The only changes I noted was the elimination of the “ditch jump” and addition of the ropes combined with the sled. They did add 10 seconds to the test but those who were on the edge last time will want to shave off additional time to allow for this added rope challenge.

[LeoGrind33]

Good afternoon Gents! Does anyone have any idea if this agency more or less expects you to do a ride along with an officer during the process or is that more for the applicant to see if they could see themself actually doing the job? Also, does anyone know how it works on your initial duty station. I believe during the supplemental application you list out the top 3 counties you are interested in? Theoretically if you make it through the hiring process and receive a final offer is FWC good at putting you close to your preferred counties/region or is it just needs of the agency? Hope everyone is doing well!

[DT44]

LeoGrind33 I was recently told by a recruiter that ride alongs weren’t happening this cycle due to Covid restrictions (if this changes someone please let us know). It’s used to see if you would like to become an officer, however, you are evaluated by the officer you ride with and the evaluation is placed in your packet. I would predict this evaluation is used as a datapoint in the selection process.

[LeoGrind33]

Man it’s been dead silence on here and understandably so with this job announcement vacancy being open for so long. I guess we are getting a little closer now. It will be great to actually get the hiring process started. Anyone have anything good to report as far as the process is concerned? Man it would be sweet to get hired on by FWC. Just have to stay patient

[WheelBoss71]

I just hope that they don't extend the application deadline like last year. Once June 30th rolls around and the PAT offers start up, this forum should light back up.

[ChristianAB98]

Application deadline has moved up to June 1st, 2021

[MHenry_FWC]

Nice, we'll see how fast this app cycle moves. Just such a long process compared to local sheriff's office and PD hiring processes. Can see how people eventually move on, dream job but takes a year to a year and a half to even get hired.

I've got an app in with my local PD right now as a backup, figured if this doesn't pan out and I was still interested in conservation law enforcement down the road I can always do a lateral transfer. Heard it's easier to get hired on with FWC sometimes that way since they don't have to train you as much; just the conservation specific law enforcement.

[ChristianAB98]

That is not true; being that you will be a fully commissioned officer they have to teach you law enforcement and then teach you agency specific training.

[MHenry_FWC]

I've heard that as a fully commissioned officer, you can apply for FWC and if you get hired on you join the academy at a later date for "breakout training". Which I assume is the law enforcement training specific to FWC and obviously the conservation and game law enforcement specific training. This is what I was alluding to.

As a fully commissioned officer in the state of Florida you would not have to go through the entire academy again though.

[SaltyDog]

That’s correct. The correct term is sworn. Non-sworn officers don’t possess a FDLE certification

[WheelBoss71]

Start practicing that agility test!

[WheelBoss71]

Any word if they're going to start allowing ride-alongs since Covid is a thing of the past?

[WheelBoss71]

Supplemental Applications have been sent out. Check your emails

[SaltyDog]

Question to those that have previously applied recently. I was under the impression we wouldn't complete the supplemental app until after the successful completion of PAT. Has the process changed or have i been misinformed?

[WheelBoss71]

I went back through some of the older threads. All of them did the supplemental after the PAT. I find that interesting, because the PAT will definitely weed out applicants. So there would be less paperwork to go through. Unless, they realized they can weed out the number of people to do a PAT, by seeing how many people will actually fill out the supplemental first.