What Do You Need to Become a Game Warden?
Game wardens are state employees who uphold state and federal laws that apply to fish and wildlife. Education requirements vary by state. Some states require their game wardens to have a bachelor's degree. Whether the state requires it or not ,holding a four year degree in biology, criminal justice or environmental sciences will help those candidates in their job hunt as it distinguishes them from other candidates.
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Main Duty
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A game warden's main duty is to enforce laws pertaining to game and fish, including boating, fishing and hunting laws and regulations. They typically patrol their jurisdictions on the lookout for poachers or law breakers on a daily basis. Their patrols may include beaches, lakes, rivers, coastlines and mountains. Some work from home and some are assigned to a specific park. Game wardens have the right to confiscate fish, game or equipment that is used in a wildlife infraction.
Supplemental Duties
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Game wardens are commissioned peace officers who may also be required to help in emergencies, such as missing people, injuries, accidents and keeping people safe from wild animals that may be dangerous. Another duty they may be required to perform is holding educational and safety programs for the public.
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Education
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Although not all game wardens hold a college degree, many states do require one and most game warden's degrees are in criminal justice, natural resources, zoology, conservation, biology, environmental science, forestry or wildlife preservation. Many states require at least 60 hours of college coursework. Many states also require that the candidate attend the state's police academy and pass written and physical tests. Some states require that the prospective game warden serve as a police officer for two years before becoming a game warden. This may also be waived it the candidate has served in the military. Even if the game warden's state does not require a degree the candidate must have knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to fish and game, including fishing, hunting, boating and environmental regulations.
Skills
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A game warden must consistently work with people; therefore, good people skills are a requirement. They must also demonstrate good judgment, be physically fit, have a solid working knowledge of the outdoors and the law and be able to work independently.
Salary
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2008 wage statement for fish and game wardens states their mean annual salary to be $56,000. States with the highest number of game wardens are South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Maine and West Virginia.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit do not feed the wildlife image by Charlene Bayerle from Fotolia.com
