How to Become Game Warden
Game wardens play important roles in helping maintain state parks and protecting the animals living there as well as people visiting. Most states, including Kansas and Kentucky, consider their game wardens to be law enforcement officers responsible for enforcing state park rules and fish and wildlife laws. Although the job can be rewarding, especially for people who enjoy working outdoors, it can take several years of education and training to become a game warden.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
-
-
1
Meet the minimum qualifications. States generally require an applicant interested in becoming a game warden to be 21 years of age or older as well as a U.S. citizen. California is one of the few states that allows permanent residents to apply for the position, although they must have obtained their citizenship by their start dates if hired. In addition, states require a valid driver's license with no serious violations, such as a DUI.
-
2
Earn a bachelor's degree. Game wardens must be educated in wildlife, biology and natural resource conversation to ensure they are adequately caring for the natural environment in the park that serves as a habitat to the park's animals. Most states, such as Texas and Kansas, require applicants for game warden positions to have bachelor's degrees in wildlife, natural resource conservation or a similar field.
-
3
Apply for a game warden position. Once you have earned your degree, you can apply for a game warden position with the state where you want to work by submitting a paper or online application. The appropriate staff at the state wildlife and parks department will review it and schedule an interview with you if you meet their qualifications.
-
4
Complete applicant requirements. After completing the interview, you are required to complete certain tasks to officially be accepted into training to become a game warden. These tasks can vary from state to state, but they generally include submitting to a background investigation, undergoing a physical and psychological exam and passing a physical readiness test consisting of running, swimming and other physical activities.
-
5
Attend cadet training. Each state hosts a cadet academy or training program for prospective game wardens that trains them in law enforcement, wildlife protection and other job responsibilities. States set the length of their training independently, which is why Texas training lasts for 30 weeks while California training is done in six months.
-
6
Pass the licensing exam. Because game wardens are considered law enforcement officers, many states require them to pass licensing exams as the final step before they can assume positions as game wardens. For example, Texas requires passing the state's peace officer licensing exam.
-
7
Accept a position as a game warden. Once you have completed cadet training and passed the licensing exam, you are ready to be placed as a game warden at a state park. Although you may get to preference a few parks at which you would like to be stationed, the ultimate decision of where you work is made by your state's department of wildlife and parks.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Your state may have specific vision and hearing requirements to become a game warden. Check with your state's department of wildlife and parks to ensure that you meet these requirements.
