Game wardens serve in a major law enforcement capacity and have full law enforcement powers to enforce laws and arrest violators; therefore, it is important to remember that there are specific game warden requirements and qualifications to work as a game warden. The following information represents the common qualifications for game warden jobs. Make sure that you pay close attention to the requirements to work as a Game Warden.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Game Warden Education and Requirements
For the most part candidates applying to be a game warden do not required prior work experience, although an education is required. Most candidates will required at least an associates degree in one of the following majors:
- Psychology
- Life science
- Law enforcement
- Police science
- Environmental studies
- Environmental science
- Biological sciences
- Wilderness survival
- Natural resources
- Zoology
- Plan taxonomy
- Geology
- Animal science
- Herpetology
- Water quality management
- Marine biology
- Life science
- Physics
- Police science
- Ecology
- Mammalogy
- Law enforcement
- Chemistry
- Wildlife management
- Botany
- Natural resources conservation
- Ornithology
- Fisheries management
- Mammalogy
- Geography
- Forestry
- Oceanography
In most states, game wardens will need to complete at least an undergraduate education in or to apply, although some agencies will allow previous military or police work substitute for the education requirements.
The fish and game warden requirements in a few states look for a undergraduate education in a environmental or criminal justice field. Candidates who posses an Associate’s degree will be able to apply if they have at least a couple years of law enforcement experience.
Some states such as Vermont, are will to admit candidates have work experience in stead of education. For example, you can have either 60 hours of coursework or a couple years of police, military or related work experience.
According to national agencies, ideal candidates would have an undergraduate education in a wildlife management, nature, or crime related field.
Game Warden Requirements
- Must be a United States Citizen
- In most states applicants must be 21 years of age and have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Those applying to for a national game warden job with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, you must be between the ages of 21 and 36.
- Must possess a current driving permit.
- Candidates must be a in great health both body and mind, as well as have a strong character.
- All aspects of health will be asses by a doctor through various mind and body tests. Those looking to become game wardens will also be required to complete hearing and vision requirements, as well.
- Although requirements differ from state to state, most physical test will consist of a push-up, sit-up, running, and swimming portion. Candidates will also be trained and evaluated on their use of firearms.
Game Warden Jobs (Disqualifying factors to look out for)
An individuals poor character can be anything that shows the candidates is dishonest, deceitful, or misrepresenting themselves, along other things. Candidates who possess these qualities prove that they a unfit to represent the state or federal agency.
Potentially disqualifying factors for conservation officer jobs can include:
- Ones who have been criminally involved with illegal substances in the last 10 years
- Ones that have ever had their license revoked or out of date
- Ones who possess a misdemeanor in the last five years
- Ones with a charge of driving under the influence or other extreme traffic violations in the last five years
- Ones with Class A road offenses in the last five years
- Ones with a state or federal felony conviction
- Ones with misdemeanor conviction/s related to sex crimes, domestic violence, and/or fraud
Online Game Warden Programs and Education
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Choose an area of study & concentration and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Federal and state game wardens are law enforcement officers and wildlife conservation specialists, so having a degree in an area like environmental science or wildlife management is just as important as experience in law enforcement.