Have you been searching for information on how to work as a Game Warden in South Dakota? South Dakota game warden requirements are specific and should be followed closely. We have compiled some important information for you on your path to working as a Game Warden in South Dakota, or South Dakota Wildlife Officer.
Requirements to Become a Game Warden in South Dakota
Age: 21 years old or older is required in South Dakota during the period of academy entry.
Permit: People must consent to take part throughout the state in driver training programs as they appear.
Military Service: Applicants that are former members of the USA military require ‘Under Honorable States’ release documentation.
Work Qualifications: Candidates should be willing to turn over paperwork that confirms eligibility and identity for U.S. employment.
Legal History: As a way to carry on the application procedure, applicants must pass an intensive background investigation. Disqualifying components can include the following:
- Convicted of any violation which precludes you from carrying a firearm under national or state law
- Unsuccessful urinalysis before employment
Featured Schools
South Dakota Game Warden Education Requirements
An Associate’s degree, or Bachelor’s degree in the following areas of study, is highly favorable in your quest to become a South Dakota game warden.
- Criminal Justice
- Law Enforcement
- Biology
- Wildlife Management
- Land Management
South Dakota Game Warden Training
15-week training course found at various sites throughout the state that covers:
- Report writing
- Arrest and management techniques
- Firearms training
- Driving maneuvers
- Boating regulations and laws
Game wardens should periodically re-certify themselves in lessons covering the following:
- Firearms
- Defensive strategies
- Law enforcement
Discover online game warden educational opportunities in South Dakota that are a match for you!
Interview: Nominees are usually going to have a face-to-face panel interview during the later phases of the application procedure.
Medical Condition: An authorized doctor must examine the applicant to make sure that he or she is in good health.
Hearing: Nominees could be subject to a hearing evaluation to verify a “normal” range of hearing.
Eyesight: Vision corrected to 20/20 in each eye. Normal color vision is required. Applicants that have participated in vision correction surgery might have to discuss facts with the hiring officer.
Physical Preparation: The applicant must be of sound physical condition and be adept at swimming. Applicants must successfully complete each element of the physical preparation testing.
Mental Illness: Applicants will take part in a psychological assessment to learn their suitability.
Desirable Abilities and Qualifications to Become a South Dakota Game Warden
- Required to carry and utilize various weapons and firearms
- Efficiently use and negotiate a vehicle
- Professional school or development classes in natural resource management, criminology, psychology, business sciences or management
- Skilled with working word processing, spreadsheet, database and e-mail applications in a networked environment
- Capability to make use of software that is proprietary
- Skilled with taking part in work that is mechanical
- Talent for using professional grade English grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and writing; comprehension and reading
- Capability to work with foundational mathematics skills, including estimate, payroll/accounts receivable, and advanced arithmetic
South Dakota Game Warden Salary
Game wardens in South Dakota take home a great salary while pursuing a fulfilling career protecting fish and game of his or her state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average game warden in the state of South Dakota makes a median salary of $40,320 per year.
Contact Info:
South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
20641 SD Highway 1806
Fort Pierre, SD 57532
Phone: (605) 223-7660
Discover Programs for Game Wardens in South Dakota
(It’s fast and free!)
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.