Have you been searching for information on how to work as a game warden in Tennessee? We have compiled some important information for you on your path to working as a Tennessee game warden. We want to facilitate you in pursuing your goal of working effectively as a game warden or Tennessee wildlife officer.
Requirements to Become a Game Warden in Tennessee
Age: 21 years old or older is required at the point of academy entry in Tennessee.
Citizenship: For those who are eligible and have applied for citizenship: proof of U.S. citizenship or of permanent resident alien status. Mandatory to be a resident of Tennessee during the period of appointment.
Permit: A legal Tennessee-issued driver’s license is needed.
Military Service: Applicants that are former members of the USA military require ‘Under Honorable States’ release documentation.
Work Qualifications: Candidates must provide documentation proving eligibility and identity for U.S. employment.
Legal History: As one proceeds through the application process, one must pass an intensive background check. Disqualifying facts include the following:
- Convicted of a felony in another state, or Tennessee
- Hooked on, or in danger of becoming dependent on drugs
- Convicted, and committed to your state institution
- Unsuccessful drug testing before employment
Tennessee Game Warden Education and Training Requirements
A high school diploma or GED is mandatory and wildlife officers in Tennessee will need to have a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following: forestry, environmental or biological sciences, wildlife, fisheries, or natural resources management.
Throughout the 8-week class, new officers will gain the abilities that are instrumental to becoming an effective game warden:
- National (and Tennessee) wildlife laws and regulations
- Training for firearms
- Techniques for law enforcement
- Court processes and practices that are best
Interview: Nominees will need to have a face-to-face panel interview during the later phases of the application procedure.
Medical Condition: An accredited doctor must examine the applicant to make sure that he, or she, is in good health.
Hearing: The applicant must have unaided hearing sufficient to perform every one of the critical responsibilities and functions of a wildlife officer, including directional, long distance and voice dialogue hearing.
Eyesight: Visual acuity correctable to 20/20 in each eye. Standard binocular color vision using a a full periphery field is mandatory. Applicants who’ve undergone corrective surgery for visual deficiencies could have to submit additional medical data.
Physical Preparation: The applicant has to maintain sound physical condition and be adept at swimming. Applicants must successfully complete each element of the physical preparation testing.
Mental Illness: Nominees will need to have appropriate mental health for the duties of the job.
Desirable Abilities and Qualifications to Become a Tennessee Game Warden
- Required to identify and utilize various firearms
- Capable on horseback, boats, by airplane, as well as in many different vehicles
- Show an aptitude for composing reports and preserving evidence, gathering information, and testifying in court
- Capability to organize and advertise hunter education programs
- Capability to gather and report advice on wildlife/fish and the states of their habitat
- Professional school or development classes in natural resource management, criminology, psychology, business sciences or management
- Competent use of word processing, spreadsheet, database and e-mail applications in a networked environment
- Capability to effectively use professional degree English grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and writing; comprehension and reading
- Skilled at making use of foundational mathematics skills, including estimate, payroll/accounts receivable, and advanced arithmetic
Salary Information for Fish and Game Wardens in Tennessee
Game wardens in Tennessee take home a great salary while pursuing a fulfilling career protecting fish and game in their state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average game warden in the state of Tennessee makes a median salary of $68,070 per year.
Contact Info:
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
440 Hogan Rd.
Nashville, TN 37220
Phone: (615) 741-2958
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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.