How to Become a Fish And Wildlife Officer in Washington

Have you been searching for information on how to become a game warden in Washington? We have compiled some important information for you on your path to working as a Washington game warden or wildlife officer.

Requirements to Become a Game Warden in Washington

Age: 21 years old or older is required during the period of school entry in Washington.

Permit: A legal Washington-issued driver’s license is needed.

Military Service: Applicants that are former members of the USA military require ‘Under Honest States’ release documentation.

Candidates are subject to references test and an intensive background investigation before being eligible for hire. A Polygraph evaluation and a urinalysis can also be performed.

Disqualifying components can consist of the following:

  • Convicted of a felony in another state or Washington
  • Charged using a felony found to be mentally incapable
  • Hooked on, or in danger of becoming dependent on, narcotics
  • Unsuccessful drug testing

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Washington Game Warden Training

720 hours of training on law enforcement strategies that are fundamental to prepare recruits for the authority to pursue, to detain, and to use force, when needed, as sheriff’s deputies and municipal police officers.

Interview: Nominees will usually 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 ensure that he or she is in good health.

Hearing: The applicant must have hearing sufficient to perform all of the critical responsibilities of the job, including directional, long distance and voice dialogue hearing.

Physical Preparation:

The applicant has to maintain proper physical conditioning and be adept at swimming. Applicants must successfully complete each element of the physical preparation testing:

  • 300-meter run
  • Push-ups
  • Sit-ups
  • 5-mile run/walk

Mental Illness: Applicants will take part in a psychological assessment to find out their suitability.

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Desirable Abilities and Qualifications to Become a Washington Game Warden

  • Required to effectively utilize various firearms and weapons
  • Capable on horseback, boats, by airplane, as well as in many different vehicles
  • Show an aptitude for composing reports and gathering and maintaining evidence, and testifying in court.
  • Skill at gathering and reporting informative data on the states of their habitat and wildlife, as well as fish
  • Readiness to professionally and enthusiastically represent the bureau at Washington assemblies and schools of special interest groups
  • Efficiently work and negotiate a vehicle
  • Professional school or development classes in natural resource management, criminology, psychology, business sciences or management
  • Power to work with word processing, spreadsheet, database and e-mail applications in a networked environment
  • Power to make small vehicle repairs
  • Capable of utilizing professional degree English grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and writing; comprehension and reading
  • Capable of making use of foundational mathematics skills including estimate, payroll/accounts receivable, and advanced arithmetic

Washington Game Warden Requirements

Washington Game Warden Salary

How Much Does a Game Warden Make a Year in Washington?

Game wardens in Washington take home a great salary while pursuing a fulfilling career protecting fish and game of their state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average game warden in the state of Washington can make a median salary of $55,780 per year.

Contact Info:

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

600 Capitol Way N.
Olympia, WA 98501-1091
Phone: (360) 902-2200

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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.