How to Become a Game Warden in Arkansas

Arkansas Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

People who thrive in the outdoors and have a strong sense of justice, and considerable physical endurance may consider a career with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Called a Wildlife Officer, these individuals carry full police authority and have statewide jurisdiction.

Wildlife Officers work to apprehend poachers, enforce boating laws, and enforce laws that protect threatened and endangered species in the state. Finally, teaching and advocacy is an important part of the role, as the job will involve teaching safety and conservation to hunters, fishers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Arkansas’ Wildlife Officers are responsible for undertaking a challenging set of duties.

Shown here are the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the role of Wildlife Officer in the state of Arkansas. Please note that additional information as well as current openings are available through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website.

Basic Job Qualifications to Become an Arkansas Wildlife Officer

Age: 21 years of age or older is required in Arkansas at the time of application

Citizenship: Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required as part of the application package

License: A valid Arkansas-issued driver’s license is required. Evidence of a ‘good’ driving record must be provided

Military Service: If formerly a member of the military, a discharge "Under Honorable Conditions" is required.

Work Eligibility: New employees must present original documents that establish identity and eligibility for U.S. employment opportunities as per federal law – this includes careers with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Background and Legal History: Applicants must pass an intensive background investigation in order to continue the application process. Qualifying elements include:

• Not used, transported, or purchased an illegal controlled substance
• Not illegally manufactured, transported, purchased, distributed, or sold a controlled substance
• Not currently on court-ordered probation
• Not ever convicted of a felony offense, or a crime of sexual/family violence

Academic Credentials: Formal equivalent of a high school diploma/ Bachelor’s degree in natural science, criminology, criminal justice, or a related field OR four years of certified law enforcement or military police experience OR an equivalent combination of related education and experience to be determined by the department

Additional Requirements: Complete Arkansas law enforcement certification training. Complete the AGFC's basic wildlife officer law enforcement training academy and field training within one year of employment.

Preparing for the AGFC Training Academy

Commission Training: A course certifying candidates as ready to continue the Game Warden application process is a minimum 16 weeks. Training includes:

• Procedures for routine and criminal matters
• Location and state specific training focusing on Arkansas terrain and regulations
• Firearms training, safe handling
• Small vehicle (snowmobile, ATV) training
• Trafficking enforcement
• Additional training specific to timely state issues and objectives

Interview: Successful candidates will have a face-to-face panel interview during the later stages of the application process

Medical Condition: The applicant must be examined by a licensed physician and produce a signed affidavit indicating that they are able to physically perform the duties of a wildlife trooper prior to employment.

Hearing: The applicant must meet the minimal standard hearing test as issued by a medical or technical professional with or without hearing aids, including long distance, directional and voice conversation hearing.

Vision: The applicant must have binocular vision with or without corrective lenses or contact lenses, as well as uninterrupted peripheral vision of 140 degrees or better, have night vision and not experience red-green colorblindness.

Physical Readiness: The applicant must successfully complete a physical readiness test as part of the state trooper training. Candidates must be able to swim unaided.

Applicants must successfully complete each component of the physical readiness testing.

Psychological Condition: The applicant must be in suitable psychological and emotional health as certified by a psychologist’s affidavit in order to proceed to employment

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to create and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to carry out duties without direct supervision
• Ability to maintain working relationships within and outside of the department
• Ability to operate, repair and maintain vehicles and other assigned equipment.
• Ability to handle firearms safely and exercise self-defense.
• Adherence to federal, state and local regulations across applicable agencies
• Creation and deployment of effective policies and procedures relating to forestry and natural resources
• Facility with computer spreadsheet and word processing software; proprietary programs will be also used
• Effectively operate and negotiate a 4-wheel drive vehicle and snowmobile on rugged terrain

Salary Ranges for Wildlife Officers in Arkansas

Game wardens who work for the state of Arkansas can earn up to $62,115 a year according to data published in 2017. According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s brochure on “Becoming a Wildlife Officer,” entry-level game wardens are paid $33,816.

The Arkansas Office of Personnel provides the full incremental salary steps for game wardens at various points in their careers:

• Entry Salary - $33,816
• Base Salary - $35,946
• Midpoint Salary - $46,730
• Career Salary - $62,115

Arkansas Game and Fish Comission

2 Natural Resources Dr.
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (800) 364-4263
http://www.agfc.com/enforcement/Pages/EnforcementWildlifeOfficer.aspx