How to Become a Game Warden in South Dakota

South Dakota Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

The best candidates for conservation officer positions in South Dakota combine physical aptitude, a love for the outdoors, and some experience in law enforcement. For the best shot at landing one of these positions, applicants should be expected to encounter fierce competition.

With such stiff competition, applicants who can effectively demonstrate law enforcement skills and some knowledge of the natural resource conservation issues the state faces are more likely to be considered.

Basic Qualifications to Work for the Game, Fish and Parks Agency

Residents who are interested in becoming a conservation officer can find job postings on the website of the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Agency.

Age: 21 years of age or older at the time of academy training

Citizenship: Proof of U.S. citizenship or of permanent resident alien status for those who are eligible and have applied for citizenship. Must be a resident of the state at the time of appointment.

License: A valid South Dakota-issued driver’s license is required. Individuals must agree to participate in driver training programs through the state as they arise.

Military Service: Applicants who are former members of the United States military require ‘Under Honorable Conditions’ discharge documentation.

Work Eligibility: New employees must present original documents that establish identity and eligibility for U.S. employment opportunities as per federal law – applicants must be eligible to accept employment before the process continues

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

• Having abused drugs
• Convicted of a felony
• Convicted of any offense which precludes you from carrying a firearm under state or federal law
• Failed urinalysis prior to employment

Academic Credentials: A bachelor’s degree in a field like Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Zoology, or Biology is advantageous.

Additional Requirements: State Bureau of Human Resources application

Law Enforcement Standards Training

Law Enforcement Standards Training: Basic 520-hour South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards Training Course

Game, Fish and Parks Conservation Officer Field Training:

• 15-week training program located at various sites across the state that covers:
• Report writing
• Arrest and control techniques
• Firearms training
• Game, fish, and parks laws
• Driving maneuvers
• Conducting surveillance and undercover operations
• Boating laws and regulations
• Recertification and Professional Development

Game wardens will need to periodically re-certify themselves in courses covering:

• Firearms
• Defensive tactics
• Law enforcement

Interview: 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 to ensure that they are in good health.

Hearing: Candidates should have a ‘normal’ range of hearing and may be subject to a hearing test to confirm this data.

Vision: Vision corrected to 20/20 in each eye. Normal color vision with no other conditions is required for the role. Applicants who have engaged in vision correction surgery may need to speak further with the hiring officer.

Physical Readiness: The applicant must be in sound physical condition and able to swim. Applicants must successfully complete each component of the physical readiness testing.

Psychological Condition: Applicants will participate in a psychological assessment to determine their suitability for hire.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications

• Required to carry and use various firearms and weaponry
• Effectively operate and negotiate a vehicle on rough terrain
• Professional development or college courses in natural resource management, criminology, psychology, business management or sciences
• Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, database and email software in a networked environment
• Ability to use proprietary software
• Ability to engage in mechanical work.
• Ability to use professional level English grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and composition; reading and comprehension
• Ability to use foundational math skills including advanced arithmetic, payroll/accounts receivable, and estimation
• Additional languages are an asset

Salaries for Conservation Officers with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department

The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation reported that conservation officers in the state earned an average salary of $40,310 ($19.38/hour) in 2016.  Officers earning within the top 25%, typical the more experienced members of the team, earned $46,550 ($22.38) on average, while those newer to the field earning within the bottom 25^th percentile made an average of $34,445 ($16.56/hour) that year.

South Dakota’s Bureau of Human Resources reported the range of salaries that conservation officers earned as of 2017.  Officers at the high end of the salary range earned 67% more than conservation officers just starting out:

• Annual: $31,320 – $52,200
• Hourly: $15.00 – $25.00

South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks

20641 SD Highway 1806
Fort Pierre, SD 57532
Phone: (605) 223-7660
http://gfp.sd.gov/agency/employment/position-conservation-officer.aspx