How to Become a Game Warden in West Virginia

West Virginia Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

The ideal candidate for a natural resources police officer combines a strong sense of justice with law enforcement expertise and an exhaustive knowledge of the animal and plant life of West Virginia.

Such candidates are more likely to proceed through the hiring process if they assertively present their skills and expertise for a natural resources officer position.

West Virginia Natural Resources Job Qualifications

Additional information on the requirements to become a natural resources police officer can be found on the employment tab of the West Virginia Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division website. Eligibility criteria are shown below:

Age: 18 years of age or older is at the time of application

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 of West Virginia at the time of appointment.

License: A valid West Virginia-issued driver’s license is required to apply for this role. Individuals must maintain a good driving record.

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 check in order to continue the application process; polygraph testing and urinalysis may be included in the background check process. Disqualifying background details include:

• Convicted of a felony in West Virginia or in any other state;
• Convicted of any offense in any state which would have been a felony if committed in West Virginia;
• Convicted of any offense which precludes carrying a firearm
• Failed drug test

Academic Credentials: High school diploma or its equivalent. Bachelor's degree with a ‘declared’ major in wildlife or biology OR an associate’s (2 year) degree in a suitable field plus 2 years paid experience in natural resources OR employment for a period of four years as a certified law enforcement officer OR an associate’s degree in natural sciences, law enforcement, criminology or criminal justice plus two years of military police service or two years continuous employment as a certified law enforcement officer

Post Training for Natural Resource Police Officers

POST Training: A course certifying candidates as peace officers readies them to continue the Wildlife Officer Application process. Training includes:

• Criminal, civil, and court proceedings
• Environment specific training
• Best practices for traffic management and officer patrol
• Firearms training
• Trafficking enforcement
• Additional specific training

Interview: Candidates will have an in-person 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: The applicant must have unaided hearing adequate to perform all the essential duties in the officer role.

Vision: Visual acuity correctable to 20/20 in each eye. Normal binocular color vision with a full field of periphery is required. Applicants who have had surgery to correct poor vision may require additional documentation.

Physical Readiness: The applicant must be in sound physical condition and able to swim 37.5 yards while fully clothed, as well as meet or exceed timed and ‘to-failure’ fitness testing based on gender and age.

Psychological Condition: Candidates must have suitable mental health for the responsibilities of the role.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications

• Must pass periodic firearms qualification and may be required to pass annual physical examinations
• Required to identify and safely use various firearms
• Innovative, intuitive and engaging while on patrol by a variety of means.
• Demonstrate an aptitude for collecting and preserving evidence, writing reports, and testifying in court.
• Ability to promote and coordinate hunter education programs
• Ability to collect and report information on the conditions of fish and wildlife and their habitat
• Willingness to enthusiastically and professionally represent the agency at West Virginia schools and meetings of special interest groups
• 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
• Mechanical aptitude and logical thinking.
• 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

Natural Resources Police Officer Salaries

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the most experienced natural resources police officers in West Virginia whose salaries fall within the top 10% earned an average of $53,220 ($24.59/hour) in 2017.  The median salary was $40,030 ($19.25/hour) that year, while the average was slightly higher at $41,540 ($19.57/hour).

The West Virginia Division of Personnel provides the salaries for natural resources police officers at all ranks and levels of authority as of 2017:

• Natural Resources Police Officer – $27,141
• Natural Resources Police Officer, Corporal – $37,508
• Natural Resources Police Officer, Sergeant – $41,684
• Natural Resources Police Officer, First Sergeant – $43,772
• Natural Resources Police Officer, Lieutenant – $47,948
• Natural Resources Police Officer, Major – $52,124
• Natural Resources Police Officer, Lieutenant Colonel – $54,212

West Virginia Department of Natural Resources

324 Fourth Ave
South Charleston, WV 25303
Phone: (304) 558-2784
http://www.wvdnr.gov/LEnforce/8550.shtm