How to Become a Game Warden in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

Although their primary job duties involve managing fish and game regulations, Wisconsin’s conservation wardens also may be called upon to enforce any state law. The diverse set of skills required indicates that applicants should be well prepared and expect intense competition.

Applicants who can assertively promote their expertise and relevant skills will be better equipped to face this competition when they apply for a job as a conservation warden.

Basic Job Qualifications with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Applicants can find additional information and job postings on the website of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Eligibility criteria are shown below:

Age: 18 years of age or older when academy training begins

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 Wisconsin resident at the time of hire.

License: A valid Wisconsin-issued driver’s license is required. Individuals must agree to participate in driver safety training opportunities 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 in-depth personal and professional investigation in order to continue the application process. Disqualifying elements can include:

• Convicted of a felony in Wisconsin or any other state;
• Convicted of any offense in any state which would have been a felony if committed in Wisconsin;
• Convicted of any offense which precludes you from carrying a firearm under State or federal law
• Failed urinalysis drug testing prior to or during employment
• Record of domestic or sexual violence

Academic Credentials: High school diploma or GED is required. A minimum of 60 credits from an accredited university or college with a concentration in natural resources, environmental protection, law enforcement or related fields is required.

Additional Requirements: Online exam

Written assessment

Law Enforcement Certification Training

520 hours over the first year of conditional employment

Field Placement

• 1-year assigned to a senior warden as a mentor
• Takes place in a temporarily assigned county or station

Interview: Candidates will have a face-to-face interview with members of the Conservation Warden team 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 ‘normal’ long distance, directional, and voice conversation hearing.

Vision: Vision corrected to 20/20 in each eye. Normal color vision with no other conditions is required for the role.

Physical Readiness: The applicant must be in sound physical condition. Physical readiness testing includes benchmarks for:

• Running
• Push-ups
• Weightlifting
• Sit-ups
• Vertical jump
• Flex box testing
• Swim test
• Water confidence assessment

Psychological Condition: The applicant must be in robust psychological and emotional health to be considered fit for training and subsequent hire

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications

• Use and carry various firearms safely and effectively
• Capable of patrolling on foot, on horseback, by plane, boats, and in a variety of vehicles
• 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 Wisconsin 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
• 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 language(s) are an asset

Salaries for Conservation Wardens

Wisconsin’s conservation wardens earned an average salary of $51,390 ($24.71/hour) as of 2015 according to the state’s Department of Workforce Development.  The median was virtually the same at $51,430 ($24.72), while experienced wardens earned an average of $57,740 ($27.76).

The State of Wisconsin Division of Personnel Management provides the full range of salaries, from a minimum of $45,864 ($22.05/hour) for entry-level wardens with minimal education and experience to a maximum of $67,080 ($32.25/hour) for those with years of experience and strong credentials.

Wisonsin Department of Natural Resources

101 S Webster Street, PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Phone: (608) 219-4887
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wardenrecruitment/NewRecruitSite/light-wave/template/home.html#services