How to Become a Game Warden in Wyoming

Game wardens in Wyoming work for the state’s Game and Fish Department which administers more than 400,000 acres of land. Wyoming’s diverse habitats include valleys, rivers, forests, and prairies, making it a paradise for game wardens to work in. In fact, the Game and Fish Department oversees approximately 100 species of wildlife and fish.

In addition to enforcing conservation efforts, Wyoming’s game wardens also collect data on bird, game, and fish populations and create educational presentations for the public to inform them about hunting and fishing regulations and the need to conserve the state’s habitats.

Since game wardens in Wyoming are responsible for a large amount of territory under their jurisdiction, the jobs are both physically and mentally challenging. However, many residents seek this challenge and are driven to become game wardens for the state of Wyoming. The Game and Fish Department carefully reviews applications to ensure that they hire only the best and brightest.

Wyoming Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

The ideal candidates for game warden positions in Wyoming are men and women with an aptitude for both law enforcement and conservation practice. Ideally these applicants should have experience in both of these areas.

The hiring process is highly selective. Therefore, all applicants must be prepared to demonstrate their experience and knowledge and show how they would be an asset to the Department if hired.

Basic Job Qualifications with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department

The website of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department provides additional information on the hiring process along with job vacancies. Eligibility criteria are shown below:

Age: 18 years of age or older when entering the academy

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 Wyoming resident at the time of appointment as a game warden.

License: A valid Wyoming-issued driver’s license is required. Individuals must maintain a record of ‘good’ driving.

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 a background check in order to continue the application process. The department may disqualify candidates who have been:

  • Convicted of a felony in Wyoming or any other state
  • Convicted of any offense in any state which would have been a felony if committed in Wyoming
  • Convicted of a crime of violence or sexual offense
  • Convicted of any offense which precludes you from carrying a firearm
  • Failed urinalysis drug test
  • Failed polygraph test

Academic Credentials: High school diploma or its equivalent. A bachelor’s degree in wildlife or natural resource management, biology or biological sciences are required. Degrees in criminal justice, law enforcement, and outdoor recreation do not meet the hiring standard.

Additional Requirements: Wyoming Game Warden Examination

Preparing for Post Training

POST Training:

13-week Peace Officer Basic Training Course at the Wyoming State Law Enforcement Academy which covers:

  • Criminal and civil interactions
  • Court proceedings
  • Traffic and patrol practices
  • Firearms training
  • Trafficking enforcement
  • Additional specific training
  • Pursuit and patrol over terrain
  • Boat and vehicle search and seizure
  • Courtroom testimony and practices
  • Best practices for evidence-gathering

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 with and without ambient noise, and may be subject to a hearing test.

Vision: Vision correctable to 20/20 in each eye. Normal binocular color vision with a full field of periphery is required. No other vision conditions are present.

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:

  • Aerobic capacity (cardiovascular endurance)
  • Strength
  • Flexibility
  • Body weight/composition
  • Timed benchmarks for sit-ups, push-ups, and 12-minute walk/run
  • Candidates will be assessed throughout the training period and periodically throughout employment.

Psychological Condition: The applicant must be in suitable psychological and emotional health to complete training and be eligible for hire

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications

  • Have good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
  • Have a passion for wildlife ecology, species identification, and habitat management/conservation
  • Have knowledge of game and fish statutes and regulations
  • Be proficient at a variety of outdoor skills, including horseback riding
  • Hone proficiency in the use and care of firearms
  • Have a working knowledge of computer software and hardware, including those in a networked environment, those in a field environment, and peripheral devices like printers and cameras
  • Efficiently use, maintain and repair equipment used on the job
  • Provide input to, and follow a budget, as well as create reports
  • Teach members of the public about safety and conservation issues
  • Innovative, intuitive and engaging while on patrol by a variety of means.

Salaries for Game Wardens with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department

Salary data from the Wyoming Department of Employment indicates that game wardens in the state earn significantly more than many of their colleagues throughout the U.S. At $61,839 ($29.72/hour), the median salary among game wardens in Wyoming exceeded the national median for this profession by 20% ($10,109) as in 2016.

Wyoming’s game wardens earned an average salary of $56,879 ($27.35/hour), while those with the most experience whose salaries fell within the top 10% averaged $62,441 ($30.02/hour).

Earning an average of $43,959 ($21.13/hour), even entry-level wardens in Wyoming with salaries that fell within the bottom 10% earned more than more experienced wardens in many other states.

 

Wyoming Game and Fish Department

5400 Bishop Blvd
Cheyenne, WY 82006
Phone: (307) 777-4600
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/law-enforcement/law-enforcement-careers

School Programs

ProgramPrograms Offered

Casper College

125 College Dr, Casper, WY 82601-4699
Phone: (307) 268-2110
  • Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
  • Biology
  • Criminal Justice

Central Wyoming College

2660 Peck Avenue, Riverton, WY 82501
Phone: (800) 735-8418
  • Biology
  • Law Enforcement Administration
  • Security and Protective Services

Eastern Wyoming College

3200 West C St, Torrington, WY 82240-1699
Phone: (307) 532-8200
  • Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
  • Biology
  • Environmental Biology
  • Law Enforcement Administration

Laramie County Community College

1400 E College Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82007-3299
Phone: (307) 778-5222 x1357
  • Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
  • Biology
  • Law Enforcement Administration
  • Security and Protective Services

Northwest College

231 W 6th St, Powell, WY 82435
Phone: (307) 754-6000
  • Natural Resources Management and Policy
  • Biology
  • Law Enforcement Administration

Sheridan College

3059 S Coffeen Ave, Sheridan, WY 82801
Phone: (307) 674-6446 x0
  • Biology
  • Criminal Justice

University of Wyoming

Corner of Ninth and Ivinson, Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-1121
  • Natural Resources, Conservation
  • Biology
  • Botany, Plant Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Zoology and Animal Biology
  • Wildlife Biology
  • Ecology
  • Criminal Justice

Western Wyoming Community College

2500 College Dr, Rock Springs, WY 82902-0428
Phone: (307) 382-1600
  • Forestry
  • Biology
  • Wildlife Biology
  • Ecology
  • Law Enforcement Administration
  • Security and Protective Services