How to Become a Game Warden in Idaho

Idaho Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

Idaho’s rugged terrain and outdoor habitats have long seen the need for regulation to preserve their usefulness and beauty. The state is proud of its progressive history of conservation enforcement under the watchful eye of Conservation Officers, formerly known as game wardens.

Since 1978, each Conservation Officer has been required to become a certified Peace Officer, which requires post-secondary education, motivation, a refined sense of justice and ethics, and a love for the outdoors. There are opportunities for qualified candidates to have a successful and satisfying career even in a competitive job market.

While their foremost commitment is to managing and enforcing fish and game regulations, as Peace Officers, they may be called upon to enforce any Idaho-state law. Officers also promote and coordinate classes on firearm, hunting and boating safety, as well as collect data on fish and wildlife populations and their habitats. This diverse set of duties means only the most qualified candidates are considered.

Listed below are the minimum qualifications needed to apply to become a Conservation Officer in the state of Idaho. Additional information as well as job postings are available through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website.

Idaho Conservation Officer Job Qualifications

Age: 21 years of age or older is required at the time of the start of training

Citizenship: Proof of U.S. Citizenship or naturalization documents are required; proof of Idaho residency is also a requirement

License: A valid Idaho-issued driver’s license is required.

Military Service: If formerly a member of any branch of the United States military branches, 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 – applicants must be eligible to accept employment before the process continues.

Background and Legal History: Applicants must pass an intensive fingerprint background check in order to continue the application process to ensure that candidates have:

• Never been convicted of domestic violence
• Never possessed or traded a controlled substance
• Are not currently on probation
• Never been convicted of a felony offense

Academic Credentials: Must have completed a high school diploma or equivalent; have a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management or a similar field, and possess knowledge of fish and wildlife management practices

Additional Requirements

Meet POST Entrance Exam requirements

Interview: Candidates will have an oral interview to evaluate character, as well as relevant experience with senior officials

Medical evaluation: The candidate will be in ‘good’ medical health according to POST requirements

Hearing: The applicant must be able to hear without significant loss.

Vision: The preferred applicant will have good vision in both eyes and may use corrective lenses.

Physical Readiness Testing and POST Training

Physical Readiness: The preferred applicant must successfully complete POST’s physical readiness testing consisting of running, strength and swimming tests

Psychological Condition: The applicant must be in suitable psychological and emotional health as evaluated

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrate effective use of English the various aspects of business English, including reading, report creation, listening and oral communication.
• Demonstrate effective use of mathematics including advanced arithmetic, basic accounting, estimating, and data collection
• Demonstrate any additional languages used at a casual to professional level
• Knowledge of current principles and practices of habitat resources, law enforcement and wildlife management
• Automated spreadsheet, computer word processing, email, GIS, and database knowledge in a networked environment is required; the state uses proprietary programs for training and information delivery
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to follow the guidance of supervisors and adhere to department policy;
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Possessing good character

Salaries for Conservation Officers with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game

According to the Idaho Department of Labor, as of 2015 the state’s game wardens earned $47,260 ($22.72 an hour) on average, while those in the top 10% averaged $54,020 ($25.97 an hour).

Idaho’s Department of Human Resources reported on salaries for conservation officers with the Department of Fish and Game for fiscal year 2017. The minimum and maximum salary for each position is shown below:

• Conservation Officer: $32,053 - $57,221
• Conservation Officer, Senior: $40,518 - $72,363
• Conservation Officer, District: $45,802 - $81,806
• Conservation Officer, Regional: $50,600 - $90,375

Idaho Fish and Game

P.O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0066
Phone: (208) 334-2263
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/enforce/?getPage=204