How to Become a Game Warden in Iowa

Iowa Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

With both Iowa’s eastern and western borders formed entirely by rivers, the state is central to the American Heartland. As such, those individuals that enjoy working outdoors and who also have an interest in law enforcement would be ideal candidates for conservation officer jobs in the state.

Sometimes called game wardens, Iowa’s conservation officers are fully certified peace officers responsible for environmental protection of fisheries, wildlife, parks and forested lands. As peace officers, conservation officers have the authority to enforce any Iowa law at any time.

Deputized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Iowa’s conservation officers can cross state lines in pursuit of federal violators. For those who are motivated by justice, this career path has exciting opportunities for growth and advancement.

Conservation officers use education, presence, and enforcement action in order to manage the activities of hunters and fishers among their many other job responsibilities. This means the job is a challenging one and only the finest candidates are selected for hire. Listed below are the minimum qualifications to apply for the role of Conservation Officer in Iowa. Further information, videos and job postings can be found on Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources website:

Basic Qualifications for Jobs with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

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

Citizenship: Proof of U.S. citizenship or naturalization documents are required, as is proof of state residency

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

Military Service: A discharge "Under Honorable Conditions" is required of any former member of the military

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:

• No addictions to drugs or alcohol
• Good moral character
• Not currently been placed on court-ordered probation
• Not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude
• Never convicted of a felony offense
• No record of domestic violence, misdemeanor or otherwise
• Not been convicted of perjury or false statement
• Never been discharged or resigned under threat of discharge from any law enforcement position

Academic Credentials: Completion of high school or GED is required

Additional Requirements:

• Transcripts
• Results of Initial Testing including Cognitive Survey, Writing ability assessment, Vocational interest inventory exam, Personality Profile Application Process and Screening

Interview: Candidates will have a panel interview with enforcement officers designed to evaluate experience and knowledge in the areas of hunting, fishing, boating and related outdoor activities. Officers will evaluate appearance, demeanor, verbal skills and ability to make ethical judgment at this time and throughout the hiring process

Polygraph Test: A series of questions detailing past experience with substance abuse and criminal activity.

Medical Evaluation and Physical Readiness

Medical evaluation: The candidate will be evaluated by a medical professional to ensure that he or she is in satisfactory health.

Hearing: The applicant must be able to demonstrate good hearing with or without hearing aids

Vision: The applicant must have better than 20/100 uncorrected vision with both eyes, corrected to 20/20, and have color vision consistent with the demands of the job.

Physical Readiness: The applicant must successfully complete a physical readiness test showing that he or she is able to complete performance as shown on the state’s minimal physical fitness performance requirements chart, consisting of:

• Sit and Reach
• Sit-ups
• Push-ups
• 1.5 mile run

Psychological Condition: The applicant must be in suitable psychological and emotional health according to medical criteria

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrate effective use of English including both written and oral formats.
• Demonstrate effective use of mathematics including advanced arithmetic, basic accounting, estimating, and data collection
• Demonstrated bilingualism is an asset.
• Computer spreadsheet, word processing, email, GIS, and database knowledge in a networked environment is required; the state uses proprietary programs for training and information delivery
• Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships within and outside of the department
• Effectively utilize boats, snowmobiles, and ATVs for patrol and pursuit
• Effectively use firearms and train others on firearm usage and safety
• Professional development criminal justice, biology, fish and wildlife management
• A history of volunteer or paid participation in outdoor recreation
• Basic knowledge of the principles of fish and game management;
• Basic knowledge of the principles of nature conservations;
• High moral character, demonstrating integrity and honesty;
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to deal with members of the public in a courteous manner
• Ability to work without supervision

Salaries for Conservation Officers with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Iowa Workforce Development reported that the median salary among conservation officers was $62,303 as of 2016. This salary exceeds the national average for game wardens by more than 20%. Entry-level game wardens earned $48,975 on average, while those in the top 10% averaged $71,193.

Game wardens who work for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are known as conservation officers and are official peace officers for the state. The state’s Department of Administrative Services provides the minimum and maximum salaries for conservation officers in Iowa as of fiscal year 2017:

• Annual: $48,006 - $72,155
• Hourly: $23.08 - $36.11

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319-0034
Phone: (515) 725-8200
http://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/DNR-Staff-Offices/Conservation-Law-Enforcement