How to Become a Game Warden in Kansas

Kansas Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

With its unsullied plains and famous national parks, men and women who have career interests in both law enforcement and outdoor conservation have the right stuff to become of Kansas natural resource officer. Officers in Kansas are responsible for enforcing the state’s fish, wildlife, boating, and natural resource laws and regulations. Staff members also inspect and license game breeders, and regulate controlled shooting areas for safety purposes.

The role of a natural resource officer is a challenging one, which means that all applicants should be prepared to demonstrate that they have the knowledge, skills and abilities to be considered job ready. In order to help candidates succeed, outlined here are the minimum qualifications for game wardens in the state of Kansas - as outlined on the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism website, eligibility criteria include:

Natural Resource Officer Basic Job Qualifications

Age: 21 years of age or older at the time of appointment

Citizenship: Proof of U.S. Citizenship or naturalization documents are required, as well as proof of residency in the state

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

Military Service: Kansans who are former military require an honorable discharge

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 been currently placed on probation
• Not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude
• Not convicted of a crime 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; Bachelor’s degree in natural resources; additional experience may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the agency.

Additional Credentials

Certification as a law enforcement officer by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Commission while an employee is on ‘conditional’ status

Additional Requirements:

• Personal information registration form (to obtain a State of Kansas Applicant ID Number)
• A letter of interest
• A resume
• College transcript
• Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism employment application
• A Release of Information Authorization form to facilitate a background check
• A Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate with declaration

Interview: Candidates will have a formal panel interview with senior officers and human resources personnel to evaluate experience, knowledge, and demeanor

Medical Evaluation and Psychological Screening

Medical evaluation: Candidates must be in good health for a physically active outdoor role in law enforcement.

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

Vision: The applicant must have good corrected or uncorrected binocular vision, and have color vision consistent with the demands of the job.

Physical Readiness: The applicant must successfully complete a physical readiness test showing that they are 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: Candidates must have sound psychological and emotional health suitable for their potential job.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrate effective use of English including grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and composition; reading and comprehension for oral and verbal communication
• Demonstrate effective use of mathematics including advanced arithmetic, basic accounting, estimating, and data collection
• Demonstrate skills in additional languages.
• Knowledge of current principles and practices of habitat resources, law enforcement and wildlife management
• 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
• Remain committed to professional development
• Effectively operate and negotiate a 4-wheel drive vehicle, snowmobile, or ATV on rugged terrain for pursuit and patrol
• Effectively use firearms and train others on firearm usage and safety
• Familiarity with state and federal laws and regulations related to wildlife and the environment
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to engage with members of the public in a courteous manner;
• Ability to work without supervision

Salaries for Game Wardens with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism

The Kansas Department of Labor reported the annual salaries and hourly wages for game wardens working with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism as of 2015:

Annual:

• Entry-level – $44,220
• Mean - $45,450
• Experienced - $46,075

Hourly:

• Entry-level – $21.26
• Mean - $21.85
• Experienced - $22.15

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Park, and Tourism

512 SE 25th Ave.
Pratt, KS 67124
Phone: (620) 672-5911
http://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Law-Enforcement