How to Become a Game Warden in Nebraska

Nebraska Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

Nebraska’s game and parks conservation technicians both love working outdoors and find a tremendous amount of job satisfaction by enforcing conservation laws. Their activities as law enforcement officers range from checking hunting licenses and bag limits to conducting surveillance to apprehend poachers.

However, the role of these technicians encompasses many other types of activities. These range from offering hunting and boating safety courses to making presentations to student groups to educate them on conservation issues.

Having a thorough understanding of what the Nebraska Fish and Game Commission looks for in its conservation technicians will help applicants demonstrate the knowledge and passion they can bring to the Commission.

Nebraska Fish and Game Commission Basic Job Qualifications

The website of the Nebraska Fish and Game Commission provides additional details on the application process and posts notices of positions. Shown below are the minimum qualifications for Nebraska game wardens:

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

Citizenship: Proof of U.S. citizenship or of permanent resident alien status who is eligible for citizenship and has applied for it; must be a citizen and Nebraska resident at time of appointment

License: A valid Nebraska-issued driver’s license is required. Individuals must agree to participate in driver training programs through the state as they arise.

Military Service: If formerly a member of the U.S. military, 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 background check in order to continue the application process. Disqualifying elements include:

• Convicted of a felony in any state
• Convicted of any offense punishable by a year or more in prison

Academic Credentials: High school diploma or GED is required. While no formal requirements exist to become a Game Warden in Nebraska, candidates with more relevant experience and post-secondary education fare better through the application process.

Additional Requirements:

• A personality profile appraisal
• The TABE test for adult education
• An assessment of job related skills

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 and produce a signed affidavit indicating that they are able to physically perform the duties of a wildlife officer prior to employment.

Hearing: Candidates should have a ‘normal’ range of hearing and may be subject to a hearing test.

Vision: Vision uncorrected or corrected to “normal” 20/20 standard. Full binocular vision with no evidence of color blindness or other impairments is required.

Physical and Psychological Readiness

Physical Readiness: The candidate must be healthy and able to perform to the state’s minimum time/strain standards for exertion on the job.

Psychological Condition: Candidates must have suitable mental health for the responsibilities of the role.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications

• Required to carry and use various firearms and weaponry
• Innovative, intuitive and engaging while on patrol
• 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 Nebraska 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
• Mechanical aptitude and logical thinking
• 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 languages are an asset

Salaries for Game and Parks Conservation Officers

The July 2016 pay plan of the State Personnel Division of the Nebraska State Government – Administrative Services provides salary information for game and parks conservation officers and their supervisors.

Conservation Officers

Conservation officers earned at least $44,990, with the potential to earn up to $64,064 depending on factors that include education, experience and holding a specialized role within the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.  This represents an hourly wage range from $21.63 to $30.80.

Conservation Officer Supervisor:

The minimum salaries conservation officer supervisors earn depends on factors that include whether or not they work in a seasonal capacity or have attained permanent status.

• Minimum: $49,400 ($23.75 hourly)
• Minimum permanent: $51,875 ($24.94 hourly)

Midpoint and maximum salaries shown here are for supervisors who have achieved permanent status:

• Midpoint: $61,776 ($29.70 hourly)
• Maximum: $74,110 ($30.80 hourly)

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

2200 N. 33rd St. Lincoln
NE 68503
Phone: (402) 471-0641
http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/admin/commission/conservation.asp