How to Become a Game Warden in Vermont

Vermont Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

Vermont’s game wardens enforce fishing, hunting, boat, snowmobile, and ATV laws in addition to general law enforcement duties. Ideal candidates for these positions combine a love of the outdoors with an appreciation for the role that law enforcement plays in protecting Vermont’s resources.

Applicants must be prepared to present evidence of their expertise and knowledge that will benefit both the Fish and Wildlife Department and the general public. Men and women with an in-depth knowledge of the requirements and application process are better prepared to demonstrate their suitability to become a game warden in Vermont.

Job Qualifications for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Division

Additional information for applicants and job postings can be found on the website of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Agency. Eligibility criteria are shown below:

Age: 18 years of age is the minimum requirement at the time of academy entrance

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 resident of Vermont at the time of employment.

License: Candidates must possess a valid Vermont motor vehicle operator’s license at the time of application.

Military Service: Applicants who are former members of the United States military require ‘Under Honorable Conditions’ discharge documentation.

Academic Credentials: High school diploma or its equivalent and at least one of the following:

• Sixty college credit hours in conservation or natural resources or criminal justice

OR

• Two years of law enforcement experience

OR

• Two years in the military

OR

• Two years of experience in the field of natural resources

Additional Requirements: Vermont Police Academy entrance exam

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 investigation in order to continue the application process. Disqualifying elements include:

• Right to operate a motor vehicle may not have been suspended or revoked within 12 months of application
• Convicted of a felony in Vermont or any other state;
• Convicted of an offense in any state that is a felony in Vermont
• Convicted of a crime of family or sexual violence
• Convicted of any offense which precludes you from carrying a firearm under State or federal law
• Failed drug testing

Interview: Candidates will have an oral panel question and answer session during the later stages of the application process with several members of the Fish and Wildlife Resources staff.

Physical and Psychological Readiness

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

Medical Condition: The applicant must be examined by a licensed physician to ensure that they are in good health.

Hearing: Candidates must possess normal hearing that includes hearing in ambient noise environments.

Vision: At least 20/60 Snellen test each eye and correctable to 20/20. Candidates must have normal color perception and night vision.

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:

• Distance run
• Timed sit-ups
• Timed push-ups

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

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications

• Required to identify and safely use various firearms
• Capable of patrolling on foot, on horseback, by plane, boats, and in a variety of vehicles
• 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
• 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
• Ability to engage in mechanical work.
• 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

Salaries for Vermont’s Game Wardens

At $55,040 ($26.46/hour), the median salary among game wardens in Vermont exceeded the national median for this profession by more than $3,300 as of 2016 according to the state’s Department of Labor. The overall average among Vermont’s game wardens was $55,570 ($26.71), while experienced game wardens earning within the top 10% made an average of $73,330 ($37.18/hour).

The Vermont Human Resources Department reported on salaries for game warden positions according to rank. The Department describes a 15-step pay plan for each rank, with the differences between the minimum and maximum salaries being accounted for by education, time on the job, specialized role and location within the state:

• Game Warden I (Trainee): $37,606 – $58,365
• Game Warden II: $44,283 - $69,118
• Game Warden III: $46,862 – $73,195
• Game Warden IV: $49,691 – $77,688
• Game Warden V (Supervisor): $55,994 – $87,838
• Game Warden VI (Major): $63,190 – $99,632

Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

1 National Life Drive, Davis 2
Montpelier, VT 05620-3702
Phone: (802) 828-1529
http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/about_us/careers_with_vt_fish_wildlife/becoming_a_game_warden