How to Become a Game Warden in Wyoming

Wyoming Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

The ideal candidates for game warden positions in Wyoming are men and women with an aptitude for both law enforcement and conservation practice. Ideally these applicants should have experience in both of these areas.

The hiring process is highly selective. Therefore, all applicants must be prepared to demonstrate their experience and knowledge and show how they would be an asset to the Department if hired.

Basic Job Qualifications with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department

The website of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department provides additional information on the hiring process along with job vacancies. Eligibility criteria are shown below:

Age: 18 years of age or older when entering the academy

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 Wyoming resident at the time of appointment as a game warden.

License: A valid Wyoming-issued driver’s license is required. Individuals must maintain a record of ‘good’ driving.

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

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 a background check in order to continue the application process. The department may disqualify candidates who have been:

• Convicted of a felony in Wyoming or any other state
• Convicted of any offense in any state which would have been a felony if committed in Wyoming
• Convicted of a crime of violence or sexual offense
• Convicted of any offense which precludes you from carrying a firearm
• Failed urinalysis drug test
• Failed polygraph test

Academic Credentials: High school diploma or its equivalent. A bachelor’s degree in wildlife or natural resource management, biology or biological sciences are required. Degrees in criminal justice, law enforcement, and outdoor recreation do not meet the hiring standard.

Additional Requirements: Wyoming Game Warden Examination

Preparing for Post Training

POST Training:

13-week Peace Officer Basic Training Course at the Wyoming State Law Enforcement Academy which covers:

• Criminal and civil interactions
• Court proceedings
• Traffic and patrol practices
• Firearms training
• Trafficking enforcement
• Additional specific training
• Pursuit and patrol over terrain
• Boat and vehicle search and seizure
• Courtroom testimony and practices
• Best practices for evidence-gathering

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 to ensure that they are in good health.

Hearing: Candidates should have a ‘normal’ range of hearing with and without ambient noise, and may be subject to a hearing test.

Vision: Vision correctable to 20/20 in each eye. Normal binocular color vision with a full field of periphery is required. No other vision conditions are present.

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:

• Aerobic capacity (cardiovascular endurance)
• Strength
• Flexibility
• Body weight/composition
• Timed benchmarks for sit-ups, push-ups, and 12-minute walk/run
• Candidates will be assessed throughout the training period and periodically throughout employment.

Psychological Condition: The applicant must be in suitable psychological and emotional health to complete training and be eligible for hire

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications

• Have good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Have a passion for wildlife ecology, species identification, and habitat management/conservation
• Have knowledge of game and fish statutes and regulations
• Be proficient at a variety of outdoor skills, including horseback riding
• Hone proficiency in the use and care of firearms
• Have a working knowledge of computer software and hardware, including those in a networked environment, those in a field environment, and peripheral devices like printers and cameras
• Efficiently use, maintain and repair equipment used on the job
• Provide input to, and follow a budget, as well as create reports
• Teach members of the public about safety and conservation issues
• Innovative, intuitive and engaging while on patrol by a variety of means.

Salaries for Game Wardens with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department

Salary data from the Wyoming Department of Employment indicates that game wardens in the state earn significantly more than many of their colleagues throughout the U.S. At $61,839 ($29.72/hour), the median salary among game wardens in Wyoming exceeded the national median for this profession by 20% ($10,109) as in 2016.

Wyoming’s game wardens earned an average salary of $56,879 ($27.35/hour), while those with the most experience whose salaries fell within the top 10% averaged $62,441 ($30.02/hour).

Earning an average of $43,959 ($21.13/hour), even entry-level wardens in Wyoming with salaries that fell within the bottom 10% earned more than more experienced wardens in many other states.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department

5400 Bishop Blvd
Cheyenne, WY 82006
Phone: (307) 777-4600
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/law-enforcement/law-enforcement-careers