How to Become a Game Warden in Alabama

Alabama Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

Men and women interested in both law enforcement and outdoor conservation are naturally drawn to fields that involve protecting natural resources.  Also known as Conservation Officers, game wardens dedicate their lives to protecting and advocating for our nation's natural resources by enforcing laws and regulations that control the activities of sport hunters, anglers and others who participate in outdoor recreation.  The role of game warden is a challenging one, which means that all applicants must have the qualifications and requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to be considered eligible for the job.

Outlined here are the minimum qualifications for consideration as a Game Warden within the state of Alabama - please note that all game wardens in the state have successfully completed Alabama's peace officer training course, and candidates would be expected to do the same.

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Basic Job Qualifications

As outlined on the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, eligibility criteria include:

Age: 21 years of age or older is required in Alabama to become a conservation officer

Citizenship: Proof of U.S. Citizenship or naturalization documents are required as part of the conservation officer application package

License: A valid Alabama driver's license is mandatory for completion of the game warden application process

Military Service:  If formerly a member of the military, a discharge "Under Honorable Conditions" is required

Work Eligibility: New employees present original documents that establish identity and eligibility for U.S. employment opportunities as per federal law.

Background and Legal History:

Applicants must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation prior to advancement. The applicant must have a strong sense of ethics, and be free of the following types of criminal history:

• A conviction for any Felony or Class A Misdemeanor offense at any time;
• A conviction for any Class B Misdemeanor offense within 10 years prior to their application date, including operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol or conviction of any family violence offenses
• Currently on community supervision, probation or parole as ordered by a court of law
• No current illegal drug use

Academic Credentials: Completion of high school or GED and Peace Officer training are required

Meeting the Requirements for Peace Officer Training

Peace Officer Training: A course consisting of 520 hours certifies candidates as Peace Officers and readies them to continue the conservation officer application process.  Training includes:

• Criminal, civil, and court proceedings
• Juvenile proceedings
• Best practices for traffic management and officer patrol
• Firearms training
• Additional specific training

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 game warden prior to employment.

Hearing: The applicant must meet the minimal hearing standard with or without hearing aids, and be able to hear in settings including long distance, directional and voice conversation hearing.

Vision: The applicant must have binocular vision with or without corrective lenses or contact lenses, as well as uninterrupted peripheral vision of 140 degrees or better, have night vision and not experience red-green colorblindness.

Physical Readiness: The applicant must successfully complete a physical readiness test which may include a swim component as per hiring directives

Applicants must successfully complete ALL components of the physical readiness test.  It is advised that applicants consider advance preparation for physical readiness testing. Applicants are also encouraged to seek professional medical advice prior to beginning a regimen of physical activity to prepare for this test. Retesting to these standards is part of the ongoing training for new and veteran conservation officers.

Psychological Condition: The applicant will be examined by a licensed psychologist and be declared to be in satisfactory psychological and emotional health for law enforcement duty prior to employment and the issuance of a peace officer license.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications

• An interest in conservation work demonstrated through prior schooling or community activity
• Ability to use word processing programs and internet-based proprietary software
• Ability to effectively utilize various modes of transportation such as skiffs and ATVs
• Ability to effectively utilize and train others on firearm usage
• Effective use of English including grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and composition; reading and comprehension
• Effective use of mathematics including advanced arithmetic, basic accounting, estimating, and data collection
• Receptive and expressive bilingual skills.
• Professional development or college courses in sociology and psychology

Salary Ranges for Alabama Game Wardens and Conservation Officer Trainees

The Alabama Department of Labor reported that the average salary for game wardens in the state was $55,167 ($26.53 an hour) as of 2017. Alabama’s experienced game wardens, who usually enjoy salaries that fall within the top 25 percent for their profession, were reported to earn an average of $60,582 ($29.13 an hour) at that time.

The State of Alabama Personnel Department offers examinations for trainee conservation enforcement officers at frequent intervals and offers a starting salary within the range of $35,590 to $53,995 a year, depending on experience.

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

64 N Union Street, Suite 464
Montgomery, AL 36130
Phone: (334) 242-3484
http://www.outdooralabama.com/conservation-officers