How to Become a Game Warden in New Mexico

New Mexico Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

Conservation officers in New Mexico both love working outdoors among the state’s fish and wildlife and enforcing the law to preserve the state’s variety of pristine habitats. In addition to their roles in law enforcement, these game wardens apply their knowledge to educate the public and mentor youth who are interested in conservation. They also collect census data on animal and bird populations.

Basic Job Qualifications for the New Mexico Department of Fish and Game

The New Mexico Department of Fish and Game website provides full details on what it takes to become a conservation officer. Eligibility criteria are shown below:

Age: 18 years of age or older at the time of academy training

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 the state at the time of appointment.

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

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 an intensive background check in order to continue the application process. Disqualifying elements include:

• Multiple convictions or arrests within the past three years
• Being in arrears on child support payments
• Convicted of a felony in New Mexico or any other state;
• Convicted of any offense in any state which would have been a felony if committed in New Mexico;
• Failed urinalysis due to presence of drugs

Academic Credentials: High school diploma or its equivalent; a bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas: agriculture, animal sciences, ecology, biology, criminal justice, environmental science, forestry, range science, or wildlife enforcement or management.

Additional Requirements:

A background questionnaire

Law Enforcement Academy Training

Law Enforcement Academy in Santa Fe

The 21-week course certifies candidates as Peace Officers and readies them to continue the Wildlife Officer Application process. Training includes:

• Criminal, civil, and court proceedings
• Environment specific training
• Best practices for traffic management and officer patrol
• Firearms training
• Trafficking enforcement
• Additional Specific Training
• Rookie School Training for 4 weeks
• Firearms training for 2 weeks
• Field training with a Training Officer for 1 year

Interview: Candidates will have a face-to-face panel interview during the later stages of the application process to assess general knowledge, abilities and skillsets

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

Hearing: The applicant must have unaided hearing adequate to perform all the essential duties and functions of a Warden

Vision: Visual acuity correctable to 20/20 in each eye. Normal binocular color vision with a full field of periphery is required. Applicants who have had surgery to improve vision may be required to submit additional information.

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.

Psychological Condition: Applicants will participate in a psychological assessment to determine overall indicators of mental health.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications

• Use and carry various firearms safely and effectively
• 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 New Mexico schools and meetings of special interest groups
• Ability to engage in minor 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
• Additional languages are an asset

Salaries for New Mexico’s Game & Fish Wardens

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics found that game & fish wardens in New Mexico earned an average salary of $42,990 ($20.67/hour) as of 2016.  Those with the most experience earned within the top 10%, making an average of $50,710 ($24.38/hour) that year.

The New Mexico State Personnel Office reported salary information for game & fish wardens in various specialized roles and different levels of authority as of 2017:

Game & Fish Warden B (Basic)

• Minimum – $26,229 ($12.61/hour)
• Midpoint – $35,944 ($17.28/hour)
• Maximum – $45,656 ($21.95/hour)

Game & Fish Warden O (Operational)

• Minimum – $28,766 ($13.83/hour)
• Midpoint – $39,413 ($18.95/hour)
• Maximum – $50,045 ($24.06/hour)

Game & Fish Warden A (Advanced)

• Minimum – $31,782 ($15.28/hour)
• Midpoint – $43,549 ($20.94/hour)
• Maximum – $55,307 ($26.59/hour)

Game & Fish Warden Supervisor

• Minimum – $35,381 ($17.01/hour)
• Midpoint – $48,479 ($23.31/hour)
• Maximum – $61,568 ($29.60)

New Mexio Department of Game and Fish

PO Box 25112
Santa Fe, NM 87507
Phone: (505) 476-8066
http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/enforcement/career-advancement/