How to Become a Game Warden in Ohio

Ohio Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

Individuals who are passionate about Ohio’s outdoors and have a desire to become highly trained law enforcement officers are well suited to become wildlife officers in the state. These jobs present an exciting opportunity for individuals who seek a challenge in their professional life.

Officers can make arrests and testify in court, and frequently conduct investigations in concert with other law enforcement agencies. Applicants who feel up to these challenges must be prepared to demonstrate skills and experience that will distinguish them from other candidates.

Basic Qualifications for a Job with the Ohio DNR

Additional information and job postings can be found on the website of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Shown below are the minimum qualifications to apply for a position as a wildlife officer in Ohio:

Age: 21 years of age or older at the time of graduation from POST training

Citizenship: Proof of U.S. citizenship or of permanent resident alien status; must be a resident of Ohio at the time of appointment.

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

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 and urinalysis in order to continue the application process. The state of Ohio reserves the right to use a polygraph ‘lie detector’. Disqualifying elements include:

• Intemperate use of alcohol
• Anti-social behavior
• Poor work record
• Poor driving record
• Numerous debts that are not regularly being paid
• Non-compliance to law(s)
• Violations of any federal or state natural resources rules including, but not limited to parks, fishing, hunting,
• Trapping, or boating violations
• Felony conviction or felony conduct
• Illegal use of drugs or conviction for drug related violations. Illegal drugs include anabolic steroids used after February 27, 1991.
• Currently having six (6) or more active points on driving record
• Lack of truthfulness – falsification of any application or background information
• Acts of violence and or admissions of undetected crimes against person(s) (domestic violence, assault)

Academic Credentials: High school diploma or its equivalent.; minimum of an associate’s degree OR have completed undergraduate studies concentrating on wildlife, fisheries, natural resources management, environmental science, biology, criminal justice, law enforcement or similar fields

Additional Requirements: Proficiency Test for Wildlife Officer Cadets.

Training for Wildlife Officers and Cadets:

Orientation training at the Division of Wildlife Headquarters (1 week)

Pre-Service Academy and Field Training

Basic Peace Officer Training (16 weeks)

Wildlife Officer Pre-Service Training Academy (8-9 weeks)

Field training and evaluation (6 months)

Training sessions include information on the following:

• Criminal, civil, and court proceedings
• Environment specific training
• Traffic and patrol practices
• Firearms training
• Trafficking enforcement
• Additional specific training

Interview: Candidates will have a personal 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. Weight shall be in proportion to height in accordance with established recognized standards

Hearing: The applicant must have ‘good’ hearing, unaided.

Vision: Visual acuity not less than 20/40 in each eye without correction and corrected to 20/20 in each eye. Candidates must have normal color vision and binocular peripheral vision.

Physical Readiness: The applicant must be in ‘good’ physical condition including upper body and core strength, aerobic conditioning, distance running, swimming, and treading water according to state minimum guidelines. Applicants must successfully complete each component of the physical readiness testing

Fitness Standards at the 50% level for the appropriate age/gender. The three physical fitness standards used for testing are

• One minute of sit-ups
• One minute of push-ups
• A 1.5 mile run
• Additionally, a swim test will include the ability to swim a distance of 100 yards in five minutes or less and tread water for a minimum of five minutes.

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

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications

• Required to identify and safely use various firearms
• Demonstrate an aptitude for collecting and preserving evidence, writing reports, and testifying in court.
• 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 Ohio 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
• Applicants must possess a valid driver’s an interest in hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife conservation and other outdoor recreation is helpful
• Being able to work closely with local law enforcement and conservation groups

Salaries for Wildlife Officers with the Ohio DNR Division of Wildlife

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reported that the median salary among wildlife officers in the state exceeded the national median for this professional classification by 16%. As of 2016, Ohio’s wildlife officers earned a median salary of $59,758 while the hourly wage was $27.73.

Statewide, the most experienced wildlife officers, representing the top 25%, earned an average of $61,568 ($29.60/hour), while those starting out averaged $47,455 ($22.81/hour).

Location affects the salaries of wildlife officers in Ohio:

Cincinnati

• Top 25% – $51,355
• Median – $49,751
• Entry-level – $40,664

Northeast Ohio

• Top 25% – $61,360
• Median – $59,751
• Entry-level – $46,217

Southeast Ohio

• Top 25% – $61,360
• Median – $59,760
• Entry-level – $46,384

The Ohio Hiring Management Services reported the range of minimum and maximum salaries for wildlife officers throughout the state as of 2017:

• Wildlife Officer Cadet: $36,774 – $44,824
• Wildlife Officer: $45,032 – $56,784
• Wildlife Officer Supervisor: $50,357 – $71,760

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Dicision of Wildlife

2045 Morse Road, Building G
Columbus, Ohio 43229
Phone: (800) 945-3543
http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/wildohiocareers