How to Become a Game Warden in Oregon

Oregon Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a strong sense of justice combined with a passion for wildlife advocacy and conservation.

The demanding set of responsibilities these law enforcement officers engage in every day – from conducting investigations and sting operations to remediating damage to fish and wildlife habitats – requires candidates with a diverse set of skills. Applicant must be ready to demonstrate their expertise in these areas.

Basic Job Qualifications with the Fish and Wildlife Division of the Oregon State Police

A full listing of the requirements along with job postings are displayed on the website of the Oregon State Police. Shown below are the minimum qualifications that OSP mandates to apply to the Fish and Wildlife Division:

Age: 21 years of age or older before beginning 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 Oregon-issued driver’s license is required. Individuals must agree to participate in driver training programs 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 hiring process continues

Background and Legal History: Applicants must pass a background check in order to continue the application process. Disqualifying elements include:

• Poor record of character
• Criminal convictions, such as misdemeanors involving moral turpitude or felonies
• Illegal drug use in the past 10 years (three years for marijuana)
• Convicted of a felony in Oregon or any other state;
• Convicted of any offense in any state which would have been a felony if committed in Oregon;
• Convicted of family or sexually violent offenses
• Addicted or in danger of becoming addicted to narcotics
• Convicted of any offense which precludes you from carrying a firearm under state or federal law
• Failed drug testing prior to employment

Academic Credentials: High school diploma or its equivalent; an associate’s or bachelor degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, resource management or biological sciences may be specially considered.

Additional Requirements: Timed written test which assesses a high school graduate level in mathematics, reading, and writing

Law Enforcement and Field Training

Pre-Academy Training is a 4-week commitment required of all newly hired state troopers and is provided by the Oregon State Police. New recruits will focus on what is termed First Responder training, which includes:

• 32 hours of medical training
• 26 hours of defensive tactics
• 40 hours of firearm training
• 16 hours of verbal communication

Oregon Public Safety Academy is 16 weeks long and is mandatory for all candidates. It is supported by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. Graduates are considered State Troopers. Training includes:

• Law enforcement technology
• Courtroom procedures
• Report writing and communications
• Emergency management chain of command
• Illegal substance identification
• Evidence collection and preservation

Game Warden Training

Upon successful graduation, specialty training with the Fish and Wildlife Division of the Oregon State Police occurs. Becoming a game warden officer, officially known as a Fish and Wildlife Division Trooper or Officer, merits specialized training in areas such as:

• Boat operations
• Environmental crime investigation
• Federal wildlife laws
• Meat handling and inspection
• Restaurant and dealer inspection
• Horse packing
• Outdoor survival and navigation

Interview: Candidates will have an oral panel interview during the later stages of the application process; candidates who have been successful throughout the process will have a second and final oral interview before being offered a formal letter of hire

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

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

Vision: Visual acuity not less than 20/40 in each eye without correction and corrected to 20/20 in each eye. Candidates should have standard binocular peripheral vision with no conditions that would endanger themselves or others.

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 which includes:

• Physical fitness exam
• Timed sit-ups
• Push-ups
• 2 mile run

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

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications

• Use and carry various firearms safely and effectively
• 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
• Willingness to enthusiastically and professionally represent the agency at Oregon 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
• 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
• Additional languages are an asset

Fish and Wildlife Trooper Salaries

As employees of the Fish and Wildlife Division of the Oregon State Police, fish and wildlife troopers are paid in accordance with the same salary schedule that applies to state troopers.  These salaries progress through a successive seven-step schedule as shown below:

• Step 1 – $56,184
• Step 2 (6-month) – $58,992
• Step 3 – $61,932
• Step 4 – $65,028
• Step 5 – $68,292
• Step 6 – $71,000
• Step 7 – $75,288

The Oregon State Police rewards its troopers for educational achievement with a 3% increase for troopers with an associate’s degree and a 5% increase for those with a bachelor’s degree.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE
Salem, OR 97302
Phone: (800) 720-6339
http://www.oregon.gov/osp/FW/Pages/typicalday.aspx