How to Become a Game Warden in South Carolina

South Carolina Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

Ideal candidates for DNR law enforcement officer positions are in excellent physical condition, have law enforcement experience, and are passionate about the outdoors. Officers must be prepared to withstand the elements and speak both compassionately and objectively to members of the public.

The diverse set of roles carried out by South Carolina’s DNR law enforcement officers means that candidates must be prepared for fierce competition.

Qualifications for a Job with the South Carolina DNR

Additional information on the application and selection process can be found on the website of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources:

Age: 21 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 South Carolina-issued driver’s license is required. Individuals must maintain a mostly clean driving record.

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

Academic Credentials: High school diploma or GED is required. Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree AND either two years of related experience or four years’ service as a SCDNR DLEO. Related experience will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Additional Requirements:

• Credit check disclosure form
• Official 10-year driving history from the DMV
• Written exam basic skills and problem solving
• Finished online application
• High school diploma or GED transcript
• Birth certificate
• Driver’s license
• College diploma or transcript
• Basic Training

South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Training

12-week mandatory course at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy

Officers will be tested weekly on the following types of subjects:

• Suspect pursuit and arrest
• Crime scene investigation
• Report writing
• Courtroom etiquette and procedures
• Firearms training
• DNR Law Enforcement Officer Training

8-week training course specific to the DNR Law Enforcement focusing on the following subject areas:

• State and federal boating, hunting, and fishing regulations
• Administrative tasks in enforcement
• Vehicle and equipment usage and maintenance
• Biology and wildlife management

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:

• Poor moral character
• Having violated state or federal fish and game regulations in the past three years
• Conviction for crimes of moral laxity
• Conviction for crimes whose sentence exceeded one year
• Any type of felony conviction
• No tattoos or body art permitted on any part of the body that would be visible while wearing any DNR uniform or official attire.
• Officers are prohibited from willful mutilation of the body or any body parts in any manner.

Interview: Candidates will have an interview with the Colonel Deputy Director of Law Enforcement

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, including long distance, directional and voice conversation hearing.

Vision: Visual acuity correctable to 20/20 in each eye. Normal binocular color vision with a full field of periphery is required. Candidates who have undergone corrective eye surgery to meet state minimum vision standards 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 which consists of:

• Obstacle course
• 150-pound drag
• Swimming 75 yards
• Treading water for five minutes

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

• 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 South Carolina 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
• Mechanical aptitude and logical thinking.
• 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 Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Officers

The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median salary for South Carolina’s DNR law enforcement officers was $45,920 ($22.08 hourly) as of 2016 while the overall average was $47,280 ($22.78 hourly).  Experienced DNR law enforcement officers earned salaries that fell within the top 10%, making an average of $65,010 ($31.26 hourly) that year.

The DNR itself showed the starting salary for the “Law Enforcement Officer I” position for new hires with limited experience to be $33,608 as of 2017.

The accountability section of the South Carolina Department of Administration provides ranges for each level above the entry-level Law Enforcement Officer I position.  The ranges represent differences in pay at each level based on time-in with the DNR, education, specialized role and differences in locality pay:

• Law Enforcement Officer II: $50,090 – $60,760 (27 employees)
• Law Enforcement Officer III: $50,752 – $74,867 (40 employees)
• Law Enforcement Officer IV: $66,544 – $89,956 (22 employees)
• Law Enforcement Officer V: $88,139 - $94,000 (3 employees)

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

1000 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803)734-4002
http://www.dnr.sc.gov/law/lawenforcementapp.html