How to Become a Game Warden in Tennessee

Tennessee Game Warden Eligibility Requirements

Ideal candidates for wildlife officer vacancies in Tennessee are passionate about conservation, have a strong sense of justice, and expertise in law enforcement. Theses diverse skillsets require applicants who can showcase their knowledge and experience in these areas. Shown below are the minimum criteria needed to apply for the role of wildlife officer in Tennessee:

Job Qualifications with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

The website of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency posts job applications and employment information. Eligibility criteria are shown here:

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 Tennessee at the time of appointment.

License: A valid Tennessee-issued driver’s license is required. Individuals must maintain an acceptable 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:

• Convicted of a felony in Tennessee or any other state
• Convicted of any offense in any state that would have been a felony if committed in Tennessee
• Charged with a felony or found to be mentally incompetent
• Found not guilty by reason of insanity of any felony
• Determined to be a sex offender
• Addicted or in danger of becoming addicted to drugs
• Convicted, and committed to a state institution
• Convicted of any offense which precludes you from carrying a firearm under State or federal law
• Failed drug testing prior to employment

Academic Credentials: Wildlife officers must have a bachelor’s degree in wildlife, fisheries or natural resources management, biological or ecological sciences or forestry with 20 credits in wildlife science

Additional Requirements: Department of Human Resources application

Game Warden Training

Game Warden Training:

Throughout the 8-week course, new officers will learn the following essential skills in order to be an effective game warden:

• Tennessee and federal wildlife laws and regulations
• Firearms training
• Law enforcement techniques
• Evidence practices
• Courtroom procedures and best practices

Officer Probation

Officers are on a probationary 1-year contract after successful completion of training

Recertification and Professional Development

Wildlife Officers have an annual requirement of 40 hours of refresher training

Interview: Candidates will have a face-to-face 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.

Hearing: The applicant must have unaided hearing adequate to perform all the essential duties and functions of a wildlife officer, 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. Applicants who have undergone corrective surgery for visual deficiencies may be required to submit additional medical 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: Candidates must have suitable mental health for the responsibilities of the role.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications

• Required to identify and safely use various firearms
• 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
• Professional development or college courses in natural resource management, criminology, psychology, business management or sciences
• Twenty credits of college coursework in wildlife biology
• 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

Wildlife Officer Salaries

A look at median salaries in 2016 shows Tennessee’s wildlife officers earning 14% more than the national median for game wardens. The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development shows the salaries for the state’s wildlife officers at various experience levels:

• Experienced – $68,680 ($33.02 hourly)
• Median – $59,180 ($28.45 hourly)
• Entry-level – $44,660 ($21.47 hourly)

The Tennessee Department of Human Resources provides the range of salaries for wildlife officers as they advance through the ranks (2017). Ranges for each rank represent differences in pay based on location, education, specialized role and time in service with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency:

• Wildlife Officer: $37,488 – $58,224
• Wildlife Sergeant: $42,793 – $66,432
• Wildlife Lieutenant: $44,712 – $69,420
• Wildlife Captain: $42,792 – $66,432
• Wildlife Major: $53,316 – $82,776

Wildlife officers in Nashville earned the 4^th highest average salary in the country for this professional classification in 2016 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.  The median salary among wildlife officers in the Nashville workforce region exceeded the national median for game wardens by nearly $24,000.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

440 Hogan Rd.
Nashville, TN 37220
Phone: (615) 741-2958
https://www.tn.gov/twra/article/wildlife-officer-positions