Fish and Wildlife Wardens
Overview
Fish and Wildlife Wardens are law enforcement officers who protect wild animals, fish, and their habitats while also keeping outdoor recreation safe and legal. They patrol forests, lakes, rivers, and coastlines by truck, boat, ATV, or on foot to check hunting and fishing licenses, investigate poaching, respond to wildlife-related emergencies, and assist with search-and-rescue operations. They also collect scientific data on animal populations, recommend changes to hunting and trapping rules, and teach communities about conservation and outdoor safety.
Did you know?
Fish and Game Wardens must complete extensive law enforcement academy training and obtain state certification, often requiring months of specialized education in wildlife law, firearms, and conservation practices.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$69,596.11 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Repairing
Key Responsibilities
- Promote or provide hunter or trapper safety training.
- Survey areas and compile figures of bag counts of hunters to determine the effectiveness of control measures.
- Seize equipment used in fish and game law violations.
- Inspect commercial operations relating to fish or wildlife, recreation, or protected areas.
- Patrol assigned areas by car, boat, airplane, horse, or on foot to enforce game, fish, or boating laws or to manage wildlife programs, lakes, or land.
- Compile and present evidence for court actions.
- Document the extent of crop, property, or habitat damage and make financial loss estimates or compensation recommendations.
- Provide assistance to other local law enforcement agencies as required.
- Investigate crop, property, or habitat damage or destruction or instances of water pollution to determine causes and to advise property owners of preventive measures.
- Protect and preserve native wildlife, plants, or ecosystems.
- Collect and report information on populations or conditions of fish and wildlife in their habitats, availability of game food or cover, or suspected pollution.
- Design or implement control measures to prevent or counteract damage caused by wildlife or people.
- Recommend revisions in hunting and trapping regulations or in animal management programs so that wildlife balances or habitats can be maintained.
- Provide advice or information to park or reserve visitors.
- Supervise the activities of seasonal workers.
- Address schools, civic groups, sporting clubs, or the media to disseminate information concerning wildlife conservation and regulations.
- Investigate hunting accidents or reports of fish or game law violations.
- Participate in firefighting efforts.
- Issue licenses, permits, or other documentation.
- Participate in search-and-rescue operations.
- Arrange for disposition of fish or game illegally taken or possessed.
- Perform facilities maintenance work, such as constructing or repairing structures or controlling weeds or pests.
- Serve warrants and make arrests.
- Issue warnings or citations and file reports as necessary.
Career Considerations
Rigorous Training and Certification Requirements
Fish and Game Wardens must complete extensive law enforcement academy training and obtain state certification, often requiring months of specialized education in wildlife law, firearms, and conservation practices.
Physically Demanding Outdoor Work Environment
The job requires excellent physical fitness and comfort working in all weather conditions across diverse terrains, from remote wilderness areas to waterways, often involving long hours and emergency response situations.
Limited Job Openings and High Competition
Positions are typically limited by state budgets and geographic regions, creating intense competition among candidates, with many applicants competing for relatively few available positions nationwide.