Fish and Game Warden

Your Fit

Income

$68K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

-6.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Fish and Game Warden?

Fish and Game Wardens are law enforcement officers who focus on wildlife and natural resource protection. They enforce hunting, fishing, and boating laws, and play a crucial role in conserving wildlife habitats and resources.

Sample job titles:

Game Warden, Natural Resource Officer, State Game Warden, Wildlife Officer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Fish and Game Warden.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Fish and Game Warden earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$36K per year	$53K per year	$68K per year	$82K per year	$94K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $19K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Fish and Game Warden do?

Work environment

Fish and Game Wardens primarily work outdoors in various natural environments, including forests, lakes, and coastal areas. They may encounter challenging weather conditions and rough terrain. Their job often requires interaction with the public, conducting patrols, and sometimes working irregular hours.

Quick task list

Enforces fishing, hunting, and boating laws and regulations.
Investigates wildlife crimes and conducts surveillance operations.
Educates the public about wildlife conservation and safety.
Manages wildlife populations and habitats.
Assists in search and rescue operations and emergency responses.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Marine Enforcement: Focuses on protecting marine life and enforcing laws in coastal and marine environments.
Wildlife Investigation: Specializes in investigating wildlife crimes, including poaching and trafficking.
Environmental Education: Involves public outreach and education on wildlife conservation.
Habitat Conservation: Concentrates on the protection and management of wildlife habitats.
Search and Rescue: Specializing in emergency response and rescue operations in wilderness areas.

Description

Fish and Game Wardens play a vital role in the protection of natural resources and wildlife. They enforce laws and regulations that govern hunting, fishing, and the use of natural areas to ensure sustainable practices. Wardens conduct regular patrols in assigned areas, either on foot, by vehicle, or using boats, and must be prepared to work in various weather conditions and terrains.

Effective communication skills are essential, as wardens interact with the public frequently, providing education and guidance on wildlife laws. They also collaborate with other law enforcement agencies and participate in investigations of wildlife-related crimes, requiring strong investigative and problem-solving skills.

Fish and Game Wardens need a deep understanding of wildlife management and conservation practices. Their work often involves monitoring wildlife populations, habitat management, and participating in research activities. This career is suited for those who are passionate about the outdoors and wildlife conservation.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Protecting and conserving wildlife and natural resources.
Working outdoors in varied and often beautiful natural environments.
Making a tangible impact on wildlife conservation and public safety.

You might make a good Fish and Game Warden if you are...

Passionate about wildlife and environmental conservation.
Physically fit and comfortable working in outdoor settings.
Skilled in communication, with the ability to interact effectively with the public and other law enforcement agencies.
Detail-oriented, particularly in observing environmental changes and enforcing regulations.
Able to work independently and handle challenging situations calmly and effectively.

Pros:

Opportunity to work in nature and protect the environment.
Diverse daily activities, from patrolling to educating the public.
Job satisfaction from conserving wildlife and natural resources.

Cons:

Exposure to various risks in outdoor environments and challenging weather conditions.
Potential for confrontational situations when enforcing laws.
Irregular work hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

How to become a Fish and Game Warden

Typical education

Typically, a minimum of two years of college education in criminal justice, wildlife management, or a related field is required. Some positions may require a bachelor's degree or higher.

High school preparation

Courses:

Environmental Science to understand ecosystems and conservation.
Biology to gain knowledge about wildlife and habitats.
Physical Education to maintain physical fitness.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining environmental or outdoor clubs.
Volunteering in community clean-up or conservation projects.
Participating in camping and hiking to become comfortable in outdoor settings.

Preparation after high school

Pursue an associate or bachelor's degree in wildlife management, criminal justice, or a related field.
Consider internships or volunteer positions with wildlife conservation organizations or law enforcement agencies.
Gain certifications in areas like first aid, CPR, and boating safety.

More resources

National Association of Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs (NACLEC) - Provides information on conservation law enforcement careers.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Offers resources on wildlife conservation and management.
International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA) - Provides information on wildlife conservation and management careers.
The Wildlife Society - Offers resources and information for wildlife professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.