Fish and Game Wardens
Patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.
Common Job Titles
- Game Warden
- Natural Resource Officer
- State Game Warden
- Wildlife Officer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate wildlife law compliance and violations in assigned patrol areas, applying federal and state regulatory frameworks independently.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze reports of wildlife damage to crops and property, integrating biological, geographic, and situational data to determine response strategies.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate specialized patrol vehicles and watercraft in diverse terrain and weather conditions, including ATVs, patrol boats, snowmobiles, and airboats.Proficient
- MindsetBalance public safety priorities with wildlife conservation principles when resolving conflicts between community members and regulatory enforcement.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess situational threats and public safety risks during field encounters, determining appropriate law enforcement response and de-escalation strategies.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform biological data collection and field sampling procedures using DNA collection kits, necropsy equipment, and field documentation tools under variable environmental conditions.Developing
- MindsetEngage with diverse stakeholders including hunters, landowners, and recreational users to educate on wildlife regulations and foster cooperative compliance.Developing
- KnowledgePrepare incident reports and legal documentation ensuring accurate recording of violations, evidence collection, and chain of custody for prosecution.Developing
- Hands-onHandle law enforcement equipment and wildlife management tools including firearms, animal traps, GPS receivers, and surveillance technology following safety protocols.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret biological and ecological indicators in field environments to assess wildlife population health, habitat conditions, and human impact patterns.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Fish and Game Wardens (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
6,420
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $35,670. 25th percentile: U.S. $53,260. 50th percentile: U.S. $68,180. 75th percentile: U.S. $82,100. 90th percentile: U.S. $94,470. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $35,670 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $94,470 |
| Workers on average earn | $67,990 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Law and Government4.6/5
- Public Safety and Security4.5/5
- English Language4.1/5
- Biology4.1/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Puppet
- Swift
Technology Skills
- Customer relationship management CRM software
- Database software
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Mapping software
- Spreadsheet software
- Web browser software
- Word processing software
Tools & Equipment
- .40 caliber semi-automatic pistols
- 12-gauge shotguns
- Airboats
- All terrain vehicles ATV
- Animal traps
- Blood collection kits
- Canoes
- Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA collection kits