How to Become a California Game Warden

There is a shortage of Game Wardens and Park Rangers across the country, California included. It is a great time to enter this career. The hiring process is still competitive and setting yourself apart with qualifications exceeding the minimum is imperative.

1) Make sure you meet the qualifications before applying, including the college credit requirement. An associate or bachelor degree in Criminal Justice can help you meet these requirements. A Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Ashford University is another option that will help you meet these requirements and set you apart from other candidates.

2) Proceed through the Application Process

Game Warden Applicant Qualifications

Must be a US Citizen at time of appointment, 18 years of age, posses an valid California driver's license, be of sound physical condition, ability to swim, vision must be not less than 20/40 and correctable to 20/20, high school diploma or GED or have passed the California high school proficiency exam, 60 semester college credits 18 of which must be in biological sciences, law enforcement, ecology, criminal justice or related field. As with any peace officer career, you will be disqualified if you have been convicted of a felony in any state, determined to be a mentally disordered sex offender, addicted to or in danger of becoming addicted to narcotics, or if you have been convicted of a crime that prevents you from carrying a firearm. You will be drug tested and must test negative for use of illegal drugs.

Commonly held degrees are in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement and Biology.

California Game Warden Application Process

If you meet the qualifications mentioned above, go on to complete the State Examination Application (STD 678). Once completes you must mail or deliver it to the California Department of Fish and Game, Human Resource Branch Room1217B, ATTN: Exam Unit, 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814.

The next thing to do is keep an eye on the postings for an examination announcement from the California Department of Fish and Game. You will have had to have submitted your State Examination Application (STD 678) by this point. Candidates who are selected will receive two other questionaire forms to complete and return. You will have to complete a physical abilities test, an intense background investigation, finger printing, a polygraph, a medical exam and a phsychological exam.

California Game Warden Salary

According to the California Department of Fish and Game, a Fish and Game Warden Cadet earns $2822 to $3360 a month. Fish and Game Wardens have two salary bands, Range A and Range B. The pay for a Range A Warden is $3094 to $3691 and for a Range B Warden it is $3691 to $4432. There are a number of pay differentials including an education incentive. Game wardens with an associate degree will earn an additional $50/week and those with a bachelor's degree will earn an additional $100/week. As you can see, an education will not only help you get promotable positions, it will also help you earn more money when you start.

If you have additional questions, please, contact the California Game Warden hiring officer, Lieutenant Jeff Longwell at 916-653-7726.

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