• California Criminal Justice Programs
• Biology Degrees
• Environmental Science Degree
• Game Warden Career
• Game Warden Schools
• Park Ranger Career
• Game Warden Requirements by State

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 (an Associate's Degree) 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 associate's 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 questionnaire 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 psychological 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.

Game Warden Related Degree Programs

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In a Hurry? Click Here to request free information from the Nation's Top Criminal Justice Degree Programs.

University of Phoenix Online: University of Phoenix will prepare you for careers in the field of criminal justice. University of Phoenix is the largest private university in the country and is dedicated to their students.

Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
MS in Administration of Justice and Security
Information Systems Security Certificate

Walden University Online: Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Management & Administration
BS in Criminal Justice - Computer Info Syst & Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Crime & Criminals
BS in Criminal Justice - Human Services for CJ
MPA - Homeland Security and Policy Coordination
PhD in Public Policy - Homeland Security

Request information about a Walden University degree program.

Ashford University:

BA in Biology
BA in Environmental Sciences
BA in Social Science - Criminal Justice

Capella University:

BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Public Safety - Emergency Management
MS in Criminal Justice
MS in Public Safety - Emergency Management
MS in Public Safety Leadership
PhD Programs - Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, and Public Safety Leadership

Request free information from Capella University to learn more.

Colorado Technical University Online:

AS in Criminal Justice - Stonecliffe College Online
AS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Criminal Justice
MS in Management - Criminal Justice

Request free information from CTU Online to learn more about their programs.

Everest University Online :

Criminal Investigations Associate's Degree
Homeland Security Associate's Degree
Homeland Security Bachelor's Degree
Criminal Justice Associate's Degree
Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree
Paralegal Associate's
Paralegal Bachelor's

Herzing University:

AS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
BS in Homeland Security

Keiser University:

AA in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Homeland Security
Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Homeland Security
Bachelor's in Legal Studies
Master's in Criminal Justice

Request information to learn more about these as well as other Criminal Justice Programs at Keiser University.

Liberty University:

Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

Northwestern College Online:

AA in Criminal Justice

Portland State University:

Bachelor's in Criminology and Criminal Justice

South University: Online Learning

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Legal Studies
Master's Criminal Justice

Virginia College:

AA in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Cybersecurity

Request information to learn more about these as well as other Criminal Justice Programs at Virginia College.

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