Anyone have any information about the hiring process for Game Wardens? I was interested in applying, but was just wondering how their whole process works.

I'm sure it's online somewhere. Also from what I understand it's about 100,000 times harder to become a Game Warden than any other kind of Law Enforcement.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/warden/career_opportunities/

Right now, the best way to get in is to either be a woman/minority.

Follow the link posted above. It's very competitive to get in. Also note the pay scale, and there is NO cost of living adjustment--AND for several years you really have no say on where you get assigned---years ago they might ask for preferences and send you to the opposite side of the state. If you are assigned to Dallas county, you will be making the same as the guy out in Dallam. Saddly, many of the current wardens are coming out of criminal justice and not wildlife (or even an ag background), so often their understanding of wildlife ecology is lacking (yes there is some training in the academy).
Other neat things to consider, game wardens are high up on the pecking order for home land security operations in Texas, without the extra pay to do so.
Game wardens also have the highest rate of being killed on the job of any law enforcement agent.

Just some food for thought.


"axe, cow, plow, gun ,and FIRE"--know them and use them

[This message has been edited by ursusguy (edited 5/5/2007 11:55p).]

There are 5 interviews you have to go through. I got to the 3rd before I was cut. The only poeple I know that got in were minority or female.

Many if the applicants I talked to were on their 3rd or 4th year trying to get in.

Environmental consulting pays much better!

Thanks everyone for your input. I appreciate it.

K2-99, did they let you know why you didn't make it past the third interview? As for the first interviews were they very tough or just a lot of generic questions about your background?

I know this is an old topic, but I have my interview next tuesday.
It seems to me that it might be a possability that those who were applying for their 3rd or 4th time might not be suitable for the job, I mean it starts off at 33k while in training. how many people could afford living off that several years after graduation and on top of that they can move you at will.
I dont think those applicants could get on anywhere but i might be completely wrong, I know it is very competative and a dream job to some.

You're right about it being competitive, however, most folks going for GW positions aren't doing it because they couldn't get on elsewhere. Many come from higher paying law enforcement positions, with the hopes that it will give them a leg up when applying for a warden position. It's a position you typically do cause you love it. Most wardens on average die 3-5 years after retiring. This is due to the general stress of the job, and the fact that they wait a long time to retire (even then it's hard to run the off duty)

It's sad about the pay scale, by the time they have been with TPWD 5 years, they are on average some of the highest trained law enforcement agents in the state. Ex.--every year, a select number are sent to the Secret Service for delegate security detail training. Many receive training from Border Patrol and DEA.

Oh, for anyone who didn't know, Texas GW were accredited with ~5,000 recues in New Orleans.

"axe, cow, plow, gun ,and FIRE"--know them and use them

They asked situational questions. Not being familiar with law enforcement situations, I probably gave stupid answers like "call for backup".

They obviously want cops. Guess I wasn't police material. Out of 800 applicants, they accepted ~30 to the academy.

Reckless, how did the interview go? Was it tougher than you thought or easier? What kind of questions were asked. All in all how do you think you did, and when will you find out something? Anyone know what kind of time frame they have for the entire hiring process?

FYI--I just participated in a presentation with the current game warden cadet class. It was 1 woman and the rest men. Secondly, other than a handful of hispanics, it was all white guys. Being a woman or minority isn't as big a help as you may think.



"axe, cow, plow, gun ,and FIRE"--know them and use them

had interview yesterday. INCREDIBLY formal and by the book, very interesting and exciting though. They want you to think about what it you believe being a GW entails. Lots centered around that--what you could imagine a GW doing.

had my interview and all went well, I had a little trouble answering what law enforcement meant, I said something along the lines of" well of cause to enforce the law but also to keep peace, A law enforcement officer may not need to issue citations but merely have a presence to help out the situation" This was the hardest question for me.

Others were about speaking to wide ranges of people, which was easy for me to relate to my current position at the airport and that I had a lot of experience speaking to large groups in my major (RPTS). (They took notes)

A time I worked with out close supervision, I used my experience as a supervisor of security.

They asked how I would work with local businesses and land owners, and I explained that I would let the govt, business and landowners know that I am there to work with them and be easily approachable. I would also expect to work a lot on public relations to help people understand what you do.

When asked why I would be the best for the position I explained that with my degree in rec, park, and tourism sciences from Texas A&M, my experiences as a Supervisor of security and my current job working for Dept. of Homeland security I felt that I would be a perfect match. I then added besides those qualities I also enjoy staying physically fit which would be a good thing in law enforcement.

After they took their notes ( there were 3 Game Wardens) I asked my questions.
1. I couldn’t find any information on the internet about your retirement, please explain, etc.
2. How long does the typical Game Warden work for Texas, what’s the attrition rate?

I then thanked them and asked for their business cards.

Over all they were all nice and helpful. Real easy going group of guys. I have no idea how long the process will take, the academy starts in Oct. I also have made my apt to have my finger prints taken for my back ground check.

Good luck. A girl I graduated HS with is a GW in Longview.

Just an FYI---if you didn't catch it, we had our second GW in 3 months die in the line of duty today. Rough times at TPWD.

"axe, cow, plow, gun ,and FIRE"--know them and use them