Fish and Game Wardens

High School

It is advisable for high school students who are interested in a career in this field to take courses in biology, environmental science, and other science subjects; geography; mathematics; social studies; and physical education. Look for cooperative education programs that are available at some high schools and colleges; these programs allow you to study as well as work in programs at refuges and other facilities—and in some cases, get paid for some of the hours you work at the facility.

Postsecondary Training

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service says that federal wildlife officers must "have at least one year work experience in the field of law enforcement and/or natural resources OR have a four-year course study leading to a bachelor’s degree or possess a bachelor’s degree with a major focus in natural resource management, natural sciences, park and recreation science, criminal justice, or other closely related subjects to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources." Special agents must have at least one year work experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the federal service OR have a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or have two full years of progressively higher level graduate education; OR a combination of that education or experience.

Specialized positions require advanced education or training. For example, all biology-related positions require a bachelor's degree in biology or natural resources management, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a degree that includes an appropriate number of semester hours in biological science.

Visit https://www.fws.gov/careers for an overview of educational requirements for various positions in the service.

Additional on-the-job training is given for most positions. Natural resource managers and related professionals receive training at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Special agents receive 20 weeks of formal training in criminal investigative and wildlife law enforcement techniques at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. They also complete a 44-week Field Training and Evaluation Program, in which they work closely with experienced training officers to develop their investigative skills and increase their knowledge of wildlife laws. Wildlife inspectors complete an eight-week basic training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, and also participate in on-the-job training. In addition, the service typically requires its employees to receive 40 hours of training each year.