Protective service
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.
Median pay
$74,060
Growth to 2035
−6%
declining
Openings a year
500
Time to qualify*
6 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Fish and game wardens
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Fish and game wardens: 15% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Participate in search-and-rescue operations.
- Compile and present evidence for court actions.
- Protect and preserve native wildlife, plants, or ecosystems.
- Patrol assigned areas by car, boat, airplane, horse, or on foot to enforce game, fish, or boating laws or to manage wildlife programs, lakes, or land.
- Investigate hunting accidents or reports of fish or game law violations.
- Provide assistance to other local law enforcement agencies as required.
- Issue warnings or citations and file reports as necessary.
- Provide advice or information to park or reserve visitors.
Also called: Conservation Enforcement Officer · Conservation Officer · Conservation Warden · Fish and Game Constable · Game Warden · Refuge Officer · State Game Warden · State Wildlife Officer
Outlook and AI
Fish and game wardens held 6,200 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 5,800 by 2035 (−6%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
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