Description
Title – Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Recruit
(In-Training to Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Officer)
Classification- Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer
Job Status – Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program – Enforcement Program
Duty Station – Statewide Locations, Washington State
Testing Cycle Deadline - Interview Timeline TBD
This is an open continuous announcement as testing/application is completed through Public Safety Testing.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
WDFW Enforcement Truck – Photo Credit: Devin Van Zanten
Picture yourself as a Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer, commonly known as a Game Warden, enforcing numerous laws and regulations related to health and public safety, dangerous wildlife/human conflicts, fish and wildlife protection, hunting and fishing license regulations, habitat protection, and commercial/recreational fish and shellfish harvest.
These are opportunities to patrol various parts of Washington state using motor vehicles, vessels, ATVs, ROVs, snowmobiles and on foot while investigating complaints and deterring criminal activities.
We are seeking team players with demonstrated talent representing WDFW values of Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy.
Fish And Wildlife Enforcement Officer:
- Entry Level Base Pay (In-Training) = $7,141.00
- Base Pay (upon training completion & lateral officer) = $7,713.00 to $10,104.00
- Education Incentive
- Associate degree 2%
- Bachelor’s degree 4%
- Assignment Pay (upon training completion) 10%
- Geographic Pay (upon training completion) Pierce 2%, King 5%, Snohomish 3%
- Longevity Premium Pay starts at five years of DFW Commission
Training:
- Onboarding – 2 to 3 Weeks
- Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) – 4.5 Months
- Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy (BLEEA) – 2 Weeks
- Out-of-state Lateral Applicants
- Fish and Wildlife Police In-House Academy – 2 Months
- Field Training – 3.5 Months
Duties
What To Expect:
A prospective candidate should understand that this role demands a high level of commitment and resilience. Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers work most weekends, some holidays, and frequently outside of standard hours...day or night, and in every type of weather. The job often requires operating independently in remote areas with little chance of immediate backup.
Officers routinely confront, cite, or arrest violators and may serve or execute search and arrest warrants involving individuals who are likely armed and potentially hostile toward law enforcement. The position also involves operating vehicles and watercraft in hazardous conditions.
Candidates must be prepared to handle injured or dangerous wildlife, including situations where euthanizing animals with firearms is necessary. At times, the work includes dealing with decomposing animals.
Daily interaction with the public is a core part of the job, and officers must be skilled at resolving conflict. Although the primary focus is wildlife and natural resource enforcement, officers also respond to a wide range of emergency calls, including serious motor vehicle collisions, domestic violence incidents, disturbances, search and rescue operations, and the recovery of deceased individuals.
Washington State Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers are fully commissioned peace officers. As such, public safety law enforcement is a significant and essential component of the job.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Officer will,
Conduct Law Enforcement And Provide Public Safety:
- Enforces all fish, wildlife, food fish and shellfish laws, department rules/regulations, all laws of the state and specific federal and tribal laws, including hydraulic codes, the Forest Practices Act, the Model Litter Control Act, sanitary shellfish laws, and boating safety regulations.
- Patrols fresh and saltwater ways and adjacent lands by vessels, auto, foot, ORV, etc. Monitors commercial and recreational harvest of food fish, game fish, shellfish, game animals and birds.
- Checks commercial and recreational licenses, monitors buyers and processors of food fish and shellfish; checks special license holders and permittee to ensure compliance.
- Contacts resource users to ensure species, season, bag-limit, and gear compliance.
- Inspects taxidermists, fur-dealers, and commercial fishing/shell fishing/aquaculture operations to ensure licensing and record-keeping compliance.
- Operates and maintains patrol equipment, i.e., boats with standard or jet propulsion, canoes, drift boats, off-road vehicles, horses, snowmobiles, etc.
- Responds to violation reports, gathers evidence, makes arrests, organizes, and coordinates investigations of suspected violations, conducts surveillance, participates in searches, interviews witnesses and suspects, secures and serves search warrants, and prepares case reports.
- Seizes equipment used in fish and game law violations and arranges for disposition of fish and game illegally taken or possessed.
- Maintains liaison with local and federal law enforcement agencies.
- Responds to natural disasters and catastrophic incidents in support of the state comprehensive emergency management plan.
Dangerous Wildlife Conflict:
- Resolves human/dangerous wildlife conflicts.
- Assist Wildlife Conflict Specialists in response to dangerous wildlife conflict issues as needed.
- Recommends, designs and/or implements control measures to prevent or deter human/dangerous wildlife incidents.
Provides Outreach And Education:
- Makes presentations to local sport clubs, schools, and civic groups, etc.
- Monitors and provides instruction to hunter and trapper education programs.
- Assists in promoting hunter safety training.
- Increase program profile and better connect with the public they serve.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting:
Work from Program offices, homes, or in the field.
Work in an outdoor environment to enforce fish, wildlife, and criminal state laws.
Patrols are conducted on land and/or water and take place at all hours of the day or night; may be required to work in a hostile environment, adversarial situations, be exposed to hazardous work environments and inclement weather conditions.
Work the majority of the time alone, with limited backup and support.
Schedule:
In-training schedule: 160 hours within 28 days.
Training completed schedule: 171 hours within 28 days – Overtime Eligible.
Must be able to work weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and be on call 24-hours a day.
Travel Requirements:
Travel will be required throughout the State to attend training and meetings. This will include overnight travel of a short to long duration depending on the activity.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications (Entry Level Recruits):
Two (2) years college coursework (60 semester or 90 quarter credits).
OR
Three (3) years paid, full time natural resource experience.
OR
Three (3) years active-duty military service.
OR
Three (3) years paid, full time law enforcement experience.
Required Qualifications (Lateral Recruits):
Three (3) years of full-time, fully commissioned law enforcement experience, with a current Criminal Justice Training Center (CJTC) peace officer certification or equivalent.
Successful completion of the CJTC Basic Law Enforcement Academy or a Washington CJTC recognized basic law enforcement certificate from another state.
Certifications/Licenses:
Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid Washington Driver’s License.
Special Requirements/Conditions Of Employment (Entry Level & Lateral):
Must be 21 years of age upon employment/hire.
Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Must have NO felony convictions.
Must be able to communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance (speak, read, and write).
Must have at least 20/40 vision (corrected or uncorrected).
Must be able to physically perform the duties of a Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer.
Must pass a background investigation, polygraph, psychological assessment, and a medical examination to include drug testing.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Fisheries Science/Management, Wildlife Science/Management, Animal Science, Forestry, Forestry Management, Range Science/Management, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Wildlife Law Enforcement, Resource Economics, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Zoology or Criminal Justice.
Experience in hunting and fishing.
Experience performing recreational or commercial outdoors activities.
Experience interpreting, explaining, and enforcing laws, rules, and regulations.
Resourcefulness in problem solving.
Your application will be completed through Public Safety Testing (PST) and should include the following:
- Complete the written Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) exam with a 75% or better passing score.
- Complete the LEO physical ability test (PAT), which is pass or fail.
- Completed personal history statement (PHS) before or immediately after completing your initial testing – making sure it is thorough with honest responses.
- Complete a one (1) page cover letter within your PST profile (documents) answering the following:
- Why are you a good fit for a Fish & Wildlife Officer career?
- What are your outdoor hobbies?
- In what capacity have you participated in a team environment (i.e. sports, work, etc.)?
- Complete the Outdoor Experience questionnaire within your PST profile (documents).
Note: Prior to applying/testing, please thoroughly review the Fish and Wildlife Officer minimum qualifications and disqualifiers.
A candidate is not applying for a particular duty station at the time the application (Public Safety Testing scores, Personal History Statement, Cover Letter, and Outdoor Experience Questionnaire) is submitted. As the hiring authority, WDFW Police Chief, assigns duty stations based on mission need. Therefore, a candidate must be prepared for any statewide assignment. However, there are occasions where a duty assignment can accommodate both current mission needs and personal location desires. Duty stations are typically discussed during the Chief’s interview.
Officers must live within twenty (20) miles of the legal boundary of the city assigned, and within Detachment boundaries consistent with the current bargaining agreement.
Supplemental Information
In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.
Important Note:
The hiring process begins at Public Safety Testing www.publicsafteytesting.com.
DO NOT apply for this position through this site (www.careers.wa.gov). If you have any questions, please contact the WDFW Enforcement Recruiting and Hiring Specialist at OfficerRecruitment@dfw.wa.gov.
All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
FWOG: These positions are in the bargaining unit represented by the Fish and Wildlife Officer's Guild (FWOG) and are subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Coalition.
Per
RCW 73.16.010 Veterans And Qualifying Spouses Who Meet The Minimum Qualifications Of a Position Are Eligible For Preference During The Initial Application Review Stage. To Receive This Benefit, Please Do The Following:
- Veterans and Military Spouses only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter within your PST profile (documents).
- Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome and are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact PST https://www.publicsafetytesting.com/contact-us.
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to OfficerRecruitment@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-01421.
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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read About Our Benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information
.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
