Fish and Wildlife Warden Career: Minimum Qualifications

Age

Must be 21 years of age at time of appointment to peace officer (completion of academy)

Max age 65 (Government Code Section 21132- mandatory retirement age of 65 years for state peace officers)

Hearing and Vision

Candidates must have hearing and vision adequate to perform the duties of the position, as outlined in the POST Medical Screening Manual. (https://post.ca.gov/medical-screening-manual)

Health

Sound physical condition, ability to swim, and hearing adequate to perform all the essential duties and functions of a Warden.

Education

Equivalent to completion of two years (60 semester units) of college with 18 semester units in any related courses. (Students who have 30 semester units of college and have 18 semester units completed in the required or related fields and meet all other MQ’s will have their application accepted but must produce evidence of completion of 60 semester units before they can be considered eligible for appointment.)


NOTE: The Department has determined that “related fields” are, but are not limited to: accounting, agriculture, animal science, anthropology, astronomy, biological sciences, botany, business, chemistry, computer science, communication, conservation, criminal justice, ecology, economics, English, entomology, environmental management, environmental science, environmental studies, ethnic studies, fisheries or wildlife management, forestry, geography, geology, herpetology, history, law enforcement, life science, mammalogy, marine biology, marketing, statistics, military transfer credits, multidisciplinary studies, natural resources conservation, oceanography, ornithology, physics, police science, psychology, plant taxonomy, political science, public administration, social studies, sociology and all social sciences, water quality management, wilderness survival, and zoology.

Citizenship

U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship; must be a citizen at time of appointment.

Legal

You are disqualified from being employed as a peace officer if you have been:

  • convicted of a felony in this State or any other state;
  • convicted of any offense in any other state which would have been a felony if committed in this State;
  • charged with a felony and adjudged by a superior court to be mentally incompetent;
  • found not guilty by reason of insanity of any felony;
  • determined to be a mentally disordered sex offender;
  • addicted or in danger of becoming addicted to narcotics, convicted, and committed to a State institution; or,
  • convicted of any offense which precludes you from carrying a firearm under State or federal law.

Illegal Use of Drugs

You will be tested by urinalysis for the illegal use of drugs prior to employment. All positive test results are grounds for disqualification. Use of "hard" drugs (e.g., heroin, cocaine, or hallucinogenic) after your 18th birthday AND prior to your 23rd birthday  is grounds for disqualification until 5 years has elapsed from the date of the disclosed use of the drug. Use occurring after your 23rd birthday is grounds for disqualification until 10 years has elapsed from the date of the disclosed use of the drug.

Motor Vehicle License

Must possess a valid Driver’s License.

Additional

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

Ability to use word processing software on personal computers; ability to make minor vehicle repairs; ability to safely operate small skiffs; advanced skills in the following areas: English including grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and composition; reading and comprehension; mathematics; second languages; and courses in sociology and psychology.