Law Enforcement Salary & Benefits

Conservation Warden Pay

Effective April 1, 2007, a Conservation Warden's starting salary is $19.84 per hour ($41,400 + overtime*).

*Conservations wardens are eligibile to earn overtime up to an equivalent of 420 hours at straight rate.

In addition to numerous opportunities for promotions to higher paying positions, further pay advancement may be gained through performance awards and/or annual general economic pay adjustments. Salary is subject to change with Union contracts.

Differential Pay

Shift differential pay of $.45 is earned if two (2) or more hours are worked between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Weekend differential pay of $.60 is earned for all hours worked between the hours of 12:01 a.m. on Saturday and 12:00 midnight on Sunday.

Health Insurance

On the date you are hired, you become eligible for health insurance coverage in a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or approved alternate care plan at the full premium rate. After 6 months employment, the State pays a portion or the entire premium for health care insurance.

*Employees with previous 6+ months of State employment and who contributed to the Wisconsin Retirement Fund may be eligible for immediate benefits.

Life Insurance

Once you are hired, coverage up to 300% your annual salary is available at a low group rate.

Income Continuation Insurance

A contributory income insurance plan is available which is integrated with the sick leave program.

Retirement

Participation in the state retirement program and Social Security is mandatory with the employer paying the greatest share of the State retirement portion of the program. Group health and life insurance coverages are also available for retirees. Conservation Wardens fall under "protective" retirement status; able to retire at 53 years of age if certain criteria are met.

Equipment

Officers are provided uniforms, service weapons, a vehicle and a laptop computer. Once assigned to a a field station, station equipment may include an ATV, boat, snowmobile and other unique, up-to-date equipment needed to successfully work in the field.

Annual Training

Wardens attend annual training and the 24-hour required recertification training each year to keep up-to-date on the current laws, policies and legal decisions.

Annual Leave (Vacation)

• 80 hours (10 days) during the first five (5) years of service.
• 120 hours (15 days) during the next five (5) years of service.
• 136 hours (17 days) during the next five (5) years of service.
• 160 hours (20 days) during the next five (5) years of service.
• 176 hours (22 days) during the next five (5) years of service.
• 200 hours (25 days) during all succeeding years of service.

Personal Holidays

28 hours (3.5 days) to be used at the employee's discretion anytime throughout the year.

Holidays

New Years Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Years Eve Day.

Sick Leave

Employee's earn 16.25 days per year (130 hours) annually and can be accumulated without limit.

Military Leave

Employees are allowed up to 30 working days per year for their military obligation.