Become A Conservation Warden!

Note: In 2008 the Department of Natural Resources will not be conducting a recruitment, testing and hiring process for permanent, full-time conservation warden positions. We anticipate our next hiring process for permanent staff will be in the spring of 2009.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is looking for men and women who reflect the diversity of our state, who are committed to public service, professionalism and have a desire to protect the natural resources of our beautiful state. As a warden you can make a difference if you possess integrity, strong communication skills, a firm reassuring manner and sound judgment under pressure.

No prior law enforcement experience or certification is required! We do not provide an exemption from attending the DNR Academy for individuals already certified. Everyone hired regardless of prior certification must participate in our Academy.

Note to those outside of Wisconsin: If you successfully progress through the hiring process, there will be 2 separate interviews in Wisconsin. In addition, for those offered a conditional job offer, there is another trip to Wisconsin for the medical examination and fitness testing.

We utilize an online application and examination process when hiring conservation wardens. If you would like to be notified when we begin our next hiring process, or if you have any questions or concerns about the requirements or about the recruitment process, please contact our Training Director at 608-266-2174 and provide him with your full name and mailing address.

What Happens After the Examination Deadline?

After your examination is scored, your status will be mailed to you. The top group of candidates will be invited to participate in the next steps of the selection process that includes:

• job interviews & assessment exercises
• a drug screening
• psychological screening
• a thorough background investigation
• vision and hearing screening (see attached requirements)
• medical examination & fitness for duty testing (see attached fitness requirements)

The top group of candidates advancing in the selection process will be notified about subsequent steps in the process and the exact dates.

The State of Wisconsin offers a high quality of life as expected from one of the nation's most beautiful states. Wisconsin's natural wealth adds a rich quality to the lives of residents and visitors alike. Conservation Wardens help to preserve these resources to be enjoyed by future generations.

What is required on the job

Conservation wardens work during all types of weather. Each season is different; each day is different. Wardens patrol their assigned station and, depending upon the season, enforce regulations relating to fishing, hunting, boating, snowmobiling, ATV’s, habitat protection, state lands' protection, and environmental protection. These duties are carried out through the use of enforcement action, education and community interaction. Thousands of people are contacted a year while they engage in these recreational activities.

Conservation Wardens do not work a typical shift schedule. There is at least one warden in every county in the state of Wisconsin. Some counties have two or more wardens. If a warden does not accomplish an assignment or finish a work-related activity, there is no one on the next shift to pass it along to. During the busy seasons, it is recognized wardens cannot accomplish all they need to accomplish in an 80-hour week during a two-week time frame. Wardens may work overtime if the situation meets the guidelines. This allows the wardens to try to serve the public as best as possible.

Since most people recreate on weekends, wardens are assigned to work at least half of the weekends throughout the year, as well as the busy, summer Holiday weekends. Warden’s days to work are scheduled by their supervisor. The days off can be weekdays or weekends. On an assigned day to work, the field warden determines which duties need to be accomplished on that day.

Some Job Duties:

Conservation Wardens are Wisconsin Law Enforcement officers, whose primary responsibility is to protect the natural resources of the state. Their enforcement authority includes wildlife, fish, boating, snowmobiling, all terrain vehicles (ATV’s), environmental (photo left – spill investigation), water regulation and zoning, and forestry laws. In addition Conservation Wardens have full police authority on state-owned property and expanded authority elsewhere.

Wardens engage in educational activities and work collaboratively with the public in solving natural resource protection problems. Conservation Wardens investigate the publics' complaints of violations.

They give talks to schools, clubs, newspaper, TV and radio reporters, and at special events like the State Fair, County Fairs and sports shows. They answer the publics' questions on a one-to-one basis on the phone, in the field, in the office and by email.