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THE JOB FISH AND GAME WARDENS are the law enforcement agents of the State and federal fish and wildlife agencies. They enforce laws and regulations designed to protect and conserve fish and wildlife. While patrolling assigned areas, wardens warn, cite, and arrest individuals suspected of violations and may seize the fish, game, and equipment connected with the violation. They collect information and report on the condition of fish and wildlife in a specific area. They may supervise the activities of seasonal workers. Wardens with the federal government are known as special agents (wildlife). Wardens may have other responsibilities. They may investigate wildlife crop damage and advise owners of preventative measures. They may inspect commercial fishing operations, canneries, processors, and fish markets. They may issue deer hunting licenses, conduct hunter safety training, and assist in controlled hunt planning. They may participate in rescue operations. They may investigate coastal water pollution. Occasionally, they speak at civic, sporting, and conservation events. WORKING CONDITIONS Wardens work out-of-doors in all seasons and weather conditions. The area they patrol may include urban areas, lakes, rivers, mountains, deserts, or marine off-shore areas. Wardens frequently work in thick brush or dense woods. Occasionally, they may have to handle wild animals and run the risk of bites and scratches. They may use patrol boats, off-road vehicles, and scuba-diving equipment. Because they are peace officers, they wear a uniform and carry a weapon. Although wardens work primarily in the field, they may do some of their work in offices. EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. Estimated number of workers in 1993 350 Estimated number of workers in 2005 400 Projected Growth 1993-2005 14% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 100 (These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.) Only modest growth will occur in this occupation, because of limited budgetary resources. Interest in the occupation is keen, and traditionally there are many more job seekers than available jobs. WAGES, HOURS AND FRINGE BENEFITS Fish and Game Wardens work for governmental agencies. Monthly salary ranges for State Fish and Game Wardens cadets are $2,244 to $2,670. Warden salaries range from $2,404 to $3,467 per month. Special agents (wildlife) employed by the federal government begin at GS level 5 (starting at $1,664 per month) and can reach GS level 12 (starting at $3,656 per month). The hours may be irregular, and wardens frequently work weekends and holidays when hunters and fishers are most likely to crowd State and federal parks and forests. Wardens get compensating time off for all time worked over 40 hours per week. They receive a comprehensive fringe benefit package including paid vacations, holiday, sick leave, a retirement plan and partially-paid medical and dental insurance. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING Most Fish and Game Wardens work for the State Department of Fish and Game. The Department accepts applications from qualified job seekers on a continuous basis, but qualifying tests are usually given only every two years. The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service employs a few special agents. Prospective Fish and Game Wardens must have at least two years of college - 60 semester or equivalent quarter units. Eighteen of those units must be in police or biological science. The State Department of Fish and Game gives a written test that covers the principals of law enforcement, conservation, the habits, ecology, and distribution of California fish and wildlife, and the ability to reason logically. Job competitors must also take a physical exam, which includes vision and hearing screening, and pass a physical endurance test that includes swimming for 100 yards. Cadets take a fish and game law enforcement training program after they are hired. This program is given at various police academy locations and is accredited by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards. Special Agents (Wildlife) need a bachelor's degree in biology or criminal justice to work for the federal government. Helpful school courses are biology and math; physical education, especially physically active team sports, are also important. A strong interest in law enforcement activities is also important. Outdoor hobbies such as hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking, help students prepare for this career. ADVANCEMENT Fish and Game Warden Cadet is the first of five occupational steps in the State Fish and Game Warden series. The others are warden A and B, patrol lieutenant, patrol captain, and patrol inspector. Each promotion is based on a competitive examination, experience, and performance requirements. Eligibility of patrol lieutenant occurs after one year's service as a warden. Some fish and game wildlife assistants-already working for the Department of Fish and Game-take the required college level course work to qualify as a warden. Special agents (wildlife) advance through regular pay levels and may be promoted to supervisor or refuge manager. FINDING THE JOB The California Department of Fish and Game accepts applications for Fish and Game Warden cadets at any time. Job seekers should contact the U.S. Department of Wildlife Services for dates that applications are accepted. They should also request job leads from their college instructors and graduate placement centers. ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION Visit the California Department of Fish and Game website at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/dfghome.html. For job applications or a career opportunities pamphlet, contact theCalifornia Department of Fish and Game at one of the following locations: Southern California-Eastern Sierra Region 330 Golden Shore, Suite 50 Long Beach, CA 90802 (310) 590-5144 San Joaquin Valley-Southern Sierra Region 1234 East Shaw Avenue Fresno, CA 93710 (209) 222-3761 Central Coast Region P.O. Box 47 1416 Yountville, CA 94599 (707) 944-5500 Headquarters Office 1416 9th Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 653-8120 Sacramento Valley-Central Sierra Region 1701 Nimbus Road Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (916) 355-0978 Northern California-North Coast Region 601 Locust Street Redding, CA 96001 (916) 225-2300 For Special Agent (Wildlife) employment information, contact: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Eastside Federal Complex 911 N.E. 11th Avenue Portland, OR 97232-4181 (503) 231-6136 http://www.fws.gov RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES Foresters No. 202 Park Rangers No. 232 OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Fish and Game Warden 379.167-010 OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Fish and Game Wardens 630410 Source: State of California, Employment Development Department, Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group, (916) 262-2162.Note: This is NOT a job opening. The purpose of This California Occupational Guide is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions. If you are searching for a job, go to:
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