Game Warden - State of Oklahoma : Job Details

Job Posting Title

Game Warden

Agency

320 DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Supervisory Organization

Wildlife Conservation

Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)

October 28, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

$53,176.40 Plus state benefit allowance

Job Description

At the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) we are guided by our passion for wildlife, wild spaces and the women and men who love the outdoors. It is our mission to manage and protect fish and wildlife, along with their habitats, while also growing our community of hunters and anglers, partnering with those who love the outdoors, and fostering stewardship with those who care for the land.

We are proud to work in one of the nation's top 5 states for recruiting, retaining and reactivating hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. ODWC is renowned for being a top place to work in the state, and we are seeking people who share our love for the outdoors, our high degree of professionalism and our passion for serving our customers.

Working at ODWC provides the opportunity to participate in a fun and rewarding environment among some of the nation's best biologists, game wardens, outdoor educators, and administrative professionals. People in our ranks are making a real difference in conserving our state's natural resources and outdoor traditions. We hope you will consider joining our team.

ODWC offers excellent state benefits with a generous benefit allowance and longevity payments. We match your 5% payroll deducted contribution to the Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with 6% that increases to 8%, 10%, and 12% at 5, 10, and 15 years of experience, respectively. You will accrue 15 days annual leave and 10 days sick leave per year as well as 11 paid state holidays yearly.

Location: Various Counties Statewide & Multiple Positions

* Location of domicile must be approved by immediate supervisor*

* Game Wardens must live in the assigned county they work*

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Game Warden Supervisor and the general supervision of the District Chief of Law Enforcement, a Game Warden is responsible for enforcing the wildlife laws of the State of Oklahoma, public relation work with sportsmen, landowners, youth groups and license dealers in assigned area. Game Wardens will be in life threatening situations in the performance of their duties as a fully certified Oklahoma law enforcement officer. They are assigned to work nights, all weekends and most holidays. They will also assist other law enforcement agencies when requested. Game Wardens patrol designated areas by vehicle, boat, airplane or foot, checking licenses, bag limits and wildlife law violations. They may also be required to assist other Divisions of the Department in carrying out programs such as game and fish surveys, creel and bag census, public relations, information and education regarding Department programs and projects.

JOB DUTIES

Investigate reports of violations. Maintain a daily diary of work activities by writing reports in a concise legible manner. Makes arrests, serve warrants, and physically take subjects into custody who resist arrest without violating their constitutional rights. Prepare evidence for court by identifying fish and wildlife species and submitting other evidence. Must testify and appear in court.

Must demonstrate ability to use assigned weapons and be able to qualify twice per year with assigned weapons (pistol, shotgun and rifle).

Arrange for disposition of confiscated or accidentally killed fish and game by loading and unloading, processing or cleaning carcasses.

Render first aid service to any citizen in need. Assist stranded motorists along roadways requiring physical abilities. Assist the general public in lifesaving and water safety by being a competent swimmer.

Assist other law enforcement agencies when called upon. Assist other agencies in water pollution control.

Conduct conservation programs for organized groups or special projects requiring public speaking and presentation of wildlife information. Assists Hunter Education Coordinator with programs and conducts Hunter Education Courses in assigned areas.

Assist license dealers, sportsmen, citizens and others on available hunting and fishing areas and interprets wildlife laws and resolutions.

Investigate hunting accidents, making proper reports. Investigate landowner-sportsmen complaints. Prepare reports as needed such as monthly activity or special projects.

Maintain vehicle and equipment in proper working order including operation of vehicle, boats and hunting and fishing equipment.

Arrange for disposition of confiscated or accidentally killed fish and game by loading and unloading, processing or cleaning carcasses.

Requires extensive periods under adverse conditions of weather or uncomfortable conditions.

Will be required to perform other duties as requested by their chain of command.

Must have the ability to:

* Make split second decisions, including life and death of both the officer and the public.

* Be able to utilize the use of force that is objectively reasonable, necessary and proportionate to effectively bring a person or an incident under control, while protecting themselves or others from imminent harm.

* Must have the ability to walk along creeks, lake banks, through brush or over rip rap.

* Drive over rough back roads for extensive periods.

* Hauling stringers or net loads of fish into boat or onto shore.

* Lift/carry and/or pull deer or other carcasses of animals into and out of pickup or through the woods to a vehicle.

* Drive 2/4-wheel vehicles, including ATVs.

* Operate a boat, carry an outboard motor, Jog/walk over rough terrain.

* Swim.

* Physically control and arrest law violators.

* Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

* Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

* Assigned workdays will include nights, all weekends and holidays.

* Lift, push and pull at least 50 pounds in all directions including overhead.

Requirements: *Scroll to the bottom of listing*

Education:

Bachelor's degree in wildlife or Fisheries Management, or equivalent field of study from an accredited college or university. For degrees other than wildlife or fisheries a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours in a wildlife related field is required. Will also be required to be CLEET certified within the first year of employment and maintain the continuing education requirements of CLEET.

* You must attach a copy of your transcript to be considered for this position. Applications without an attached transcript will not be considered. *

Experience: No previous related experience with one year orientation on the job.

Physical Ability Standards: Must be able to meet physical ability standards, which includes taking subjects into custody, sometimes against their will.

GAME WARDEN POSITION REQUIREMENTS

We often get questions about the requirements needed for our Game Warden position. Below are the educational requirements for Game Warden:

Education: Bachelor's Degree with at least 12 credit hours of course work in a wildlife related field(s). Preference is given for a degree in a wildlife related field.

How do you know if a class is considered a wildlife related field .

The best way to answer this question is to look at the course description that the university provides for the course in question. Most schools have the course catalog available online or you can ask a school counselor to help you find this information. Most, but not all, of the classes that are wildlife related can be found in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Below is a sample of a few classes.

NREM 1012

Introduction to Natural Resource Ecology and Management. Introduction to the wide variety of natural resources found globally with a focus on Oklahoma ecoregions. Overview of the ecology and management of natural resources in the pine-hardwood forest, the Cross Timbers, and the tallgrass, mixed-grass and shortgrass prairies. Academic and career options presented through guest speakers.

NREM 2013

Ecology of Natural Resources. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1114 or PLNT 1213. Introductory focus on understanding and applying general ecological principles to agricultural and natural ecosystems. Emphasis on relationships between climate, soils, agricultural, and natural ecosystems. Topics include nutrient cycles, energy flow, species interactions, biological diversity, productivity, sustainability, and landscape and ecosystem management.

NREM 3013

Applied Ecology and Conservation. Prerequisite(s): BOT 1404 or ZOOL 1604; SOIL 2124 preferred. Development of critical thinking for conservation and land management through the application of ecological concepts and theory. Principles of population, community, ecosystem and landscape ecology, with applications to management of wildlife, fisheries, forest and rangeland resources. Application of scientific method and literature to natural resource ecology and management.

NREM 3502

Wildlife Law Enforcement. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and consent of instructor. Survey of state and federal wildlife laws with emphasis on Oklahoma statutory and regulatory laws pertaining to wildlife. Lectures, guest lectures, videotapes and field exercises.

NREM 3503

Principles of Wildlife Ecology and Management. Prerequisite(s): NREM 3012 and NREM 3013, or BIOL 3034 or concurrent. An introduction to the biological basis of the management of wildlife habitats and populations.

NREM 3523

Fish and Wildlife Population Biology. Prerequisite(s): NREM 3012 and NREM 3013, or BIOL 3034 or concurrent enrollment. Dynamics of fish and wildlife populations resulting from reproduction, competition, predation, movement, and exploitation. Effects of life history patterns on population growth and management strategies. Methods for measuring distribution, abundance, survival, and growth of fish and wildlife populations. Management strategies for fish and wildlife populations.

The course descriptions above specifically mention Natural Resources, fish or wildlife in them. This is what you are looking for to determine if a class is in a wildlife related field.

Can I count a general education course such as Biology or Algebra as a wildlife related field ?

No, Biology and Algebra are classes that are required for almost all degrees and are considered general education requirements. They do not specifically relate to wildlife.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.