Careers in Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement

Duties and Responsibilities

Click here for How to Apply

Fish and Wildlife Officers are commissioned Peace Officers certified by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. While their primary duty is to enforce the Fish and Wildlife Code and associated WDFW regulations, officers also enforce forest products, boating laws and all other laws of the State. Officers execute and serve all criminal processes related to enforcement activities, safeguard department lands and equipment, present programs to the public, and provide assistance to other law enforcement agencies within their assigned areas. They also maintain contact with landowners, resource users, and the general public.

Fish and Wildlife Officers are called upon to respond to public safety concerns related to bear, cougar and other wild animals as human populations continue to encroach on shrinking wildlife habitat. Nuisance wildlife complaints and complaints of commercial crop damage associated with deer and elk are also handled by Fish and Wildlife Officers.

Minimum Qualifications

Age: Applicant must be 21 years old prior to being employed

Health: Applicant must be able to physically perform the duties of a Fish and Wildlife Officer, including passing the Physical Ability Test required for entry into the Academy. A successful applicant must also pass a medical examination and a psychological assessment.

Education/Experience Requirements:

A Bachelor's degree (natural resource science or criminal justice preferred)

OR

A two-year college degree, and two years of paid, full-time, natural resource experience or two years of paid, full-time, commissioned law enforcement experience.

OR

A two-year college degree and three years Active Miltary duty within the last 9 years.

Must be a United States citizen and have the ability to read, write and speak the English language.

Character
Fish and Wildlife Officer applicants must be trustworthy, of high moral character and possess a background free of unfavorable incidents. Applicants must submit a completed “WDFW Personal History and Background Questionnaire” along with a “Waiver and Authority for Release of Information” with their application. Failure to successfully complete any of the testing process, felony convictions, illegal drug usage in the past 3 years, excessive drug usage in the past 10 years, dishonesty or failure to disclose relevant information during the process may disqualify a candidate. Applicants are required to submit to and pass a polygraph examination.

Station Assignment
Applicants must be willing to accept station assignment anywhere in the state of Washington. While applicant desires are considered, assignments will be made in the best interest of the Department.

Work Schedule
Officers work 171 hours each 28 day work period, according to their monthly Detachment plans. Officers routinely work nights, holidays and weekends. Detachments coordinate work schedules to address upcoming seasons and enforcement issues.

Dress Code
Fish and Wildlife Officers are required to wear a prescribed uniform and adhere to established dress and grooming standards.

Residence
Officers are required to live within a prescribed area, usually within 10 -15 miles of their assigned duty station.

New Officer Training

Once hired, officers must successfully complete the Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) and the Enforcement Program in-house training. In-house training covers Departmental policies, regulations, forms, fish and wildlife identification and other areas of basic knowledge prior to beginning field work.

On completion WDFW in-house training, new Fish and Wildlife Officers are assigned to the 11-week Field Training Program. Under the guidance of a Field Training Officer, they progress through a structured program designed to prepare and provide the new officer with the basic skills and knowledge needed to integrate classroom knowledge with field performance as a Fish and Wildlife Officer.

Career advancement is based on a combination of longevity, training, job knowledge, and performance.

• Fish and Wildlife Officer 1 (entry level) $4134 – 5426/mo.
• Lateral Transfer Fish and Wildlife Officer 1 $5426/mo. (Transfer from an outside law enforcement agency and already completed WA Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy, or equivalent)
• Fish and Wildlife Officer 2 (3-4 years and completion of Career Development Plan) $4564 – 5842 /mo.
• Fish and Wildlife Officer 3 (Master Instructor / Large Vessel Operator [5 years+]) $4793 - 6134/mo.

Additional promotional opportunities within the Enforcement Program include Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Deputy Chief.

Fish and Wildlife Officers, as employees of the State of Washington receive medical, dental, disability and life insurance coverage and are members of the LEOFF II Retirement Plan.

New applicants and lateral entry applicants can find information on how to apply here.