Protective Service
Fish and Game Wardens
Also called: Conservation Enforcement Officer, Conservation Officer, Conservation Warden, Fish and Game Constable
US median pay
$74,060
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-5.7%
declining
Openings a year (US)
500
6,200 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.
What they do day to day
- Participate in search-and-rescue operations.
- Compile and present evidence for court actions.
- Protect and preserve native wildlife, plants, or ecosystems.
- Patrol assigned areas by car, boat, airplane, horse, or on foot to enforce game, fish, or boating laws or to manage wildlife programs, lakes, or land.
- Investigate hunting accidents or reports of fish or game law violations.
- Provide assistance to other local law enforcement agencies as required.
- Issue warnings or citations and file reports as necessary.
- Provide advice or information to park or reserve visitors.
- Serve warrants and make arrests.
- Arrange for disposition of fish or game illegally taken or possessed.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.6/5
- Systems Analysis3.1/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.1/5
- Persuasion3.1/5
- Service Orientation3.0/5
- Operations Monitoring3.0/5
- Operation and Control3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security4.8/5
- Law and Government4.7/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
- English Language4.1/5
- Telecommunications3.9/5
- Psychology3.8/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.