Wyoming is the ninth largest state with 97,000 square miles with 27 million acres of public land and contains over 600 species of wildlife. With 50 game wardens in the State, this breaks out to 1,940 square miles per warden.

In addition to the 50 game wardens, there are seven wildlife investigators, three game warden trainees, seven wildlife technicians and fifteen supervisory personnel, all with enforcement authority.

Game Wardens enforce State statutes and Commission regulations covering big game, game birds, waterfowl, trophy game, furbearers, small game, fish, nongame species and watercraft.

Approximately 30% of the game warden’s time is spent on wildlife law enforcement, with the remaining 70% performing wildlife management, depredation and public relations/contacts. Each game warden is required to live in a Department provided residence with an office open to the public 24/7.

The salary range for the game warden position is $2,700-$3,500/month.

The Wyoming Game Warden was profiled in the Winter 1997-98 issue of the International Game Warden magazine. The article is available in pdf file.

Powell Game Warden Mac Black on the Cover of IGW magazine Winter 1997-98 Issue

To provide a complete overview of the game warden duties, the State of Wyoming job position description of Game Warden is provided.

General Description of Work: The position carries out law enforcement responsibilities; wildlife management responsibilities; wildlife conflict resolution and wildlife depredation investigations; represents the agency in day-to-day contact with the public; and, attends training. The position conducts field checks and law enforcement investigations to assure public compliance with rules, regulations, and statutes. The position issues citations and warnings, arrest violators, prepares law enforcement reports and testifies in court. The position shares responsibility with the wildlife biologist for management of terrestrial wildlife within an assigned geographic area. The position mitigates, investigates, and resolves wildlife/human/livestock conflicts including depredation claims. The position represents the agency in day-to-day contacts with the public and answers questions regarding the agency and the wildlife resource, often outside traditional business hours. The position participates in teaching hunter safety classes and in providing programs to school children and other organizations.

Essential Functions: Collects, compiles and analyzes data for wildlife populations in area of responsibility in order to make decisions on the management of Wyoming’s wildlife resources. Represents the department in contacts with agencies, individuals, and groups in receiving input and conveys department programs, policies, and objectives. Carries out duties as assigned in one of the following areas. Law enforcement coordination; law enforcement training; watercraft enforcement coordination; commercial operators; law enforcement case management system and evidence; custody/control instructor; firearms instructor; wildlife damage control or trophy game damage control. Manages damage control responsibilities to minimize cost to the department while striving toward equitable settlements and herd unit objectives. Participates in required training. Documents and reports activities. Maintains warden station and equipment and material stored at this facility. Prepares and administers warden district budget, acquires equipment and supplies as needed, sell licenses and reports revenue, and completes required reports. Completes and submits reports and carries out other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills: Excellent physical condition and ability to perform under adverse climatic working conditions. Skill in interpersonal and oral and written communications. Ability to function and perform with minimum supervision and to work alone. Knowledge of basic concepts, principles, and practices of wildlife management, population ecology, standardized techniques and methodology, species identification, life history, animal biological processes and behavior, basic habitat and range management practices and concepts. Knowledge of Game and Fish statutes and Commission regulations, wildlife crime investigation, criminal law, court procedures, and prosecution of violators. Knowledge to resolve wildlife/human conflicts and investigates wildlife depredation claims. Knowledge of general outdoors skills including utilizing horses in the backcountry. Ability to collect data as an observer in small aircraft. Ability to demonstrate proficiencies required in Commission firearms and custody/control and use of force policies. Working knowledge of computer software and hardware.

Minimum Qualifications: Any combination of training and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, range management, biology, zoology, ichthyology or closely related field, PLUS four years of professional work experience in wildlife or fish resource management, research or habitat development, enforcement of wildlife laws and regulations, OR a master’s degree in wildlife management, biology, zoology, ichthyology, range management or closely related field, PLUS two years of professional work experience in wildlife or fish resource management, research or habitat development, enforcement of wildlife laws and regulations. To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have passed the Game Warden Examination. Must have a valid driver’s license. Successful applicant must live in department provided housing.