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Government & Public ServicesDeclining

Fish and Game Warden

Operational-level

Also known as: Community Resource Officer, Conservation Enforcement Officer, Conservation Officer, District Resource Officer

Government & Public ServicesBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Fish and Game Warden, you spend your days patrolling natural areas to ensure people follow wildlife and fishing laws. You'll investigate reports of damage caused by animals and gather data on local wildlife populations. Much of your time is spent outdoors, often in a vehicle, but you'll also communicate with the public by phone and email. This job suits you if you enjoy working independently in all weather conditions, have strong communication skills for dealing with people, and are good at observation and critical thinking.
Wildlife ManagementConservation Law EnforcementEnvironmental ScienceFisheries ManagementLaw EnforcementGovernmentBiologyAnalysisPolice & MilitaryReal Estate

A Day in the Life

Your shift begins early at the district office in rural Oregon. You pull on your uniform, check your Ford F-150 patrol truck, and grab your radio and body camera. At your desktop, you review incoming emails, checking for new incident reports or critical alerts. You use ArcGIS to scan recent wildlife activity maps, noting any hotspots for fishing violations or reported animal conflicts. Your initial checks inform your patrol plan for the morning, preparing you for the day's unpredictable challenges.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordPuppetSwift

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-5.7%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

500

per year (US)

Jobs today

6,200

in 2025 → 5,800 (2035)

Typical entry education

Bachelor's degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
High
Indoor, climate-controlled
Moderate
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

The outlook for Fish and Game Wardens is projected to decline by 5.7% over the next decade, with about 500 openings each year. The median annual wage is around $74,060. People typically start in roles like wildlife technician or junior conservation officer. With experience, you can advance to a lead warden position, become a wildlife biologist, or specialize in environmental law enforcement.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Wildlife Technician
  • Junior Park Ranger
  • Conservation Officer Assistant

Where it can lead

  • Lead Game Warden
  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Environmental Law Enforcement Specialist

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will largely enhance the Fish and Game Warden career in the next 5-10 years, not replace it. Wardens will leverage AI-powered drones for advanced surveillance and predictive analytics to detect poaching and manage wildlife more effectively. This will shift their daily tasks towards strategy, data interpretation, and informed field operations.

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Salary

$74,060

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management

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Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years

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