PRATT, Kan. -(Ammoland.com)- Think you have what it takes to be a game warden? The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is accepting applications for anyone wanting to attend testing and assessment to be considered for an entry-level natural resource officer position within the Law Enforcement Division.
Those who successfully compete the testing and assessment will be included in a pool of eligible applicants who may receive offers for employment as game wardens with KDWPT.
To qualify, you must have a bachelor’s degree in natural resources, or a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 24 semester hours of natural resource coursework. All qualified applicants will be ranked according to their performance during the testing and assessment process. Applications must be postmarked no later than Friday, June 9, 2017.
Testing will occur on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at the Crisis City complex located southwest of Salina. More detailed information will be provided to selected applicants. This applicant pool will be used to fill permanent, full-time position.
Successful candidates will be required to live within their assigned district. Kansas game wardens have statewide jurisdiction and enforce state and federal wildlife law, along with Kansas criminal and traffic laws. A Kansas game warden is tasked with protecting Kansas natural resources, which benefit the state’s economy and improve Kansans’ quality of life.
Duties include patrolling and enforcing laws on private property, as well as approximately 400,000 acres of public hunting areas, and one million acres of private land enrolled in the Walk-in Hunting Access and F.I.S.H. programs. Game wardens are also primary law enforcement for boating and water safety and respond to water emergencies, providing expertise and specialized equipment that aid in the search, rescue, and recovery of persons and property.
Kansas game wardens assist local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, conducting search and rescue, executing search warrants, and responding to emergency events and requests for assistance by the Kansas Division of Emergency Management
A Kansas game warden has available a wide array of specialized equipment including patrol truck, firearms, patrol boat, rescue airboat, personal watercraft, thermal imaging, night vision, and other equipment. Along with maintaining state issued property, game wardens are required to complete enforcement reports, provide public programs and assist with boater, furharvester, hunter and wildlife education programs. Game wardens also complete wildlife surveys and assist in other department programs as need
Beginning hourly salary is $19.16, and group health and life insurance, retirement, holidays, sick and vacation leave are included. Candidates must pass a background check, truth verification examination, drug screen, and must be a credible witness in court.
If you meet the minimum qualifications and are looking for an exciting career working outside while protecting our natural resources and outdoor heritage, consider applying. For more information, call the KDWPT Operations office in Pratt, 620-672-5911 and ask for Law Enforcement.