Game Warden

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Describe your experience with and understanding of Montana's natural resources, and what motivates you to protect and conserve them. Provide specific examples of experiences that have shaped your knowledge and appreciation of Montana's fish, wildlife, habitats, outdoor recreation, and conservation. Explain how these experiences have prepared you for the responsibilities of a Montana game warden and how they would influence the way you serve Montana's people and natural resources.

Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on September 20, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

This position will follow an open, rolling application process. Applications will be reviewed every two (2) days throughout the posting period.

The application is the first phase in the evaluation process. Therefore, please provide any and all information or past experiences that you feel are relevant. Only the most qualified applicants will move forward to the next phase.

Anticipated hire date for these positions is January of 2027 depending on availability and vacancy numbers. If there are more successfully cleared applicants than available vacancies, the remainder will be placed on an eligibility list valid for 6 months.

Special Information:

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.

Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

Effective June 22, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/

Specific Job Information:

Montana Game Wardens are Peace Officers for the state. Upon hiring, game wardens must successfully complete the Montana Law Enforcement Academy Basic Course or successfully challenge the academy by having received equivalent law enforcement training as determined by Montana Public Safety Officer Standards and Training (POST).

Applicants should be prepared and willing to move anywhere in the state. Initial duty stations for successful candidates are yet to be determined. If you currently live in Montana, it is unlikely you will be offered a district in the same area. Wardens are required to reside within the boundaries of their assigned warden district. Limited and rare exceptions to this requirement may be considered on a case by case basis and must be authorized by the Chief of Enforcement.

By the nature and complexity of warden's duties, typically the warden is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week to support field staff, respond to the public and address wildlife issues. Job demands are heaviest during weekends & holidays. Wardens work odd hours, generally alone with no immediate backup.

Wardens must be in excellent physical health and condition. This position requires frequent climbing, bending, pushing, pulling, dragging. Requires occasional lifting and moving of heavy objects and equipment. Working with sick or injured wildlife, removing illegal kills, trapping, and relocating animals, back packing, horseback patrols, loading and unloading, operating boats, snowmobiles, and OHV's, and use of force incidents that require mental composure, verbal communication, and physical skills. Wardens must be in excellent mental condition as they must deal with all types of personalities and stress levels.

The warden is required to function in all weather extremes, under adverse working conditions for prolonged patrols and activities. Patrolling often requires sitting for long periods of time in a vehicle. Handling various wildlife and equipment, traversing rough terrain, including water, operating vehicles/vessels at high speeds and under unstable conditions may result in injury. Potentially dangerous interactions with criminals, executing arrests and being subject to assault and to dangerous substances including drugs and bodily fluids is to be expected.

Enforcement: Patrols assigned district to detect, investigate, and apprehend violators of fish, wildlife and parks laws, rules, and regulations; checks licenses, permits and compliance of hunters, park visitors, anglers, and other recreationists in the field; verifies fee and regulation compliance of park and FAS visitors; investigates suspected violations; issues citations and makes arrests; operates check stations; monitors license-vending activities; assists other law enforcement agencies as requested or needed; testifies in court regarding offenses. Game wardens maintain an electronic activity log recording their daily activities, prepares reports and testimony for enforcement activities, audits records of businesses dealing in wildlife resources including taxidermists, shooting preserves, etc. Game wardens collect and compile data and perform biological activities for wildlife management strategies. Assists with management and operations of state parks and fishing access sites. Meets with landowners, members of the public and other agencies to explain and/or address concerns relating to department programs. Wardens attend meetings and conferences regarding fish, wildlife and parks practices and concerns; conducts hunter, archery, water, snowmobile, and OHV safety programs; disseminates Fish, Wildlife, Parks and recreation information; writes news articles and participates in news programs following established department procedures. Wardens may perform other duties including but not limited to assisting in search and rescue operations, maintaining equipment, collection and dissemination of public comments, biological information, significant intra-departmental cooperation with all divisions, youth and adult education.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• At least 18 years of age on the date of appointment.

• A United States citizen, and must be or become a Montana resident in conjunction with appointment as a Fish, Wildlife & Parks Warden.

• The applicant must possess a Bachelor's degree by March 15, 2026 from an accredited university. Preferred degrees in Fish and Wildlife, Park Management, Outdoor Recreation, Criminal Justice or a closely related field.

• In excellent physical and mental health and must be able to pass a medical examination and a strength and agility test according to standards set forth by the Montana Board of Crime Control and prescribed by the department (minimum visual acuity is 20/100 corrected to 20/20 in both eyes).

• Must possess a valid driver's license.

• Have a basic knowledge of major fish and wildlife species and outdoor recreation in Montana.

Conditional offers may be revoked if the incumbent fails to satisfy all applicable eligibility requirements, including completion of the required degree by the established deadline.