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Wildlife Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Second Chance Wildlife Center

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Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician

Clarksburg, MD

$21/hr

Second Chance Wildlife Center, a 501(c)3 Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Veterinary Hospital in ... officers, and members of the public); * Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ...

Second Chance Wildlife Center

Be Seen First

Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician

Clarksburg, MD

$21/hr

Second Chance Wildlife Center, a 501(c)3 Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Veterinary Hospital in ... officers, and members of the public); * Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ...

Town Of Pecos City

Animal Control Officer

Pecos, TX · On-site

In the case of wildlife, officers help relocate these animals-many that have been displaced because of habitat loss or that have come into neighborhoods in search of food and shelter. MINIMUM ...

Town Of Pecos City

Animal Control Officer

Pecos, TX · On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

In the case of wildlife, officers help relocate these animals-many that have been displaced because of habitat loss or that have come into neighborhoods in search of food and shelter.MINIMUM ...

Town Of Pecos City

Animal Control Officer

Pecos, TX · On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

In the case of wildlife, officers help relocate these animals-many that have been displaced because of habitat loss or that have come into neighborhoods in search of food and shelter. MINIMUM ...

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Wildlife Officer information

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$54

How much do wildlife officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildlife officer in the United States is $24.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wildlife officer?

Wildlife Officers, also known as game wardens or conservation officers, are law enforcement professionals responsible for protecting wildlife and enforcing laws related to natural resources. They patrol forests, parks, and other natural areas to prevent poaching, illegal hunting, and fishing, as well as to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Wildlife Officers also educate the public about conservation, investigate wildlife-related crimes, and assist in rescue and rehabilitation efforts for injured animals. Their work is essential for maintaining ecological balance and preserving biodiversity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wildlife officer?

To thrive as a Wildlife Officer, you need a strong understanding of biology, environmental science, and law enforcement principles, typically supported by a degree in wildlife management or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, GPS devices, and relevant certification in law enforcement or wildlife conservation are commonly required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills help Wildlife Officers engage with the public and handle challenging situations in the field. These competencies are crucial for effectively protecting wildlife, enforcing regulations, and fostering positive relationships within the community.

What are some common challenges faced by wildlife officers in the field?

Wildlife Officers often work in remote or rugged environments, which can present physical and logistical challenges such as extreme weather, difficult terrain, and limited access to immediate backup. They may encounter situations involving poaching, wildlife-human conflict, or distressed animals, requiring quick decision-making and effective communication with the public. Balancing enforcement duties with education and outreach is also a key challenge, as officers strive to build positive relationships with local communities while upholding conservation laws.

What is the difference between Wildlife Officer vs Conservation Technician?

AspectWildlife OfficerConservation Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles require wildlife management or related certificationsHigh school diploma; some positions prefer technical or environmental certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in parks, reserves, and wildlife areas; enforcement and public educationFieldwork and laboratory work; habitat restoration and data collection
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, parks, wildlife departmentsEnvironmental organizations, government agencies, research institutions

Wildlife Officers primarily focus on enforcing wildlife laws, protecting animals, and educating the public, often working in enforcement roles. Conservation Technicians support habitat management, data collection, and conservation projects. While both roles work outdoors and require environmental knowledge, Wildlife Officers have a stronger emphasis on law enforcement and public safety, whereas Conservation Technicians focus on habitat and species conservation efforts.

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Cities with the most Wildlife Officer job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Wildlife Officer jobs?

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What states have the most Wildlife Officer jobs?

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Wildlife Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wildlife Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,053 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Lateral Fish and Wildlife Officer

PUBLIC SAFETY TESTING

Olympia, WA • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife - Lateral Fish and Wildlife Officer

Last updated on June 15, 2026. PST Partner Agency since May 29, 2014.

We are looking for exceptionally qualified candidates who meet our minimum eligibility requirements, and are passionate about protecting Washington's fish and wildlife populations.

Exceptionally qualified applicants will not only meet or exceed our minimum qualifications, but will also have an extensive background in hunting and/or fishing, a clear understanding of our highly specialized brand of law enforcement, and a strong desire to protect Washington’s unique fish and wildlife species for future generations to enjoy. Exceptional candidates will also be able to provide examples of how they exemplify the WDFW Police core values (Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy) in both their personal and professional lives.

Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife - Lateral Fish and Wildlife Officer Requirements
  • Written Examination: Yes, required. PST LEO Written Test Passing Score = 75% or Better.
  • LEO/CO Physical Ability Test (PAT): Yes, required. Your physical ability test must be completed 180 days (~6 months) before or after your passing written exam.
  • PST Personal History Statement: Yes, required within 10 days of passing required exam(s).
  • Minimum Age: 21.
  • High School Graduate/GED: Yes.
  • Driver's License: Required, Yes.
  • Felony Conviction(s) as an Adult: None.
  • Felony Conviction(s) as a Juvenile: None.
  • Ability to Read, Speak & Write the English Language: Mandatory. Multi-lingual applicants that are also fluent reading and writing English are encouraged to apply. WDFW is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.
  • Vision Requirements: 20/40 (corrected or uncorrected).
  • College Requirement: No.
  • Basic Law Enforcement Academy Certification: Current Criminal Justice Training Center (CJTC) commission or equivalent.
  • Prior Experience Requirement: Three years full-time law enforcement experience (full commission).
  • Veterans Preference Points: Yes.
  • Multiple Scores from Same Applicant: We only consider the most recent score.
  • Request/Access Scores: As needed.
Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife - Lateral Fish and Wildlife Officer Disqualifiers

The following are automatic and potential disqualifiers. Applicants should not apply if they indicate any of the automatic disqualifiers. Potential disqualifiers will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

  • Driving
    • Automatic: DUI within five years. Also includes reduced charges (e.g. negligent driving). Automatic: Pattern of traffic violations and/or auto accidents in the past five years or while employed in a criminal justice capacity. Potential: Applicant’s driving record.
  • Drug Usage
    • Automatic: Any use of marijuana in the last 12 months. Automatic: Illegal drug use other than marijuana in the last 3 years. Automatic: Illegal drug use while employed in a criminal justice capacity. Automatic: Manufacture, sale, transporting for sale, or facilitating the sale of illegal drugs (unless under 21 at the time AND the act occurred more than 10 years from the date of application). Potential: Misuse of prescription drugs... Potential: Pattern or History of drug use. Potential: Illegal drug use while serving in the military.
  • Criminal Activity
    • Automatic: Any felony conviction. Automatic: Any criminal conviction while employed as a criminal justice professional. Automatic: Conviction for any crime under a domestic violence statute. Potential: Adult misdemeanor convictions. Potential: Recent or pattern of Fish and Wildlife and/or natural resource violations.
  • Employment
    • Automatic: Dishonorable or bad conduct discharge from the United States armed forces. Automatic: Falsification of an application... Automatic: Revocation or denial of any CJTC/POST certified status. Potential: Law enforcement applicants involved in open administrative investigations or inquiries. Potential: Any termination, or resignation in lieu of termination, from a law enforcement agency, or other form of employment. Potential: Patterns of substandard employment performance and/or disciplinary actions. Potential: Civil litigation while employed in a criminal justice capacity. Automatic: Not in compliance with income tax or child support payments at the time of application. Potential: Failing to pay financial obligations; accounts in collections, garnishment of wages, civil litigation (bankruptcy), etc.
  • Other
    • Automatic: Any conduct or pattern of behavior that would tend to disrupt, diminish or otherwise jeopardize public trust in the law enforcement profession. Automatic: Candidates with any tattoos that are deemed offensive may be disqualified. Visible tattoos will be evaluated by the appointing authority. Potential: Visible piercings will be evaluated. Potential: Incomplete Personal History Statement (PHS), or inaccurate/outdated information provided in PHS.
Contact Information

1111 Washington ST SE, Olympia, WA 98501-1091 Statewide County, 360-742-6905

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