Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer - 2026-01421
About the role
Washington State Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers enforce numerous laws and regulations related to health and public safety, dangerous wildlife/human conflicts, fish and wildlife protection, hunting and fishing license regulations, habitat protection, and commercial/recreational fish and shellfish harvest.
Responsibilities
- Enforces all fish, wildlife, food fish and shellfish laws, department rules/regulations, all laws of the state and specific federal and tribal laws, including hydraulic codes, the Forest Practices Act, the Model Litter Control Act, sanitary shellfish laws, and boating safety regulations.
- Patrols fresh and saltwater ways and adjacent lands by vessels, auto, foot, ORV, etc.
- Makes presentations to local sport clubs, schools, and civic groups, etc.
- Responds to violation reports, gathers evidence, makes arrests, organizes, and coordinates investigations of suspected violations, conducts surveillance, participates in searches, interviews witnesses and suspects, secures and serves search warrants, and prepares case reports.
- Seizes equipment used in fish and game law violations and arranges for disposition of fish and game illegally taken or possessed.
- Maintains liaison with local and federal law enforcement agencies.
- Responds to natural disasters and catastrophic incidents in support of the state comprehensive emergency management plan.
- Resolves human/dangerous wildlife conflicts.
- Provides outreach and education.
Requirements
- Two (2) years college coursework (60 semester or 90 quarter credits).
- Three (3) years paid, full time natural resource experience.
- Three (3) years active-duty military service.
- Three (3) years paid, full time law enforcement experience.
- Successful completion of the CJTC Basic Law Enforcement Academy or a Washington CJTC recognized basic law enforcement certificate from another state.
- Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid Washington Driver’s License.
- Must be 21 years of age upon employment/hire.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Must have NO felony convictions.
- Must be able to communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance (speak, read, and write).
- Must have at least 20/40 vision (corrected or uncorrected).
- Must be able to physically perform the duties of a Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer.
- Must pass a background investigation, polygraph, psychological assessment, and a medical examination to include drug testing.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Fisheries Science/Management, Wildlife Science/Management, Animal Science, Forestry, Forestry Management, Range Science/Management, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Wildlife Law Enforcement, Resource Economics, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Zoology or Criminal Justice.
- Experience in hunting and fishing.
- Experience performing recreational or commercial outdoors activities.
- Experience interpreting, explaining, and enforcing laws, rules, and regulations.
- Resourcefulness in problem solving.
Skills
Effective communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to work independently in remote areas are essential.
Benefits
Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.
Pay
Base Pay (In-Training) = $7,141.00
Base Pay (upon training completion & lateral officer) = $7,713.00 to $10,104.00
Schedule
In-training schedule: 160 hours within 28 days.
Training completed schedule: 171 hours within 28 days – Overtime Eligible.
Must be able to work weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and be on call 24-hours a day.
Travel Requirements
Travel will be required throughout the State to attend training and meetings. This will include overnight travel of a short to long duration depending on the activity.
Supplemental Information
For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents