State Game Warden Cadet

Does working outdoors and protecting Pennsylvania's wildlife resources sound like a dream job? If so, consider a career as a Pennsylvania State Game Warden. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has a duty to manage the commonwealth's wild birds and mammals for current and future generations and is looking for men and women willing to make a career-long commitment to this mission. In this role, you will actively participate in a comprehensive training program that will prepare you to enforce wildlife laws, promote safe outdoor recreation, and protect the Commonwealth's rich natural heritage. If you are interested in a unique law enforcement career, this demanding, yet fulfilling lifestyle may be for you!

As a State Game Warden Cadet (SGWC), you will complete a rigorous, approximately 44-week training program at the Training School in Harrisburg that combines classroom instruction, hands-on field assignments, and strict adherence to Pennsylvania Game Commission policies and procedures. This comprehensive program prepares you for a career in conservation law enforcement while developing leadership, technical, and public-service skills.

Classroom instruction includes wildlife management, the natural history of wildlife, game laws and regulations, law enforcement principles and methods, land and habitat management, public relations, conducting wildlife surveys, and delivering educational classes and lectures. Cadets also receive specialized training in the use of firearms, criminal investigation and photographic equipment, radio and alarm systems, restraining devices, and emergency vehicle operations.

Field assignments provide the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings under the close supervision of experienced State Game Wardens, who continuously monitor and evaluate progress throughout the program. Training includes physical conditioning and practical exercises conducted in varying outdoor weather conditions. Performance at all stages is reviewed through written examinations, formal inspections, and individual evaluations.

During training, you will learn how to assist with enforcing Pennsylvania Game Commission laws and regulations, prosecuting violators, conducting wildlife surveys, supervising Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officers, overseeing habitat management activities, and delivering educational programs such as Hunter/Trapper Education.

Upon successful completion of the program, Cadets are promoted to Wildlife Conservation Officer, assigned to a district anywhere in the Commonwealth, and required to maintain a home office to serve their assigned area. If you are passionate about wildlife conservation, the outdoors, and serving your community, this challenging and rewarding career is the perfect opportunity for you.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• 44 week training program
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $47,987.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Graduation from high school or an accredited G.E.D. certification.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.
• This position requires proof of successful completion of a state-level hunter safety course. If you have a copy of your hunter safety course certification, you are required to attach it prior to the submission of your application. Applicants who do not attach a copy of their certification will be verified through the Pennsylvania Game Commission's database.
• This position requires employees to be at least 21 years of age as of the date of admission to the Ross Leffler School of Conservation.
• This position requires employees to successfully pass a medical examination, urinalysis screening, psychological evaluation, hearing and vision screening, and a physical fitness test that includes running, swimming, strength and agility, and any other related measures of physical fitness prior to appointment.
• This position requires employees to successfully pass a character background check and a criminal background investigation, and to obtain child abuse clearances prior to appointment.
• You must successfully complete a structured law enforcement training program during the trainee period and maintain agency certification as a law enforcement officer for the duration of employment. Failure to meet this requirement is a basis for removal from the position.

Other Requirements:

• You must be willing and able to accept the conditions listed below in order to be considered for this job. By submitting your application, you are indicating that you are willing and able to meet these conditions. If you are unable or unwilling to accept all of the following conditions, please do not apply.

  • You must be willing to reside at the Ross Leffler School of Conservation and at field assignment locations during the training period.

  • You must be willing to handle wildlife (alive or dead).

  • You must be willing to be "on call", available for duty at any hour of any day or night, including days off, weekends, and holidays, and under any weather conditions.

  • You must be willing to spend much of your time dealing with hunters and related organizations.

  • You must be willing to work alone in isolated areas and be exposed to certain elements of danger such as confronting and arresting armed violators.

  • You must be able to work independently, without daily supervision, to meet regular deadlines.

  • You must be willing to wear a uniform and conform to Pennsylvania Game Commission policies on grooming.

  • You must be willing to learn the use of personal defensive tactics and firearms, and to carry and use weapons as required by the job.

  • You must be willing to accept assignment anywhere in the state, relocate and maintain a home office to service your assigned district according to contract and agency policy.

  • You must be willing to promote and support all Pennsylvania Game Commission operations and programs.

  • You must successfully complete rigorous physical and academic training in a paramilitary environment.

  • You must be prepared to use force, including deadly force if needed, in self-defense or defense of another.

  • You must be willing to travel overnight.

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.
• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and drug screening.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

IMPORTANT: To schedule this examination, you must first apply to this posting. If you meet eligibility requirements, you will be sent an email notification (separate from the application received notification) regarding how to schedule the exam at a test center.

TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS: IF YOU ARE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY WHO REQUIRES A TESTING ACCOMMODATION, A REQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATION FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND APPROVED PRIOR TO SCHEDULING YOUR EXAMINATION.

EXAM INFORMATION:

Testing Locations

Test Subject Areas
Observation and Recall (25 Questions)
Listening & Note Taking (25 Questions)
Reading Comprehension (25 Questions)
Effective Expression (10 Questions)
Knowledge of Hunting & Trapping Practices (25 Questions) (including wildlife habitats & sporting arms)*

There are 110 total questions.

*All of the questions in this section are based on information in Today's Hunter & Trapper in Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest. If you do not have current copies, they are available online at http://www.pgc.pa.gov/. They are also available from any hunting license issuing agent, or by calling 717.787.7836, or visiting the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Central Headquarters, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110, or one of the Regional Offices listed below:

Southeast Regional Office
253 Snyder Road
Reading, PA 19605
Telephone: (610) 926-3136

Southwest Regional Office
4820 Route 711
Bolivar, PA 15923
Telephone: (724) 238-9523

Northeast Regional Office
3917 Memorial Highway
Dallas, PA 18612
Telephone: (570) 675-1143

Northwest Regional Office
1509 Pittsburgh Road
Franklin, PA 16323
Telephone: (814) 432-3187

South Central Regional Office
8627 William Penn Highway
Huntington, PA 16652
Telephone: (814) 643-1831

North Central Regional Office
1566 South Route 44 Highway
Jersey Shore, PA 17740
Telephone: (570) 398-4744

You must take the computerized multiple choice exam (2 1/2 hour maximum) no later than March 20, 2026.

• 2 1/2 hours maximum computerized multiple choice exam
• You may only test once under this announcement
• Email notice of exam results provided (please check your spam/junk folder for emails)
• Only most recent exam score is counted