Becoming a Wildlife Officer

July 16, 2020

Question: I am a recent high school graduate and turned 18 last month. I want to pursue a career as a wildlife officer. Can I join now? What is the process like? (Troy)

Answer: Congratulations on your graduation – we are happy to hear you’re interested in a career with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife! California’s wildlife officers have some of the most diverse jobs in law enforcement. The work could include general patrol, enforcing hunting and fishing regulations, serving search warrants or working undercover to catch wildlife traffickers. Or they could be assigned to one of our Cannabis Enforcement Program Teams, a Special Operations Team or an Office of Spill Prevention and Response Team. If you want a unique and rewarding career in law enforcement, this is the job for you!

The first thing you should do is start your college education, in order to meet the minimum qualifications. These include:

1.  60 semester units of college, 18 of which must be in a specialized, related field (criminal justice, biological sciences, natural resources conservation, ecology or something similar). The good news is that you may apply with just 30 units of college earned, as long 18 of those units are in the specialized field (you will need to complete the full 60 units before appointment).

2.  Status as a United States citizen or permanent resident alien who has applied for citizenship (you must be a citizen at time of appointment).

3.  A valid driver license.

4.  No felony convictions or convictions of any offense that precludes you from carrying a firearm under state or federal law.

5.  Be of sound physical condition, able to pass the Physical Abilities Test (PAT), a medical evaluation and a psychological evaluation.

The steps of the hiring process are as follows:

1.  State application and unofficial college transcripts

2.  The POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery, also known as the PELLETB written exam

3.  Background Investigation

4.  Physical Ability Test

5.  Panel Interview

6.  Psychological and Medical Screening

If you successfully complete the hiring process, you will become a cadet and attend the academy. Upon successfully completion of the academy, you will move on to field training, working with veteran officers and trainers. Once field training is complete, you would report to your first assigned district as a solo wildlife officer. It’s a long process, but absolutely worth it!