Title:  Game Warden Trainee

Overview

***RECRUITMENT PROCESS & TIMELINES - Please read carefully.***

 

Applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be scheduled for a in person day of testing in May 2024. This will consist of one exam administered by the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife. The test is approximately 1.5 hours long. It is a multiple-choice exam. This exam covers materials relevant to basic wildlife biology, firearms, recreational activities, and identification and habitats of Vermont fish and wildlife species and will be administered by the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife.

 
Based on the results of the written exam, candidates who pass will advance to the physical fitness test. Please take a look at the VPA's website for more details on the physical fitness test: https://vcjc.vermont.gov/training/three/physical-training-standards . Vermont Warden Services rower test is based on the 40th percentile. 

 

The written test and physical fitness test are scheduled for the same day.

 

Candidates who successfully complete the written test and the physical fitness tests will be scheduled for an oral panel interview. These interviews will be scheduled for June 2024.

 

Final candidates will undergo background investigation, a physical, polygraph exam, as well as a swim test. Once hired, incumbents will complete a twelve-month probationary training period which includes participation in the Vermont Police Academy's full-time law enforcement training program (currently 16 weeks). Upon successful completion of the Vermont Police Academy Training program and an eight-month on-the-job field training period, the employee will be assigned a district anywhere in the state. Failure to successfully complete this training will result in separation from the uniformed warden service.

 

The final list of eligible candidates will be good for up to two years.

 

To learn more about the Department of Fish & Wildlife you can visit their web page.

 

The mandatory retirement age for this position is 57.

Who May Apply

This position, Game Warden Trainee (Job Requisition #48865), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact hope.carey@vermont.gov.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Environmental Factors

Duties and training performed in class and field settings involve traversing rough terrain and bodies of water and the lifting and transporting of heavy objects, in addition to exposure to the variety of Vermont climatic conditions. Duties will require evening, weekend and other irregular duty hours and significant overtime duty. Incumbents will be required to wear a uniform and carry firearms during duty shifts. Field duties are usually performed from a motor vehicle. Exposure to danger will occur in a variety of situations.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any field of study

OR

An associate’s degree with a major field of study in conservation or natural resources (e.g., environmental science or studies, wildlife management), biological or life sciences (e.g., biology, zoology), or criminal justice; AND three (3) years’ work experience

OR

High school diploma or equivalent AND either: 
•    Four (4) years’ of experience as a certified law enforcement officer OR 
•    Four (4) years’ in the military on full-time duty, with discharge under honorable or other acceptable conditions

OR

High school diploma or equivalent and five (5) full-time years’ work experience. 

Special Requirements

Additional qualifications required by the Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Vermont Police Academy include:

Applicants must pass the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Game Warden written exam.

Vision: At least 20/60 Snellen test each eye, corrected to 20/20 with normal color perception.

Hearing: Normal.

Physical Fitness: Applicants must meet the physical fitness standards of the Vermont Police Academy. In addition to meeting the physical fitness standards for the Vermont Police Academy, candidates will also have to demonstrate that they can pass a rower test at the 50th percentile, based on current warden service physical fitness requirements.

Ability to swim.

Residency: Applicants must bear the expense of travel to Vermont during the hiring process. Vermont residency is required within six (6) months of hire date.

Driver's License: Must possess or be eligible to obtain a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of application. Your right to operate a motor vehicle may not have been suspended or revoked within 12 months of application. You must obtain a Vermont Operator's license within six (6) months of hire date.

Criminal History - You must not have been convicted of any felonies. The right to carry a firearm shall not be revoked for any reason. You will be required to submit to a comprehensive criminal and civil background check that may include a polygraph.

 

This position is Group "C" retirement with mandatory retirement at age 57.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.