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Selection, Training and Duties of a Deputy Game Warden
Deputy Game Wardens provide valuable services to the agency and the citizens of Pennsylvania. They serve as an extension of the district Game Warden and function in many areas of agency field operations.
Deputy game wardens are recruited locally on an as needed basis. Applicants must be in good physical condition, have knowledge of hunting, trapping, and other outdoor activities, and be able to maintain a good working relationship with fellow wardens and the public.
"There are approximately 175 Deputy Game Wardens
throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania"
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Primary Duties
Deputy game wardens should be prepared to function in all phases of activity and assume the powers as authorized by the Game and Wildlife Code, subject to limitations established by Commission regulations and operating procedures.
Deputies are commonly involved in: law enforcement patrols and investigations, answering complaints and calls for service, nuisance wildlife control, hunter-trapper education classes, educational programs, and assisting other agencies.
Benefits
The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers a comprehensive benefits package to its deputy game wardens, emphasizing their crucial role in wildlife conservation and law enforcement. Among these benefits are the provision of uniforms and essential gear, ensuring deputies are well-equipped and prepared for their duties.
Additionally, the Commission now pays $100 a day, providing financial support that underscores the value and importance of their work. This combination of resources and compensation reflects the Commission's commitment to its deputies, enabling them to perform their responsibilities with confidence and dedication.
Agency Issued Gear:
- Winter and Summer field utility uniforms
- Winter and Summer dress uniforms
- All season Uniform Command jacket
- Seasonal uniform head gear
- All duty gear; to include holster, mag pouch, cuff pouch w/ cuffs, OC pouch/OC Spray, duty belt and garrison belt
- Glock service pistol and accruements
- Duty boots
- Soft body armor to include internal and external carriers; this is custom fit to each deputy warden by the vendor
- P25 Portable radio
- Issued iPhone
The total cost of what the agency invests in a deputy warden is approximately
$10,000.00 in uniforms/equipment alone.
Hiring Process
1. Ride-Along: This process allows District Game Wardens, the opportunity to evaluate deputy candidates more efficiently, and to allow prospective deputies to better understand the duties of the job.
a. Candidates must submit a ride-along application, release and waiver to their District Game Warden.
b. Ride-along is an evaluation period only and provides no guarantee that a candidate will be permitted to advance in the hiring process.
2. Application: Applications for employment for the position of Deputy Game Warden shall be provided by the District Game Warden. Applications may be accepted at any time of year.
If you would like an information packet mailed to you with instructions for applying:
Accordion
Expand AllClick here for a more accessible versionBasic Requirements and Qualifications
Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of examination.
Residence: Applicants must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Pennsylvania. Applicants must have resided in the Commonwealth for at least 30 days prior to application. Persons appointed as deputy game wardens be are assigned to the district in which they reside.
Pennsylvania driver's license: Applicants must possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license
Minimum Education: Applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school or possess a GED certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Persons who fail the background investigation for any reason, or combination of reasons.
Persons convicted of felony offenses or who fail any child abuse clearance or who have active restraining or Protection from Abuse orders against them.
Persons with certain misdemeanor or summary records, including Game and Wildlife violations from any state or nation.
Persons who have had or have their hunting or furtaking privaleges revoked may not apply until two yeras after the revocation period has ended.
Persons who have been convicted of a summary violation ( except minor traffic violations ) within the prior year, or of a misdemeanor withing three years.
Training
All applicants who pass the entrance examination must complete a basic training/orientation program.
Part of basic training is a structured 9-day course conducted at the Game Commission's Ross Leffler School of Conservation in Harrisburg.
Newly commissioned deputies must accrue 80 hours of on-the-job training with the state game warden during the probationary year.
- A minimum of four district training sessions
- Two firearm training/ qualifications
- Defensive tactics training
- Legal updates training
- Verbal communication skills training