DNR Recruitment Closing Soon For 2024 Class Of State Conservation Wardens

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public that recruitment closes soon for the 2024 class of conservation wardens, a fulfilling and exciting public service career dedicated to protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources and the people who use them. Applications are being accepted through May 4, 2023.

DNR conservation wardens are credentialed law enforcement officers who serve rural and urban communities statewide. Wardens enforce laws that protect fish and wildlife, the environment, state parks and forests, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

This year’s successful applicants likely will be assigned to major state park and forest properties across Wisconsin.

“We have a great in-house training program to help newly hired staff find success in this unique career and hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds,” said DNR Conservation Warden and Training Director Major Cara Kamke. "We’re committed to building a diverse, passionate and capable team.”

Successful applicants will progress through the hiring process in 2023 and begin their warden training in early 2024. Applicants must:

• Be at least age 21 upon hire.
• Already have earned or be planning to earn at least 60 college credits within their first five years of being hired.

Conservation wardens also serve as ambassadors and educators, teaching the public about natural resources, outdoor safety and environmental conservation.

The warden service offers opportunities to build relationships, protect the state’s natural resources and serve communities in unique and essential ways.

Learn More

Learn more about the conservation career on our recruiting website or watch a previously recorded webinar covering the day-to-day work of a conservation warden on the DNR’s YouTube channel. 

Apply at Wisc.Jobs and search for Job IDs: 9980 and/or 9990.

• Job posting 9980 is for a statewide conservation warden recruitment that will be used to fill multiple vacancies across the state. Applicants with or without prior law enforcement training or experience can apply for this posting.
• Job posting 9990 is specific to a conservation warden position at Devils Lake State Park. For this posting, applicants need to have current law enforcement certifications to apply.