MACON, Ga. — Editors note: The video attached to this story is from previous coverage.
Life out in nature and playing a role in protecting it is at the core of what a Georgia game warden does.
Now, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is hiring its next batch of wilderness protectors, and it comes with a $57,000-a-year salary, the department says.
"The DNR Law Enforcement Division is looking for self-motivated men and women with a good work ethic and a desire to protect Georgia’s beautiful natural resources and to provide a positive public safety presence for our citizens," according to DNR's website.
A game warden is a law enforcement officer who helps enforce all laws and regulations related to wildlife, the environment and boating, DNR says. They help enforce state and federal law, too.
If that sounds appealing, they've opened their applications for Georgia's 40th Game Warden Academy as of Nov. 1, 2024 and the application is open through Feb. 28, 2025.
Because Game Wardens are part of law enforcement, they are required to be certified by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, also known as POST. But if you aren't POST certified, they have routes for you to become a game warden too.
What do you need to be eligible to become a game warden? Among the requirements, the Department of Natural Recourses mentioned:
- Be 21 years or older
- high school diploma or GED
- be a citizen of the U.S.
- be able to get a driver's license
- pass the POST exam
- pass physical agility test, polygraph exam, board interview, medical evaluation and physical evaluation
- complete POST academy and complete Game Warden Academy
If you don't have a college degree, DNR says you also are able to pursue a college degree while working as a game warden.