THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Please remember to attach the required documents Supplemental Questions and Resume listed in this announcement. Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on January 8, 2023. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Supplemental Questions:

1. Below are baseline qualifications, experience, and competencies that exemplify a well-qualified game warden candidate; one that is highly capable of serving the public through FWP's mission. For each category, describe all knowledge, skills, and abilities that demonstrate your aptitude in these areas. PLEASE USE RELEVANT & CONCISE EXAMPLES.

Category 1: Critical Thinking and Performance

• Ability to work independently, act without prompt, and proactively pursue responsibilities and assignments.
• Ability to make effective decisions; including acting when a decision must be made, gathering information, exercising appropriate judgement, and reaching appropriate conclusions.
• Experience maintaining respect, professionalism, and fairness amidst conflict, hostility, and stress.

Category 2: Outdoor Recreation and Resource Knowledge

• Practical understanding in outdoor recreation with an emphasis on hunting, fishing, and trapping.

• Experience in natural resources and outdoor recreation. Knowledge of fish and wildlife species, management, and resource conservation in Montana.
• Experience in or ability to operate outdoor recreation equipment safely and effectively.

2. A primary function of Montana game wardens is to effectively communicate with a very diverse public and work closely with other agency personnel. Please describe in detail your communication abilities and how your skills help mitigate conflict, problem solve, build rapport, and demonstrate accountability?

Special Information:
Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.
Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

In order to apply, applicants must possess or be able to obtain a bachelor’s degree by the June 15 of 2023. Preferred degree fields are Biology, Wildlife Management, Parks and Recreation Management or Criminal Justice. However, applications with any bachelor’s degree will be accepted. Anticipated hire date for these positions is April-June 2023 depending on availability and vacancy numbers. If there are more successfully cleared applicants than available vacancies, the remainder will be placed on an eligibility list valid for 6 months.

The application is the first phase in the evaluation process. Therefore, please provide any and all information or past experiences that you feel are relevant. Only the most qualified applicants will move forward to the next phase.

Montana Game Wardens are Peace Officers for the state. Upon hiring, game wardens must successfully complete the Montana Law Enforcement Academy Basic Course or successfully challenge the academy by having received equivalent law enforcement training as determined by Montana Public Safety Officer Standards and Training (POST).

Applicants should be prepared and willing to move anywhere in the state. Initial duty stations for successful candidates are yet to be determined. If you currently live in Montana it is unlikely you will be offered a district in the same area. Wardens are required to reside within the boundaries of their assigned warden district. Limited and rare exceptions to this requirement may be considered on a case by case basis and must be authorized by the Chief of Enforcement.

Wardens must obtain proficiency in operating a mobile data terminal and mobile radio systems in order to communicate with other staff, maintain records, and generate official documents related to enforcement actions.

Job Duties:

Enforcement: Patrols assigned district to detect, investigate, and apprehend violators of fish, wildlife and parks laws, rules, and regulations; checks licenses, permits and compliance of hunters, park visitors, anglers, and other recreationists in the field; verifies fee and regulation compliance of park and FAS visitors; investigates suspected violations; issues citations and makes arrests; operates check stations; monitors license-vending activities; assists other law enforcement agencies as requested or needed; testifies in court regarding offenses. Game wardens maintain an electronic activity log recording their daily activities, prepares reports and testimony for enforcement activities, audits records of businesses dealing in wildlife resources including taxidermists, shooting preserves, etc. Game wardens collect and compile data and perform biological activities for wildlife management strategies. Assists with management and operations of state parks and fishing access sites. Meets with landowners, members of the public and other agencies to explain and/or address concerns relating to department programs. Wardens attend meetings and conferences regarding fish, wildlife and parks practices and concerns; conducts hunter, archery, water, snowmobile, and OHV safety programs; disseminates Fish, Wildlife, Parks and recreation information; writes news articles and participates in news programs following established department procedures. Wardens may perform other duties including but not limited to assisting in search and rescue operations, maintaining equipment, collection and dissemination of public comments, biological information, significant intra-departmental cooperation with all divisions, youth and adult education.

By the nature and complexity of a warden’s duties, typically they are available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week to support field staff, respond to the public, and address violations and investigate crimes. Job demands are heaviest during weekends and holidays. Wardens may work odd hours, generally alone with no backup.

Wardens must be in excellent physical health and condition. This position requires frequent climbing, bending, pushing, pulling, dragging. Additional requirements include lifting 50lbs unassisted and working with sick or injured wildlife, removing illegal kills, trapping, and relocating animals, backpacking, loading and unloading, and operating boats, snowmobiles, and OHV’s. Physical labor in deep snow, and use of force incidents require physical strength, stamina and/or force. Wardens must be in excellent mental condition as they deal with all types of personalities, stress levels, and critical incidents.

Wardens are required to function in all weather extremes, under adverse working conditions for prolonged patrols and activities. Patrolling often requires sitting for long periods of time in a vehicle. Handling various wildlife and equipment, traversing rough terrain, including water, operating vehicles/vessels at high speeds and under unstable conditions that may result in injury. Dangerous interactions with criminals, executing arrests and being subject to assault and dangerous substances including drugs and bodily fluids is to be expected.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• At least 18 years of age on the date of appointment.
• A United States citizen, and must be or become a Montana resident in conjunction with appointment as a Fish, Wildlife & Parks Warden.
• The applicant must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Preferred degrees in Fish and Wildlife, Park Management, Outdoor Recreation, Criminal Justice or a closely related field.
• In excellent physical and mental health and must be able to pass a medical examination and a strength and agility test according to standards set forth by the Montana Board of Crime Control and prescribed by the department (minimum visual acuity is 20/100 corrected to 20/20 in both eyes).
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Have a basic knowledge of major fish and wildlife species and outdoor recreation in Montana.