Game Warden interview questions
Example: “I believe it’s very important to follow the laws we have in place. If I were faced with this situation, I would first try my best to find another solution to the problem. For example, I might relocate the animals to a safer area where they could thrive. However, if there was no other option and I had to kill some of them, I would do everything I could to ensure that I followed all the proper procedures.”
Example: “In my current role as a game warden, I regularly work with other law enforcement officers to catch poachers. For example, if we see someone hunting at night without a permit, we will call for backup before approaching the situation. Having multiple officers present makes it easier to detain suspects until backup arrives. It also helps us ensure that everyone is safe while performing our duties.”
Example: “In my experience as a game warden, I’ve only used a net to capture an animal once. It was during hunting season, and we were trying to catch a deer that had been shot but wasn’t found by hunters. We set up a net near where we thought the deer might be and waited for it to get close enough to capture. The deer got caught in the net, and we transported it back to its original location.”
Example: “I have had this situation happen before where I was able to get closer to the animal by using food as bait. However, I always make sure to keep my distance so that they don’t associate me with food. If I notice that the animal is becoming too comfortable around me, I will stop visiting the area until it gets used to me again.”
Example: “I would first ask the person why they were harming the animal. If they said it was for food or protection, I would explain that there are other ways to get these resources without killing an animal. If they continued to harm the animal, I would issue them a citation. Depending on the severity of their actions, I might also call law enforcement.”
A conservation wardens hours are not the regular nine-to-five. Many times they are asked to set their own hours and often operate “on call” twenty-four hours. Consequently, interviewers will want to know about the candidate’s other life obligations and how she will balance those personal obligations with those of a warden. For example, they might ask if the candidate is willing to travel and remain away from home for extended periods of time, and if there may be any reason why they would be unable to come into work at a moment’s notice. These types of questions ascertain the candidate’s ability to function as a conservation warden given the job’s irregular and unpredictable hours.
Because conservation wardens operate as a type of law enforcement official, they are required to complete a lot of paperwork related to all manner of incidents, from minor happenings to major events. As such, interviewers will ask about the candidate’s abilities and habits at maintaining thorough records. These records provide a material trace of all actions taken by the warden in a professional capacity, from cleaning up garbage left by campers, to locating and disposing of the bodies of large animals killed on highways. Interviewers will ask about a candidates familiarity with certain clerical skills such as typing and filing. These questions about clerical skills ensure that the candidate is capable of handling all aspects of a conservation warden job including administrative duties, not just the outdoorsy components.
Samuel Hamilton has been writing since 2002. His work has appeared in “The Penn,” “The Antithesis,” “New Growth Arts Review” and “Deek” magazine. Hamilton holds a Master of Arts in English education from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master of Arts in composition from the University of Florida.
Along with the candidate’s knowledge about the environment, interviewers will inquire with candidates about any and all skills they have for surviving in the outdoors, as well as where they acquired those skills. For example, interviewers might ask candidates about their experiences tracking large game or distinguishing between edible and non-edible plants. They will ask where a candidate has had opportunities to interact with the outdoors; for example, in informal groups or programs like the Boy or Girl Scouts, or the American Birding Association, or through a formal, state-run training program. These types of questions ensure that the candidate has adequate skills to safely navigate the potentially dangerous outdoor environment they are expected to patrol.
One of the primary sets of questions a conservation warden applicant can expect are those related to her experience with the outdoors. These types of questions will range from general inquiries about plants and animals, to more specific questions about the particular plants and animals located in the habitat the warden will be expected to patrol. For example, interviewers might ask the candidate about how a specific pesticide can affect a water table in a certain location, and how the plants and animals of that environment will be affected thereafter. These types of questions ensure that the candidate has the proper knowledge and expertise to serve in the environment the conservation warden is expected to patrol.
To help you prepare for your Wildlife Officer interview, here are 27 interview questions and answer examples.
Ensure to review the job posting before the interview to familiarize yourself with the educational requirements for this role. Answer this question by mentioning your degrees and certifications that you have, by putting emphasis on those that are relevant to the position you applied for. Should you hold one or several of the preferred educational qualifications listed on the job posting, tell the interviewer you directly meet the educational qualifications, making you a great candidate for this role – and this is an opportunity for the interviewer to see you did your due diligence before the interview. Alternatively, simply tell the interviewer why you believe your education has prepared you for this role.
“I read on your job posting that one of your preferred educational qualifications is a bachelors degree. As you can see on my resume, I hold a Bachelors degree in (X) from (X university), granted in (X year). In my studies, I have acquired extensive knowledge in (X areas, as per the job posting), which will contribute to my success in this role.”
“I have been working on completing my bachelors degree in criminal justice. Throughout my time at UCF I have gained knowledge that will contribute to the field and help me to succeed.”
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview CoachStephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
This is a great start, but you should share a few more details on exactly what about your bachelors in criminal justice has prepared you for this role? What skills have you learned? What knowledge have you gained?
When going into college, I decided that I wanted to pursue a pathway that would allow me to work outside and not be confined to a desk. During my sophomore year of college, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to do an internship with F&W NRP [Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police] and fell in love with the work that the officers did.
We’re all lucky to have people out there like you and your fellow officers, that’s for sure … Do you consider game wardens to be community leaders? If so, how can they most effectively guide the public?Yes, as with all public servants I believe game wardens are no different in their part as a community leader. I believe as with any law enforcement profession, the best way to guide the public is to be a good example to them both on and off duty. Show them how to be respectful to others, talk to them with sense and compassion and try to find a solution for them when they have called upon you for your services.
Having a K-9 is something that I always wanted to do since working with the department’s first K-9 named Warden. I knew it would bring added responsibility and extra paperwork but having that extra set of eyes always looking over me, and having that extra tool – not just for the department and me – but for all Delaware Police agencies; it’s definitely a benefit.
People who are new to the area don’t understand why there are individuals on the marsh in the middle of winter shooting ducks or why they can’t walk their dogs in an area that is closed for deer season. Addressing these issues can sometime be challenging because often times the complaints are originated from people who know very little about the long-standing traditions of our area.
In what ways does being a game warden influence other aspects of your life?As with any law enforcement career, you never completely turn it off, you are always watching your back, looking for violations both while working and off. I believe it shows you how much to treasure and love your family as well. In this line of work, you see the best and often times the worst of people. It teaches you to always give your family the best you can and treasure the things you do have.
FAQ
What should I ask a game warden?
What skills do game wardens need?
- Understand spoken information.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Listen to others and ask questions.
- Read and understand work-related materials.
- Understand written information.
- Write clearly so other people can understand.
What makes a good game warden?
What questions do they ask during interview?
- Could you tell me about yourself and describe your background in brief? …
- How did you hear about this position? …
- What type of work environment do you prefer? …
- How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations? …
- Do you prefer working independently or on a team?
