Law Enforcement Officer Position

Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife - Lateral Fish and Wildlife Officer

 

PROFILE DISCLAIMER

The information herein is provided by the respective agency and is only as accurate and as up-to-date as the agency representative(s) update this information. PST is not responsible for the veracity of this data as it is provided directly from the agency. It is ultimately the applicant's responsibility to verify any information about the agency with the agency.

Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife - Lateral Fish and Wildlife Officer

Last updated on December 02, 2024
PST Partner Agency since May 29, 2014

Important Information

We will not be adding any lateral Officers until late spring 2025, as that is when our next DFW In-House Academy will take place.

Make sure that your Personal History Statement is complete (DETAILED) when submitted.

Lateral candidates must have at least three years of full-time law enforcement experience and a current CJTC commission or equivalent to meet the minimum requirements. 

Please review our updated disqualifiers at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/enforcement/jobs/requirements

To find job details, go to: https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/enforcement/jobs

The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) will have to review your training profile/background and any academy certifications in order to determine whether your certification is recognized. Please view their process here.

Duty stations are assigned upon completion of the entire hiring process. Duty Stations are assigned per mission need and candidates may not always receive the area they desire. However, there are opportunities for movement as positions come open, thus a candidate could eventually end up in the desired location. Candidates should be flexible and willing to move upon application for a Fish and Wildlife Officer career.

We are looking for exceptionally qualified candidates who meet our minimum eligibility requirements, and are passionate about protecting Washington's fish and wildlife populations.

Exceptionally qualified applicants will not only meet or exceed our minimum qualifications, but will also have an extensive background in hunting and/or fishing, a clear understanding of our highly specialized brand of law enforcement, and a strong desire to protect Washington’s unique fish and wildlife species for future generations to enjoy. Exceptional candidates will also be able to provide examples of how they exemplify the WDFW Police core values (Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy) in both their personal and professional lives.

*Please pay close attention to the minimum requirements and disqualifiers before applying for a Fish and Wildlife Police Officer position.*


Community Information

Washington State boasts lush rainforests, majestic mountain ranges, freshwater lakes, a rugged coastline, rolling hills, alpine meadows, high desert, and winding rivers – a diverse landscape that is home to nearly seven million people and a variety of fish and wildlife species. Land this rich in natural beauty and habitat is ideal for those seeking outdoor recreational opportunities. Most Washingtonians and many visitors enjoy participating in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, clam digging, boating, and wildlife watching, on both public and private lands throughout the state.


Although Washington’s recreating public tends to have the most contact with our Officers, Fish and Wildlife Police Officers are deployed statewide in both rural and urban areas to enforce all Washington State laws (including criminal code, traffic laws, etc.), fish and wildlife regulations, and specific federal laws.

Department Information

"PROTECTING OUR NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE PUBLIC WE SERVE"

The mission of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police is to protect our natural resources and the public we serve. We currently have 176 Fish and Wildlife Police Officer (FWO) positions deployed statewide to meet this mission.

Our Officers are fully commissioned, general-authority peace officers who enforce all Washington State laws (including criminal code, traffic laws, etc.), fish and wildlife regulations, and specific federal regulations.

Area Information

County: Statewide
Population: N/A
# of Staff: 176

Hiring Status

We are currently hiring and will interview lateral applicants as they apply through PST.  Make sure that your Personal History Statement is complete (following all directions on each page and detailed) when submitted, within seven (7) days of testing. An incomplete PHS is a potential disqualifier. 

Additionally, we request you submit a one (1) page cover letter, uploaded to your PST profile as soon as your testing is completed. This cover letter should address the following:

- Why are you a good fit for a Fish & Wildlife Officer career?

- What are your outdoor hobbies?

- In what capacity have you participated in a team environment (i.e. sports, work, etc.)?

Salary Information

Fish and Wildlife Lateral Officer: $6,275.00 - $8,220.00 per month, based on experience. 

- Plus Education Incentive (Associates = 2%, Bachelors = 4%)

- Plus 10% Assignment Pay (Training Completion)

- Plus Longevity Pay (Starts at 5 Years)

Benefit Information

Benefits include a flexible work schedule, 10% assignment pay, education incentives, paid vacation and sick leave, military leave, 11 paid holidays, excellent health, life, and long term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and a state retirement plan (LEOFF 2).

Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife - Lateral Fish and Wildlife Officer Requirements

Category Requirement Required at time of...
    Test Hire
Written Examination Yes, required

PST Written Test Passing Score = 75% or Better

LEO/CO Physical Ability Test (PAT) Yes, required

Your physical ability test must be completed 180 days (~6 months) before or after your passing written exam.

PST Personal History Statement Yes, required within 10 days of passing required exam(s)  
Minimum Age 21
Citizenship US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
High School Grad/ GED Yes
Driver's License Required Yes
Felony Conviction(s) as an Adult None.
Felony Conviction(s) as a Juvenile None.
Ability to Read, Speak & Write the English Language

Multi-lingual applicants that are also fluent reading and writing English are encouraged to apply. WDFW is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Vision Requirements 20/40 (CORRECTED OR UNCORRECTED)
College Requirement No
Basic Law Enforcement Academy Certification Current Criminal Justice Training Center (CJTC) commission or equivalent
Prior Experience Requirement Three years full time law enforcement experience.
Veterans Preference Points Yes
Other Preference Points No, other preference points are not available.
Current Hiring Status
Multiple Scores from Same Applicant We only consider the most recent score
Request/Access Scores AS-NEEDED

Contact Information

Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife - Lateral Fish and Wildlife Officer

1111 Washington ST SE
Olympia, WA 98501-1091 Statewide County
360-742-6905

Website
Facebook

Contact a Recruiter
Agency Test Requirements
Written Examination: Yes, required
PAT: Yes, required

PST Personal History Statement: Yes, required within 10 days of passing required exam(s)


Other Washington State Dept. of Fish & Wildlife positions

Fish and Wildlife Officer
Communications Officer/Dispatcher