Selection, Training and Duties of a Deputy Game Warden.
Being a deputy is a big commitment. Only those who are serious should apply. Deputy game wardens are local representatives of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Individuals selected perform their duties under the supervision of a state game warden.
A deputy is very different than a state game warden. Deputies are part-time, whereas state game wardens are full-time, career-oriented positions. Serving as a deputy does not lead to promotion into a state game warden position. Deputies, like any other qualified applicant, may apply for state game warden positions through Civil Service and may be selected to attend the 50 week training program required, but many are not.
The hiring process for deputies, from start to finish, is nearly two years in duration. The Pennsylvania Civil Service Act, or the Commonwealth's Collective Bargaining Act, does not cover deputies.
Deputies do not receive regular salary or wages, however, they may receive limited compensation for certain duties. History clearly has shown that, in the performance of their duties, deputies spend more money than they make.
A deputy may expect to spend a minimum of $1000 for equipment their first year. Additional equipment expenses may be incurred.
Deputy game wardens are recruited locally on an as needed basis. Applicants must be in good physical condition, have knowledge of hunting, trapping, and other outdoor activities, and be able to maintain a good working relationship with fellow wardens and the public. Deputies use their personal vehicles while performing their duties.
"There are roughly 250 Deputy Game Wardens throughout the state of Pennsylvania"
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Duties
Deputy game wardens should be prepared to function in all phases of activity Game Commission activities and assume the powers as authorized by the Game and Wildlife Code, subject to limitations established by Commission regulations and operating procedures.
Deputies are commonly involved in: law enforcement patrols and investigations, answering complaints and calls for service, nuisance wildlife control, hunter-trapper education classes, educational programs, and assisting other agencies.
Accordion [1]
Expand AllClick here for a more accessible versionBasic Requirements and Qualifications
Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of examination.
Residence: Applicants must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Pennsylvania. Applicants must have resided in the Commonwealth for at least 30 days prior to application. Persons appointed as deputy game wardens be are assigned to the district in which they reside.
Pennsylvania driver's license: Applicants must possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license
Minimum Education: Applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school or possess a GED certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Persons who fail the background investigation for any reason, or combination of reasons.
Persons convicted of felony offenses or who fail any child abuse clearance or who have active restraining or Protection from Abuse orders against them.
Persons with certain misdemeanor or summary records, including Game and Wildlife violations from any state or nation.
Persons who have had or have their hunting or furtaking privaleges revoked may not apply until two yeras after the revocation period has ended.
Persons who have been convicted of a summary violation ( except minor traffic violations ) within the prior year, or of a misdemeanor withing three years.
Training
All applicants who pass the entrance examination must complete a basic training/orientation program.
Part of basic training is a structured 9-day course conducted at the Game Commission's Ross Leffler School of Conservation in Harrisburg.
Newly commissioned deputies must accrue 80 hours of on-the-job training with the state game warden during the probationary year.
- A minimum of four district training sessions
- Two firearm training/ qualifications
- Defensive tactics training
- Legal updates training
- Verbal communication skills training
Much of this training is conducted on weekends.
Accordion [2]
Expand AllClick here for a more accessible versionConditions of employment
Becoming a deputy is a significant commitment. Please read the conditions of employment listed below. If you are not prepared to meet all of these conditions, do not apply.
Becoming a deputy is a significant commitment. Please read the conditions of employment listed below. If you are not prepared to meet all of these conditions, do not apply.
You must be willing and able to…
Spend much of your time working with hunters and related organizations.
Respond to the public under difficult and sensitive circumstances in a courteous and respectful manner.
Work alone in isolated areas and be exposed to certain elements of danger such as confronting and arresting armed violators.
Wear a uniform and conform to Game Commission policies on conduct and grooming.
Learn the use of personal defensive tactics and firearms, and to carry and use weapons as required by the job.
Promote and support all Pennsylvania Game Commission operations and programs.
Provide certain required equipment items at your expense according to PGC specifications.
Perform your duties according to state and federal laws and agency policies and procedures.
Use your personal vehicle to perform your duties without reimbursement for mileage or expenses.
Work with limited or no financial compensation.
Attend regular required training sessions, many of which are held on weekends.
Work on holidays and opening days of major hunting seasons.
Work any hour of day or night in all weather conditions.
Lift heavy objects without assistance.
Navigate difficult terrain.
Meet deadlines for reports and assignments.
If you would like an information packet mailed to you with instructions for applying
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