DNR recruiting 2024 class of state conservation wardens

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hiring for its 2024 class of conservation wardens, a fulfilling and exciting public service career dedicated to protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources and the people who use them. The application period started April 10 and runs through May 4.

DNR conservation wardens are credentialed law enforcement officers who serve rural and urban communities statewide. Wardens enforce laws that protect fish and wildlife, the environment, state parks and forests and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

This year’s successful applicants likely will be assigned to major state park and forest properties across Wisconsin.

“We have a great in-house training program to help newly hired staff find success in this unique career and hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds,” said DNR conservation warden and training director Major Cara Kamke. “We’re committed to building a diverse, passionate and capable team.”

Successful applicants will progress through the hiring process in 2023 and begin their warden training in early 2024. Applicants must be at least age 21 upon hire and already have earned or be planning to earn at least 60 college credits within their first five years of being hired.

Conservation wardens also serve as ambassadors and educators, teaching the public about natural resources, outdoor safety and environmental conservation.

“This is a critical job and one that comes with a lot of variety,” said DNR conservation warden Kaitlin Kernosky. “The change of seasons brings new and diverse work opportunities that keep me engaged, excited and always learning.”

The warden service offers opportunities to build relationships, protect the state’s natural resources and serve communities in unique and essential ways.

Learn more about the conservation career on the DNR’s recruiting website, https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/ topic/WardenRecruitment.