Warden Career Topics

• Introduction
• Compensation
• Qualifications
• Application Process
• Frequently Asked Questions About the Hiring Process
• P.O.S.T Job Dimensions
• Warden Academy
• Possible Concerns about a Warden Career
• Employee Bargaining Contracts

Ask a Warden

• Lt. Jeffrey Longwell
  Hiring and Recruitment
  (916) 653-7726
  becomeagamewarden@dfg.ca.gov

Fish and Game Warden Career

Compensation

Salary

• Fish and Game Warden Cadet:--$3267 - $4278/mo
• Fish and Game Warden
  • Range A: $3581 -- $4698/mo
  • Range B: $4271 -- $5642/mo.

Additional Compensation

In addition to salary, Fish and Game Wardens can receive additional pay differentials as listed below:

• General Recruitment and Retention
  The additional salary of $175 per month is for all wardens and other law enforcement classifications employed by the Department of Fish and Game. This differential recognizes the difficulty in recruiting and keeping qualified wardens.
• Geographic Recruitment and Retention
  Employees headquartered and residing in one of the following 17 designated high cost counties receive a monthly differential of $220, $300, or $350 depending on the employee’s classification:
  Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Orange, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Ventura
  • Fish and Game Warden, Range A - $220
  • Fish and Game Warden, Range B - $300
  • Warden Pilot, Department of Fish and Game - $350
  • Fish and Game Patrol Lieutenant (Specialist) - $350
  • Fish and Game Patrol Lieutenant, (Supervisor) - $350
  • Lieutenant, Fish & Game Patrol Boat - $350
  • Captain, Fish and Game Patrol Boat - $350
  • Fish and Game Patrol Captain  - $350
  • Assistant Chief - $350
• Longevity Pay
  Employees who have peace officer status and at least 17 years of State service receive a monthly differential based on a percentage of their base pay. Prior State service in classifications other than a peace officer may be included. Longevity pay will be determined as follows:
  • 17 & 18 years - 1%
  • 19 years - 2%
  • 20 years - 3%
  • 21 years - 4%
  • 22 - 24 years - 5%
  • 25 years or more - 7%
• Education Incentive
  • Employees with an Associates degree or an Intermediate POST certificate are eligible to receive a monthly pay differential of $50 per month.
  • Employees with at least a Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced POST certificate are eligible to receive a monthly pay differential of $100 per month.