Within the Department of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Program, positions enforce all fish, wildlife and shellfish laws, department rules/regulations under Title 77 and WAC 220, all laws of the state and specific federal laws as allowed by separate commission process, and Code of Federal Regulations related to enforcement agreements with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Positions resolve dangerous and problem wildlife situation’s, assist in public health and safety emergencies such as flood, fires, and rescues, assist all other law enforcement agencies, address observed violations of state laws and responds to criminal activities in progress. Incumbents require full, commissioned police powers as authorized by the RCWs prior to obtaining a duty station.

This is the entry level of the series. The duties of this level require the development of the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to recognize, evaluate, correct and/or take action on fish and wildlife enforcement and dangerous wildlife situations within the assigned duty area.

These positions work under direct/close supervision and positions are expected to function with independence by the end of the in-training period. Upon successful completion of the required in- training plan may advance to a Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer.

Patrols fresh and saltwater ways and adjacent lands by vessels, auto, foot, ORV, etc., to enforce state fisheries and wildlife laws and regulations and federal and tribal laws; monitors commercial, recreational and tribal harvest of food fish, game fish, shellfish, game animals and birds; checks commercial and recreational licenses, monitors buyers and processors of food fish and shellfish; checks special license holders and permittee to ensure compliance;

Operates and maintains patrol equipment, i.e., boats with standard or jet propulsion, canoes, drift boats, off the road vehicles, horses, snowmobiles;

Monitors compliance with hydraulic codes, Forest Practices Act, Model Litter Control Act, ORV activities; sanitary shellfish laws, watercraft registration and boating safety regulations, use of departmental lands, wildlife areas, and access areas;

Responds to and resolves wildlife problems dealing with human health and safety.

Responds to violation reports, gathers evidence, makes arrests, organizes and coordinates investigations of suspected violations, conducts surveillance, participates in searches, interviews witnesses and suspects, secures and serves search warrants, prepares case reports, maintains liaison with local and federal law enforcement agencies;

Monitors and provides instruction to hunter and trapper education programs;

Makes presentations to local sport clubs, schools, and civic groups, etc. participates in preparation of local news releases and media programs, interprets fish and wildlife laws to the public;

Attends training to maintain proficiency in defensive tactics, defensive driving, firearms, officer survival, field training program, wildlife control, etc.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

The following legal requirements are necessary for positions in this category. Per RCW 77.15.075, an applicant must be a citizen of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident who can read and write the English language. All positions require successful completion of the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Academy or a Washington DJTC recognized basic law enforcement certificate from another state.

Bachelor’s degree in a natural resource science or criminal justice;


A two year college degree or college coursework equaling 60 semester or 90 quarter credits and two years of paid, full-time, fish or wildlife experience;


Three years of paid, full-time fully commissioned law enforcement, active-duty military service, or natural resource experience that includes successful completion of the CJTC Basic Law Enforcement Academy or its equivalent.

New class replaces 41140 Fish and Wildlife Officer 1, effective 6/1/2005. Correction of error; Class series concept last sentence ...commissioned policy police powers are authorized by the RCWs prior to obtaining a duty station.
Revised legal requirements, effective 6/11/2020.

Base range salary adjustment, revised title, class series concept, definition, typical work, legal requirements, desirable qualifications and add distinguishing characteristics, adopted 6/29/2022, effective 7/1/2022.