Natural Resource Officer I

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy Job Posting closes: July 3, 2026 Required documents uploaded by: July 6, 2026

Agency Information:

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is an executive branch agency in charge of operating and regulating the use of state parks, state lakes, recreational grounds, wildlife areas and sanctuaries, fish hatcheries, natural areas, historic sites and other lands, waters, and facilities for the promotion of public health, safety, and for the use and pleasure of visitors. The agency is also charged with the development and conservation of wildlife and the natural resources within the state. The agency oversees 29 state parks, 500 miles of trails, approximately 460,301 acres of leased or owned public lands, management of four hatcheries, and four nature centers. To meet our mission, projects, and goals, KDWP employs approximately 466 full time employees and up to 350 temporary employees, throughout the state, with diverse and varying skillsets. The largest agency office is the Operations Offices in Pratt, Kansas. The Office of the Secretary is maintained in Topeka, Kansas. There are four Regional Offices located in Topeka, Wichita, Hays, and Dodge City; six District Offices in Kansas City, Chanute, Colby, Fort Scott, Garden City, and Mound City; and a Research Office located in Emporia, Kansas. Various wildlife, public land, and parks offices are located across the state. The agency is primarily funded through license fees, grants and federal funds that are provided through the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts. About the Position Who can apply: Anyone of at least 21 years of age

Classified/Unclassified Service:

Classified Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-time Regular/Temporary:

Regular Eligible to

Receive Benefits:

Yes Veterans' Preference Eligible:

Yes Search Keywords:

Game Warden, Testing, Pawnee, Rush, Finney, Haskell, Lane, Ness, Brown, Nemaha, Gray, Ford, Hodgeman, Law Enforcement Compensation:

$25.94/hour, with scheduled step increases Employment Benefits Immediate comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage Sick & Vacation leave Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually) Fitness Centers in select locations Employee discounts with the STAR Program Kansas Police & Fire Retirement and deferred compensation programs Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities Position Summary:

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is seeking applicants for entry-level Natural Resource Officer I positions (Game Wardens) within the Law Enforcement Division. Successful candidates will be added to a pool of eligible individuals who may be offered positions as Natural Resource Officers I. Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following: Kansas Game Wardens enforce state and federal fish and wildlife laws, boating regulations, and public land regulations across Kansas. Officers operate on both private and public lands, providing vital enforcement and assistance to federal, state, and local agencies as needed. Additionally, Game Wardens regularly deliver educational programs on hunter education, boating safety, and other natural resource topics.

LOCATION

These classified, full-time positions will be located within the Law Enforcement Division and are subject to change should any internal transfers occur. Additional positions could open during this testing period and will be filled based on agency needs.

Brown / North

half of Nemaha Finney / Haskell Lane / Ness Gray / Hodgeman / Ford Pawnee /

Rush Qualifications Education :

A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Licensing & Certification :

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Minimum Qualifications :

A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required. Must be 21 years of age at the time of application. Experience in law enforcement, fisheries, or wildlife management is required. Relevant coursework or personal experience should be detailed in the cover letter.

Preferred Qualifications :

A bachelor's degree in natural resources is preferred but not required.

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements :

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Must pass a background check. Must pass a polygraph examination. Must pass a drug screening. Must be a credible witness in court. Must have no legal impediments. Disqualification information and the exemption from disqualification form can be found on the department's website.

https:

//www.ksoutdoors.gov/about-kdwp/careers

TESTING:

Testing is tentatively scheduled for July 25, 2026, in Salina, Kansas.

Physical Fitness:

Timed 1-mile run: Applicants must complete the mile run in 10 minutes or less. Those who pass the physical fitness test will proceed to the written testing on the same day.

Academic Tests:

Identification of Kansas species Kansas Fish & Wildlife Regulations Boating regulations Memory and Essay test

INTERVIEWS

Applicants passing the initial testing will be invited to follow-up interviews to be held at a later date. Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit Law Enforcement Testing Reference Guide for Study material which is found at https://www.ksoutdoors.gov/about-kdwp/careers.

A THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF THIS REFERENCE MATERIAL WILL BE NEEDED TO SUCCESSFULLY PASS THIS TESTING.

Necessary Special Requirements:

This class requires the employee to be certifiedas a law enforcement officer by the Kansas Law EnforcementTraining Commission. Certification must be obtainedbefore the employee is given permanent status. The employee must complete a basic law enforcement training program recognized by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Commissionand annual training asrequired by K.S.A. 74-5607a. This class requires the use of a firearm for law enforcement duties; therefore, to be eligible for appointment to a position in this class, candidates cannot have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor domestic violence crime as set forth in 18 U.S.C.§ 992 (g) (8) and(9). To be eligible for certification in the state of Kansas one must also be free from a felony or misdemeanor domestic violence crime, or a misdemeanor offense that the commission determines reflects on the honesty, trustworthiness, integrity, or competence of the applicant as defined by rules and regulations of the commission as set forth by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Act. Candidates for positions in this class must have the following: be a U.S. citizen; be 21 years of age at the time of appointment; free of conviction of any crime punishable by imprisonment in a federal penitentiary or a state prison; and be required to pass a physical exam administered by the hiring agency. This class requires that at the time of appointment the selected candidate must take and pass a drug screening test approved by the Office of Personnel Services, a pre-employment physical, and a standard battery of psychological tests required for admission into the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center Basic Course. Because Natural Resource Officer Positions require the employee to be certified as a Law Enforcement Officer by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Commission, certain past and present personal behaviors can impact employment eligibility. Applicants may submit an exemption from disqualification form to request a review of a specific incident causing the applicant to fall under disqualification. Select the jobs tab at the bottom of the page and then select the Employment Application & Additional Info link for more information.

Recruiter Contact Information Name :

Laverne Taylor Email :

laverne.taylor@ks.gov

Phone :

620-672-0704 Job Application Process First Sign in or register as a New User . Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page.

• This information is included on all your job applications. Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page.
• This information is included on all your job applications. Start your draft job application , upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete. Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page. Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter. Email
• sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page Notifications
• view the Careers> My Job Notifications page Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov : "How to Apply for a Job
• Instructions" and "How to Search for a Job
• Instructions" Required Documents for this Application to be Complete The following are the required items to apply: 1) a letter of interest 2) a detailed resume; including a valid e-mail address 3) transcript material, if you wish to include them 4) employment application
• this is generated from the information which is input into the system 5) an Authorization to Release Information form
• (this can be found at the following website): https://www.ksoutdoors.gov/about-kdwp/careers
• Please note, this form must either be witnessed and signed by a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks employee or signed in front of and notarized by a notary public.

We reserve the right to conduct a background check on all qualified applicants. Incomplete applications will not be considered. A complete application packet must be submitted for each position. We no longer make copies of previous applications. Submitted application materials will be reviewed in Pratt to assure that the position minimum requirements are met, and those meeting the minimum requirements will be forwarded to the respective division for interview selection. Applicants are notified whether or not they are selected to interview. The interview is generally a one-time, panel interview consisting of position-specific questions for all applicants (same questions for each applicant), with the selection being made after all candidate interviews are completed. Questions regarding the hiring process should be directed to Laverne Taylor in the KDWP Human Resources Section at the Pratt Operations Office, phone number (620) 672-0704, or by email at laverne.taylor@ks.gov. You may also contact Captain Eric Deneault at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks at eric.deneault@ks.gov. Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov : "How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents"

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate:

A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas. Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a State job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer. A Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law. If you have a missing tax return(s) or you owe taxes to the State of Kansas, please know that the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you. The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive a Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199. Kansas Department of Revenue

• Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions How to Claim Veterans Preference Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under

K.S.A. 73-201

will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager. Learn more about claiming Veteran's Preference How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager. Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference

PLEASE NOTE

: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be scanned and emailed to Gustavo.

Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:

ATTN:

Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator Office of Personnel Services Docking State Office Building 915 SW Harrison Ave, Suite 260 Topeka, KS 66612 Equal Employment Opportunity The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job. If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.