Conservation Warden Training

Wisconsin Conservation Wardens are among the most extensively trained law enforcement officers in the nation. Upon date of hire, appointees will participate in formal training at the DNR Warden Academy, with classes Monday through Friday and return home for the weekend on Friday afternoon after class. The Department conducts this training at the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy facility, but it is our training with our instructors and courses. The WI State Patrol Academy is located at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin (which is halfway between Tomah and Sparta).

The facility includes dorm rooms for the recruit wardens (2 per room), all meals, vending machines in a break area, a television and mini-refrigerator in each dorm room, pay phones and a nearby US Army physical fitness center that is available for a small fee to those staying at the Academy.

This specialized training will focus on conservation-related topics, DNR regulations, Department of Justice law enforcement certification course, several weeks of scenario-based training topics, a physical fitness component, 8 weeks with 3 different Field Training Officers (FTO’s) located throughout the state. FTO’s are Conservation Wardens who have extensive training as Field Training Officers. Locating your housing will be our responsibility. The Department will cover all meals and expenses.

At various times during these FTO assignments you will come back together as a Class for scenario-based training at various locations around the state (photo left – Fur Preparation Techniques training). Time spent during training is in pay status.

Among the topical areas of study and training are:

1. Criminal and DNR Law
2. Firearms Training
3. Police Vehicle Operations
4. Patrol Procedure and Tactics
5. Investigative Techniques
6. Human Relations, Partnerships, Community Wardening
7. Standard Operating Procedures
8. Fish & Game Enforcement
9. Boat, Snowmobile, and ATV Enforcement
10. Computers

Assignments to a Permanent Work Location

While competing in this hiring process, the station locations are not known. Station assignments are made at the end of the first 12 months of employment as a conservation warden. Assignments to a permanent station location will be made upon successful completion of the required training and successful completion of the first 12 months of the 24 month probationary period. Recruits will be required to re-locate to new assigned station and live within certain residency specifications.

After successfully completing the second 12 months of the probationary period, an officer is eligible to put in for a voluntary transfer to vacant field stations when they are announced and/or compete for promotional opportunities.