CA Game Warden exam & selection

[tanksoldier]

I'm taking the written exam on Feb 11.

I didn't receive any response when I sent in my application back in Sept, so it was a bit of a surprise to get the exam letter. When I didn't hear anything by Nov I figured they'd put things off for the year because of the budget problems.

I'm not even sure what the timeline is (written, PAT, interviews, etc).

I've posted on some of the LEO sites asking for info but haven't gotten any response, and I also emailed the recruiting officer but he hasn't responded yet either. I'm sure recruiting is a collateral duty and he's probably quite busy, so I figured no harm in asking here:

1. Does anybody know the selection timeline, even approximately?

2. Does anybody know what events are included in the PAT?

3. Does anybody have any advice or insight into the selection process or the job itself?

Thanks in advance !

[ankyle62]

Good luck, I watched that TV show about them and their job looks amazing.

http://natgeotv.com/ca/wild-justice

[BigDogatPlay]

1. Does anybody know the selection timeline, even approximately?

Up to a year or perhaps a bit more is fairly typical for the state agencies. Most of the guys I know that are with state agencies it was > 10 months from start to finish.

2. Does anybody know what events are included in the PAT?

Sorry, no info.

3. Does anybody have any advice or insight into the selection process or the job itself?

The selection process is hurry up and wait. That's the best that can be said. You have to be patient.

The job is perfect for self starters who enjoy working long hours outdoors, often alone and with minimal supervision. Sometimes with no supervision. If you need to be told what to do every day by your boss then it might not be the right fit. The wardens I've known over the years were all very independent spirits.

Good luck with the process.

[tanksoldier]

Up to a year or perhaps a bit more is fairly typical for the state agencies. Most of the guys I know that are with state agencies it was > 10 months from start to finish.

Yes, that's for sure. Testing now for an academy a year from now.

However, I'm trying to find more specific information.

I'm originally from NorCal but I live in Colorado now. I'm trying to find out WHEN (approximately) the PAT, etc are scheduled because I'll have to take time off from work and I want to be able to give my boss a heads up.

[bp574]

PM sent

[ankyle62]

Yes, that's for sure. Testing now for an academy a year from now.

However, I'm trying to find more specific information.

I'm originally from NorCal but I live in Colorado now. I'm trying to find out WHEN (approximately) the PAT, etc are scheduled because I'll have to take time off from work and I want to be able to give my boss a heads up.

If it's anything like the CHP process you will just have to play it by ear. They will typically mail something out a month or so before the event. I would also assume their PAT would be similar to CHP's because they are both state law enforcement agencies.

[Bodei]

If you still have questions, send me a PM. What part of the state do you live in? You need to do as many ride-a-longs as possible.

[Foriegn power]

1. Does anybody know the selection timeline, even approximately?
I applied in October-November 2010, scheduled to take written test in Jan 2011. Found out in Feb 2011 I passed, turned in all background by March-April 2011- Received a letter in late October 2011 stating I was unqualified.

2. Does anybody know what events are included in the PAT?
Not sure.

3. Does anybody have any advice or insight into the selection process or the job itself?
Honestly, these small departments have been the most mickey mouse in the way they organized and treated their candidates. And just to let you know, they disqualified my friend who has a college degree and military experience. And ofcourse they disqualified me who has similar qualities as my friend minus the military experience. So I really don't know what to tell you they must want people who are blonde, blue eye and minimum height of 6'1"+? Further, please don't put all your eggs in one basket, apply to many other departments, because I would feel awful for candidates who just waited from Jan 2011 till Oct 2011 to wait for a denial letter! Another to wait 6 months just to see if you made it pass the background is well mickey mouse. They didn't even contact any of my family nor friends during background. It shows did they really look into the background packet? In addition, during the background packet be prepared to spend $ to get your original certified birth certificate, etc.

[tanksoldier]

1. Does anybody know the selection timeline, even approximately?

I spoke with Lt Longwell, the recruiting officer, recently.

He stated that written tests would be in Feb, background interview between Mar-Jun, PAT/oral int/psych Oct-ish.

2. Does anybody know what events are included in the PAT?
Not sure.

If I understood Lt Longwell correctly the PAT consists of moving set weights on a machine a certain number of reps, a step test, and the 100 yd swim.

Honestly, these small departments have been the most mickey mouse in the way they organized and treated their candidates. And just to let you know, they disqualified my friend who has a college degree and military experience. And ofcourse they disqualified me who has similar qualities as my friend minus the military experience.

So... are you looking to apply again, or just whine about not being selected last time?

They only take 40 people per year. Plenty of well qualified candidates aren't taken I'm sure.

[dougtoni]

After you first apply, it will take about a year to be hired. The pat consites of dragging a 165 dummy approx 25 feet or so, running (dont remember distance), asorted weight lifting wigh legs nd arms and swimming 100yards and treding water for a couple of mins. I believe that is it. I took it bac in 2002. Pretty easy if ur in shape. Just work on cardio and swimming. Everything else is easy. Once ur in academy, it will b 7 months long. So b preparded to b gone for that time. I hope this helped. Just remember, everytime you take a test, expect it to b about 3 months to find out results.

[NaClAddict]

The only consistency is inconsistency. Plan on traveling to Sacramento several times. The PAT is E-Z. People dog paddle the swim and make it. Also, I know people who were in the process for years before making it. Also plan on finding you own housing while in the academy. If you make it through all that it's a *****ing job. Good luck

[tanksoldier]

Also plan on finding you own housing while in the academy.

That's the one easy part. I grew up in Paradise. Still have family there.

On the other hand is there not any jobs in Colorado?

There are. The economy is actually doing relatively well here. State isn't hiring but private sector and local govts are.

However, we want to move back to CA for various reasons related to family and this would be an opportunity/ excuse to make the move.

Frankly, I'll be taking a significant pay cut as a new Warden and won't really make it back up to where I am now until/if I make Lieutenant but with an Army retirement and my wife's job being mobile and well compensated it's not that big of a deal overall.