Game Warden Cadet Applicant Process
The application period for the current cadet class is closed, a new class will open Fall of 2024. We will post opening dates for the upcoming class here and on social media when they are known.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of current applicants to check their status in CAPPS Recruit and to respond timely to e-mail communications from the Department during this selection process.
STEP 1: Application (when the process reopens)
- Submit your application online.
- Your application will be reviewed and you will be notified by email to continue on to step 2 if you meet the minimum requirements.
NOTE: All applicants are encouraged to add Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to their e-mail contacts list to avoid communications going to junk and/or spam folders. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check their status in the NEOGov Applicant Tracking System and to respond timely to e-mail communications from the Department during the selection process.
STEP 2: Physical Readiness Test (Pass/Fail only)
- Complete Game Warden Applicant Medical Release form signed by your physician.
- Complete Game Warden Cadet Applicant Informed Consent for Physical Readiness Test.
- Candidates must bring driver's license and completed forms.
- Candidates must have required documents prior to being allowed to participate in the Physical Readiness Testing.
- Candidates must successfully complete ALL components of the physical readiness test on the assigned day of testing to advance to interviews.
- Travel and hotel accommodations will be your responsibility and at your expense.
STEP 3: Interview (Based on Minimal Accumulative Cut Off Score)
- Only candidates who passed the Physical Readiness Test will advance to this step.
- Candidates will be contacted by the Regional Office to schedule an interview.
- Travel and hotel accommodations will be your responsibility and at your expense.
STEP 4: Background Investigation (Pass/Fail only)
- Only the top candidates will advance to this step.
- Candidates are required to furnish the background investigator with official college transcripts, DD214 (page 4) if applicable, copies only of a valid Driver's License, and verification of US citizenship (Passport or Birth Certificate).
STEP 5: Major Review
- Only candidates who successfully pass the background investigation will advance to this step.
STEP 6: Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel and Director of Human Resources Review
- Only the top candidates will advance to this step.
STEP 7: Conditional Job Offer
- Candidates considered for employment will receive conditional job offers.
- Candidates are required to pass a physical and psychological evaluation as a condition of employment.
- Evaluations will be conducted by a TPWD designated physician and psychologist.
- Travel and hotel accommodations will be your responsibility and at your expense.
STEP 8: Letter of Invitation to the Game Warden Training Academy
- Candidates that pass a physical and psychological evaluation will advance to this step based on available vacancies.
- TPWD reserves the right to approve or disapprove recommended appointments to cadet positions.