Game Warden Cadet Applicant Process

The application period for the 65th Game Warden Cadet Class is closed. We will post opening dates for the 66th 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)

  • 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.