Education · 1 of 5

The path

This is a hire-then-train job. The training is paid, but getting hired takes years and there are very few openings.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Biology, geography, physical education and a second language if you can. Stay out of trouble, since a criminal record ends this before it starts.

2. 2

   College diploma or degree

   2 to 4 years

   Natural resources, fish and wildlife, ecosystem management, conservation enforcement, or a related science degree. Some colleges run conservation enforcement programs aimed at this exact job.

3. 3

   Seasonal park work

   1 to 3 seasons

   Visitor services, resource conservation, trail crew or fire crew. This is how you get known and how you learn how a park runs.

4. 4

   Apply to a warden competition

   Several months

   Openings are posted through the federal public service job site. Expect written tests, an interview, a fitness test, a medical and a security clearance.

5. 5

   Law enforcement training

   Once hired

   A paid in-house course covering peace officer duties, use of force, investigation and park legislation, roughly three months.