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.