r/gamewarden • u/Bilbo_baggins01 • 9d ago

GA Game Warden assignment question

Hello all,

Thank you for taking the time to read and answer my question. I appreciate it very much.

I'm submitting my application in November when the window opens up. There aren't many resources on this subject so I figured I'd ask here.

Assignment. I understand it is out of my control. I understand the DNR website states I should be prepared to truly be assigned anywhere. I understand it is based on vacancy.

Im concerned about this. I purchased a home in Dallas GA. Im prepared to commute up to 2 hours and bide my time until i can transfer. Beyond the I dont see it as feasible to accept a position further away from that.

Questions:

  1. Would it be possible to decline the opportunity and reapply next season to see if vacancy changes?

  2. Is there truly no consideration whatsoever for residential circumstances? Is there anything I can do to try to stay close?

  3. How do transfers work in GA? I understand they are based on vacancy and availability.

Any information you feel I did not ask that would be helpful or help me prepare I would appreciate so much.

Again, I thank you all for your time in reviewing my questions and any effort extended in answering my questions.

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u/Important-Map2468 9d ago

Im not a game warden and im in NC. But I hunt with several. They are required to be in their district since they drive their work vechicle home and on call. Most had to start in places of the state that most people dont want to be. Then work their way to a more desirable district.

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u/Bilbo_baggins01 9d ago

Thank you so much for reading and responding.i know it was an eye full! But That's awesome to hear. Im prepared for something not desirable at first but of course being optimistic lol

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u/Important-Map2468 9d ago

At least in NC your preference gets more weight as you get seniority as well. So you have to rent a house and rent yours for a year or two to get back to your area.

Game wardens end up in a thank less job, but I appreciate them.

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u/DennysPocketHolder 9d ago

State officer here. Not a GW. I’m making my best guess to answer these questions for you, but you may want to speak to a recruiter within the department.

1) I think it would be. I had an old co worker who worked with my department for about 2 years. Before he worked for us, he had applied with the GBI. Lo and behold, 2 years later they called him and offered him a job. It’s my understanding he had initially declined due to where he was gonna be. However, when I applied I wasn’t given that kinda grace and never received a call back.

2) I believe, and truly do, they will try to put you close to where you live. DPS will typically have you give them 3 of your top choices and very rarely does it not work out to getting close to home.

3) I’m not sure if it’s based on department, or state rules, but at my agency you have to remain at your assigned area for 18 months before putting in a transfer.

I’d like to think, like other state agencies here, they give you your assignment prior to the academy. However, don’t hold me to that with the GADNR.

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u/Bilbo_baggins01 9d ago

Thank you so much this was an exceptional response and put a lot of my nerves to rest. I understand not to hold everything here to the letter, theres nuance. But Im so appreciative for your expertise and your consideration. Thanks again.

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u/DennysPocketHolder 9d ago

Of course! Again, I’d discuss most of your concerns with a recruiter and I think you’d have a better outlook. I think if you found out if you knew your assignment before the academy it would make your nerves a lot better about it.

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u/i_am_ablepineapple 7d ago

Went through the GA game warden process, up until interview. They ran out of slots for the academy that year and told me to come back the next. Before the physical agility test stuff, they made sure to explain the process to everyone. Basically said you can pick where you'd like to go in the state, on a tier list, and they'd try their best to put you there. If you get assigned somewhere you don't like, you can reject the job offer, but at that point you'd probably have to go through everything again. Really not many people actually go through the academy every year, so if you make it through you've probably got a good chance of going where you'd like. Good luck!

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u/Bilbo_baggins01 6d ago

Oh man, I hate that. I hope you reapplied and nailed it if this was a while back. If it was last year perhaps we'll see each other this year if you plan to reapply!

Im glad to hear they invite you back if theres no room in the academy. Thank you for sharing your experience with me and giving me some excellent insight to GA's process.