Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

 Refuge Law Enforcement Objectives  

•To protect refuge visitors and employees from disturbance or harm by others.

•To assist visitors in understanding refuge laws, regulations, and the reasons for them. 

•To enhance the management and protection of fish and wildlife resources on refuges.

•To ensure the legally prescribed, equitable use of fish and wildlife resources on refuges.

•To obtain compliance with laws and regulations necessary for the proper administration, management, and protection of the National Wildlife Refuge System

Refuge Officer Qualifications  

Refuge officers are commissioned law enforcement officers. You are required to carry firearms and other defensive equipment; therefore, you must be at least 18 years old, and physically and emotionally fit. A 2 or 4-year degree in natural resources conservation, criminal justice, or a related field is desirable, although applicable experience may be substituted for education.

Needless to say, you must like working outdoors in all kinds of weather! You also must enjoy working with people, because most of your job will consist of contacting and interacting with refuge visitors, neighbors, and other employees.

We suggest that you visit a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge and talk to the staff or an officer, if possible.

Physical Fitness 

Physical fitness is crucial in obtaining and maintaining a commission. Before entry and then annually, officers must undergo a physical examination and be physically and medically capable of performing the essential duties of the position efficiently, without hazard to themselves or others.

Other Tests Performed  

You must pass a series of psychological screening tests before entry.

Age  

You must be between the ages of 18 and 37 before entry.

Background investigation 

You must undergo an initial background investigation. 

Drug tests  

You must be tested before entry, and periodically thereafter. 

Firearms Qualifications 

You must qualify periodically with the weapons that you carry.

Training 

After being selected, you must successfully complete different phases of training as a refuge officer including but not limited to:

•18 weeks at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia.

•2 weeks of Refuge Officer Basic School.

•10 weeks of the Field Training and Evaluation Program.

Your performance will be evaluated in all phases of the training.