The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has opened applications for its 70th Law Enforcement Cadet Class, which trains prospective Texas Game Wardens and Texas State Park Police Officers. The application period runs from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026.
Interested candidates can apply online. Selected applicants will attend a 35-week academy beginning Oct. 1, 2027, at the Game Warden Training Center near Hamilton. Cadets must live at the training center throughout the academy.
Who can apply
Applicants must be at least 21 years old on or before Oct. 1, 2027. There is no maximum age limit. They must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university by June 30, 2027, or qualify through an alternative combination of college credits and work or military service.
Applicants without a bachelor’s degree may qualify with at least 60 college credit hours and either two years of active-duty military service with an honorable discharge or two years of full-time experience as a commissioned law enforcement officer. TPWD does not allow lateral transfers. All applicants, regardless of existing qualifications or certifications, must complete the full academy.
Applicants also must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, psychological and medical evaluations, and a physical readiness test. The physical test includes:
- Handgun stability.
- A swim test involving falling backward into a pool, treading water for one minute without touching the sides or bottom, then swimming 100 meters using any stroke in two minutes, 30 seconds or less.
- 13 push-ups and 22 sit-ups.
- A four-minute row on a Concept2 rower.
TPWD provides its complete eligibility requirements and application procedures online. The department describes selection as highly competitive.
What the jobs involve
Game wardens enforce hunting, fishing and boating regulations and investigate natural resource crimes. Their duties also include hunter and boater education, public outreach, and search, rescue and recovery operations during emergencies and natural disasters. State park police protect park visitors, enforce state laws and park regulations, respond to emergencies, and help protect natural and cultural resources within the park system.
Both positions are fully commissioned peace officers whose responsibilities extend beyond conservation and park rules. According to TPWD, they also enforce Texas criminal laws, including the Penal Code, Transportation Code and Health and Safety Codes.
The department said the Texas Legislature has authorized an expanded enforcement program that includes a 50-hour workweek for game wardens and paid overtime for state park police officers. TPWD said the program supports increased patrol coverage and opportunities for higher earnings through additional enforcement hours and overtime compensation.
More information about game warden careers is available on the TPWD Law Enforcement career page or from the nearest TPWD Law Enforcement Office. Those interested in state park police careers may contact recruiter Lt. EJ Rivera at [email protected].
Based on a news release from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Read the original TPWD release: Applications Open for 70th TPWD Law Enforcement Cadet Class.
