I am currently out of work and going through a severe mid-life crisis. At 55 years old I am also considering a change in career.
I have always enjoyed the outdoors and HATED the time I spent cooped up in office type settings. I have always dreamed in the back of my mind of being a game warden or some vocation that would allow me to do my job in the wilderness so to speak.
I have exactly 0 experience in law enforcement and am an avid fisherman and hunter, married (the kids are all grown and living their own lives), and live in Texas. Relocation wouldn’t be a problem though.
Am I too old? should I just resign myself that I am doomed to spend the rest of my working days tied to a desk or a truck? Are there courses I can take at the local community college? Am I silly to even consider changing carrers at my age?
I’ve worked in state and local government for a large portion of my adult life, and one of the most stressful jobs I’ve encountered is game warden. The hours are long, the working conditions can be harsh (depending on the season, naturally), but the thing that nearly all game wardens that I’ve met said was the most difficult was the realization that they may have to kill or be killed. One had retired after he had to kill a hunter who threatened him with a shotgun.
All of them had some law enforcment background - they are essentially state police here in Virginia and have arrest power.
I’d call your state department of game and inland fisheries (or equivalent) and talk to them about it. I’m sure they’ll give you the straight dope.
I wouldn’t think you’re too old. I’m in State Environmental Management and we have many inspectors who have retired from teaching or the military and come work for us.
Depending on your qualifications, you might also want to look into Forestry, Conservation or being a Park Ranger.
I have a similar situation and thinking about the application for a game warden. I am age 50, but i understand that the preferred degrees to have are in biology or criminal justice.
cannot speak to other states but in California I do not believe there is an age limit any longer. But there is strenuous physical component involved and if you cannot accomplish specific tasks you will initially fail the physical test. Should you pass that physical test and are accepted you will attend an academy that will entail ongoing physical components including long distance running, push ups, sit ups and pull ups. I you are out of shape and lack stamina you will have a very difficult time. Peace Officer status is granted upon completion of the academy. Remember Christopher Dorner? It was a game warden that initially made contact with him.
I will add that government positions, more than most other employment opportunities, are strenuously monitored to prevent discrimination, including age discrimmination.
The OP was from 9 years ago, so presumably he already made whatever career change he was going to make. It appears he is still active on the board, so maybe he will return to this thread and let us know what happened. Tony3, you could also try sending a PM to him. (And welcome to the Board.)