Fish and Game Wardens

Patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.

The automation risk for the occupation "Fish and Game Wardens" is estimated at 34.9%, which is only slightly below the base risk of 35.4%. This moderate risk level reflects the nature of their duties, where certain aspects could be replaced or augmented by technology, but many responsibilities require human judgment and presence. One reason automation isn’t higher is that much of the work involves unpredictable, outdoor environments and a wide range of activities that go beyond routine patrolling or enforcement. Technology may assist with information gathering or evidence management, but cannot yet fully substitute for the nuanced decision-making or adaptability required in the field. Among the most automatable tasks for Fish and Game Wardens are those that involve routine or procedural activities. Patrolling assigned areas by various modes of transport to enforce laws or manage programs can partially be replicated by drones, camera networks, or automated reporting systems. Similarly, compiling and presenting evidence for court actions is increasingly supported through digital documentation and analytical tools, automating significant portions of paperwork and data management. Investigating hunting accidents or reports of violations can utilize automated mapping, surveillance, and even AI-driven pattern recognition, streamlining the evidence-gathering and initial reporting stages of investigations. In contrast, the occupation retains strong resistance to automation due to several inherently human-centered tasks. Participating in firefighting efforts, for example, requires on-the-spot decision-making, physical adaptability, and direct teamwork that automated systems cannot yet match. Facilities maintenance work, involving construction or repair as well as pest control, often occurs in varied and unpredictable conditions, calling for human dexterity and creative problem solving. Supervising activities of seasonal workers also benefits heavily from interpersonal skills, motivation, and conflict resolution, further reducing automation’s encroachment. Bottleneck skills such as originality, scored at 2.9% and 3.0% risk, highlight the creativity and innovative thinking required—attributes not easily replicated by AI or robotics—which further insulates Fish and Game Wardens from widespread automation in the near future.