The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is committed to it’s mission “To ensure a balance between wise use & protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.” Our agency embraces the insightful use of our natural resources to assure the continued safety, happiness & prosperity of Ohio’s people.

ODNR owns & manages state parks, state forests, state nature preserves & wildlife areas. We license all hunting, fishing and watercraft; oversee & permit all mineral extraction, monitor dam safety, manage water resources & serve as the second largest Law Enforcement presence in the State of Ohio.

We are accepting applications for Natural Resources Officer Cadet within the Division of Parks & Watercraft. Upon successful completion of training, cadets are placed into a Natural Resources Officer, headquartered in any of our five districts.

What you will do…

Natural Resources Officer Cadets receive extensive training to prepare them for a career as a Natural Resources Officer.

Attend an in-residence training academy for approximately 6 months where you will be trained on general law enforcement such as criminal laws, civil laws, laws of evidence, methods of arrest, search & seizure, investigative skills, handling of prisoners, court conduct, patrolling & enforcement techniques.
Upon graduation, perform law enforcement tasks such as patrolling and enforcing laws on state waterways, state parks, state forests and scenic river and natural preserves.
Conduct safety inspections on recreational vessels as well as educate the public, recreation and conservation groups regarding watercraft use and safety.
Provide media interviews, as well as present information & education programs regarding vessel safety and natural resources conservation.
What’s in it for you…

The starting pay for cadets in the academy is $19.88/hr without any prior state service.
Upon successful completion & graduation from the academy, cadets are promoted to Natural Resources Officers with a salary range of $51,813- $66,082/year, excluding supplements & overtime.
Medical insurance within 30 days, including wellness incentives plus Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
Employer paid dental, vision & life insurance coverage after one year of service.
Additional benefits include: fitness pay, shift differential, uniform allowance, 22 days of paid military leave per year, vacation, sick & personal leave.
Education benefits up to $3,000 annually for tuition, workshops & seminars.
Members of the Law Enforcement Public Employees Retirement System.
Advancement opportunities to investigator & administrative ranks.
Additional duty opportunities such as instructor, field training officer, canine handler, & honor guard team member.
Additional benefits can be found at www.totalrewards.ohio.gov
We are ready for you!

Qualifications

Completion of associate core program in natural resources area (parks & recreation, forestry, fisheries, wildlife, environmental, conservation biology, or criminal justice/law enforcement; valid driver’s license; must be 21 years of age upon completion of Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course, per Section 124.41 Ohio Revised Code; must be able to continuously swim 300 yds. in 12 minutes or less, continuously tread water for 5 minutes, perform a surface dive & retrieve object in a minimum of 5 feet of water from water treading position.

-Or 18 mos. training or 18 mos. exp. in natural resources area (parks & recreation, forestry, fisheries, wildlife, environmental, conservation biology, or criminal justice/law enforcement; valid driver’s license; must be 21 years of age upon completion of Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course, per Section 124.41 Ohio Revised Code; must be able to continuously swim 300 yds. in 12 minutes or less, continuously tread water for 5 minutes, perform a surface dive & retrieve object in a minimum of 5 feet of water from water treading position;

** BOTH OPOTA COMMISSIONED AND NON-COMMISSIONED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACCEPTED **

** At least fifteen (15) Natural Resources Officer Cadet vacancies are available. Headquarter county/work unit will be determined in January 2021.

Official Position Description:

Natural Resources Officer (NRO) Cadets receive extensive training in laws & regulations related to general & natural resources law enforcement. This will include attending scheduled training sessions (in-resident) pertaining to general law enforcement such as criminal laws, civil laws, laws of evidence, methods of arrest, search & seizure, investigative skills, handling of prisoners, court conduct, patrolling & enforcement techniques, use of firearms, self-defense, and first aid & emergency care. NRO Cadets participate in ODNR specific law enforcement training such as parks law enforcement, watercraft law enforcement, forestry laws, natural area laws, accident investigation, search & rescue procedures, boat & pursuit operation, and water rescue techniques. They also receive instruction on uniform regulations & officers code of ethics. During training NRO Cadets operate state-owned vehicles, watercraft, trucks, trailers, & all-terrain vehicles. Employees in this position are required to maintain physical fitness standards set forth by the agency directive.

During the course of training, NRO Cadets attend guest lectures & discussion sessions and complete exams & in-service training for all classes & practical exams attended. All NRO Cadets also receive extensive instruction in public & human relations in the areas of public speaking, skill development instruction, lesson plan development & student performance objectives.

NRO Cadets will spend time assisting commissioned officers with various law enforcement tasks such as patrolling assigned areas, assisting with arrests & investigations, conducting safety inspections on recreational vessels, and presenting public information & education programs.

For more information and to apply online, please visit: https://dasstateoh.taleo.net/careersection/oh_ext/jobdetail.ftl?job=200004RY&tz=GMT-05%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York