Entry Level Conservation Law Enforcement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist 2 Conservation Officer

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

Job ID: 95923

Location: Various

Telework Eligible: No

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

Closing Date: 09/11/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources

Division/Unit: Enforcement

Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift

Days of Work: Varies

Travel Required: Yes

Salary Range: $38.06 - $52.06 / hourly

Classified Status: Classified

Bargaining Unit/Union: 201 - MN Law Enforcement Assn/Law Enf

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

NOTE: This is a general announcement for recruitment of Conservation Officer candidates. The Division of Enforcement anticipates hiring Conservation Officers for an academy in May 2027.

Being a Conservation Officer (CO) is not just a rewarding career, it's an opportunity to make a difference by protecting Minnesota natural resources and the people that use them.

Conservation Officers work to ensure public safety and compliance with state game and fish, recreational vehicle, and natural resource commercial operation laws. Responsibilities include law enforcement, public safety, and education in the following areas: hunting and fishing seasons, methods of taking animals and fish, possession limits, public safety, especially where it concerns alcohol use while hunting or operating recreational vehicles and watercraft, commercial use and possession of natural resources and products, the protection of the state's land, air, and water, and youth and adult safety training and hunter education classes.

Conservation Officers work variable hours to meet the seasonal needs in their assigned patrol areas and often work from a 4x4 patrol vehicle, a snowmobile, ATV, or from various watercraft. Conservation Officers are expected to work nights, weekends, holidays, and game and fish season openers.

Selected candidates will attend a 15-week training academy at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minnesota where you will be expected to live onsite Monday through Friday. Following the 15-week training academy, successful candidates are then required to complete 16 weeks of field training where you will work closely with an experienced Conservation Officer.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a valid MN Peace Officer's License.

• Or be eligible to be licensed by the MN Peace Officers Standards and Training Board (POST) by November 16th, 2026.
• Or complete basic police training and be certified as a full-time peace officer in a state or federal law enforcement agency with which Minnesota has reciprocity and pass the POST Board reciprocity exam by November 16, 2026.

Interest in outdoor recreation activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping, ATV trail riding, snowmobiling, water recreations, etc.

Ability and willingness to carry out the responsibilities of a licensed Peace Officer while performing the job in adverse weather and other environmental conditions and to work unusual, varying shifts including nights, weekends and holidays.

Ability to maintain self-control and respond quickly and appropriately to crisis and emergency situations.

Ability to enforce state and federal laws and assist any person whose safety or property is threatened. At times, must act immediately to protect the personal safety of another or apprehend persons suspected of committing crimes.

Must be able to perform all duties with courtesy and professionalism in order to achieve and maintain the trust and respect of the public and fellow officers up to, and including subduing a suspect using force as authorized by law. Must be prepared to use deadly force when justified.

Ability to clearly and accurately observe and record information, read, analyze, interpret and communicate information; detect and analyze information based on sight, smell, sound, etc.

Must be able to act with or without direct supervision and exercise good discretion and judgement while working independently or as a team.

Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with both internal and external customers.

Reading comprehension skill sufficient to interpret law, statutes, etc.

Oral and written communications skills sufficient to clearly, concisely and effectively communicate in English legal and non-legal information to various people/audiences.

No felony or gross misdemeanor conviction in Minnesota or crime in any other state or federal jurisdiction which would have been a felony if committed in Minnesota.

No other criminal convictions involving serious natural resource violations, crimes involving moral turpitude or two or more alcohol-related driving violations for the past ten years. No DWI, reckless or careless driving, or other serious driving violations within the last five years.

In addition to the above minimum qualifications, candidates must pass the general written exam to be admitted to other portions of the exam/selection process.

Preferred Qualifications

Post-secondary education focused on Natural Resources, or a bachelor's or advanced degree in any field.

Participation in a natural resources related internship.

Participation as a volunteer at the Conservation Officer Academy.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

Other portions of the process will include: oral interviews and completion of a comprehensive background investigation. Final job offers will be based on passing a medical evaluation, functional capacity exam and psychological evaluation.

Candidates must not have been disqualified from a previous Minnesota DNR Conservation Officer background investigation within the past 60 months. Please review the disqualification criteria information carefully. You must meet the minimum selection standards before being appointed to a peace officer position under Minnesota Administrative Rule 6700.0700.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.