Full Time Conservation Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $54,192.00 Annually
Location : Statewide, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 189467
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Division: Law Enforcement Division
Opening Date: 06/15/2026
Closing Date: 7/10/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Residency Requirement: Yes
Class Code:: JC20
Position Number:: 11111111
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Varies
Pay Grade: LAW04
Hiring Range - Min.: $54,192.00
Opening Date: 06/15/2026
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: There are multiple positions for this announcement in various counties throughout the state. YOU MUST APPLY BY SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION ON-LINE BY THE CLOSING DATE. In addition to submitting the on-line application, please attach (to your application), mail or hand-deliver: 1.) driving history (official or unofficial) for every state within the last ten (10) years, 2.) all college transcripts (official or unofficial), 3.) proof of Class 1 Law Enforcement Certification (if applicable), 4.) DD Form 214 or discharge paperwork for military service in security positions (if applicable) to: SCDNR-Human Resources Office, P.O. Box 167 Columbia, SC 29202. THESE DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY JULY 17, 2026. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS AT THIS TIME. *Applicants who fail to provide all applicable attachments by the attachment deadline will not be considered for employment.
Residency Requirement (specifics):: Must be willing and able to establish permanent residency in the area in which you are assigned within ninety (90) calendar days from completion of training.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
As a DNR Conservation Officer, you will:

• Conduct regular patrols in a vehicle or boat to detect violations and protect the state's natural resources.
• Ensure patrols are conducted at appropriate times, depending on the season.
• Investigate, secure and compile all evidence relating to violations.
• Prepare cases for court, present all evidence, and prosecute cases.
• Remain abreast of any changes in laws, regulations and procedures relating to the proper prosecution of cases.
• Investigate hunting, boating, and drowning incidents and file reports concerning these to headquarters.
• Prepare monthly, weekly, and daily reports, as necessary.
• Conduct Search and Rescue missions on land or water, either by assisting and cooperating with other Law Enforcement Agencies or as a separate and distinct function.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
In order to qualify for this position, you must meet one (1) of the following minimum requirements:
(A) A bachelor's degree or (120) one hundred twenty college credit hours; OR
(B) An associates degree (or two (2) years of college credit equating to (60) semester credit hours) combined with two (2) years of related experience.
(Related experience will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Examples of related experience may include, but are not limited to, service as a class 1 law enforcement officer or active military service in security positions); OR
(C) Four (4) years of service as a certified Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer; OR
(D) Four (4) years active military service in security positions; OR
(E) Thirty (30) college credit hours, with a high school diploma or (GED).
a. Applicant will be granted credit for an additional thirty (30) credit hours upon completion of the SC Criminal Justice Academy Basic Law Enforcement program and the SCDNR Wildlife Basic Training Academy.
b. Applicant will not be eligible to advance beyond rank of PFC within the Law Enforcement career path until completion of cumulative one hundred twenty (120) credit hours.
Applicant(s) must be 21 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen; no record of conviction or violation of state or federal game and fish laws within three (3) years of hire date. (See the SCDNR website at for more information regarding minimum requirements). Must be willing and able to establish permanent residency in the area in which you are assigned within 90 calendar days from completion of training.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to the game, fish, boating, recreational and commercial fisheries. Knowledge of the Department of Natural Resources methods and procedures. Knowledge of firearms, vehicles, communications equipment, and other law enforcement equipment.
Additional Comments
Ability to work irregular schedules. Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Be physically fit and have stamina and endurance. Ability to meet required swimming standards. Ability to operate motor vehicles and/or boating equipment. Maintain LE Officer commission and NASBLA certification standards.
Supplemental questions are an official part of the application. Any attempt to misrepresent yourself may be grounds for disqualification. Read each question carefully and select the most appropriate answer.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01
Are you currently employed with SCDNR?

• Yes
• No

02
Have you read the DNR Law Enforcement position on tattoos and body art for Conservation Officers found at https://dnr.sc.gov/law/LErequirements.html?

• Yes
• No

03
If you have a tattoo or body art, will you adhere to this requirement?

• Yes
• No

04
SC Residents Only: In which COUNTY do you currently reside?

• Abbeville
• Aiken
• Allendale
• Anderson
• Bamberg
• Barnwell
• Beaufort
• Berkeley
• Calhoun
• Charleston
• Cherokee
• Chester
• Chesterfield
• Clarendon
• Colleton
• Darlington
• Dillon
• Dorchester
• Edgefield
• Fairfield
• Florence
• Georgetown
• Greenville
• Greenwood
• Hampton
• Horry
• Jasper
• Kershaw
• Lancaster
• Laurens
• Lee
• Lexington
• Marion
• Marlboro
• McCormick
• Newberry
• Oconee
• Orangeburg
• Pickens
• Richland
• Saluda
• Spartanburg
• Sumter
• Union
• Williamsburg
• York

05
Are you willing to relocate?

• Yes
• No

06
I understand that I must provide this additional documentation by the attachment deadline, July 17, 2026, in order for my application to be considered complete: 1.) Driving history (official or unofficial) for every state licensed within the last ten (10) years; 2.) College transcripts (official or unofficial); 3.)Proof of Class 1 Certification (if applicable); 4.) DD Form 214 or discharge paperwork for military service in a security position (if applicable). All of these documents must be sent to: SCDNR, ATTN: Human Resources, PO Box 167 Columbia, SC 29202. *Applicants who fail to provide all applicable attachments by the attachment deadline may not be considered for employment.

• I Agree

Required Question