Natural Resources Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

** THIS POSTING IS FOR NON-PEACE OFFICER CERTIFIED APPLICANTS **

What we need:

Working at ODNR is a special experience. Ohio State Parks, recently named the #1 state park system in the nation, is an incredible place to build your career. 

ODNR's law enforcement unit has achieved national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), becoming the only state natural resources agency with CALEA accreditation.

We are seeking energetic, passionate people who enjoy the outdoors and want to play a key role in enforcing laws to protect our environment and wildlife as well as the safety of those who use state lands and waterways. Our Natural Resources Officers work within our Division of Parks & Watercraft.

No experience? No problem!

We are currently seeking non-peace officer certified candidates for our next Natural Resources Officer Cadet class. Upon successful completion of training, cadets are promoted into a Natural Resources Officer ($30.77/hr), headquartered at one of the following locations:
 

Northeast district

• Cleveland Field Office, 1150 E. 49th St, Cleveland, OH 44114 (Cuyahoga county)

Northwest district 

• Harrison Lake State Park, 26246 Harrison Lake Rd, Fayette, OH 43521 (Fulton county)

Southeast district 

• Jesse Owens State Park, 100 Natural Resources Road 1, McConnelsville, OH 43756 (Morgan county)
• Salt Fork State Park, 14755 Cadiz Rd, Lore City, OH 43755 (Guernsey county)

Southwest district 

• Buck Creek State Park, 1976 Buck Creek Lane, Springfield, OH 45502 (Clark county)
• East Fork State Park, 3294 Elklick Rd, Bethel, OH 45106 (Clermont county)
• Lake Loramie State Park, 4401 Fort Loramie-Swanders Rd, Minster, OH 45865 (Shelby county)
• Rocky Fork State Park, 9800 N Shore Dr, Hillsboro, OH 45133 (Highland county)

Cadets do have to meet certain criteria (listed below) and spend approximately 6 months completing an in-residence academy. Pay during the academy is $26.20 per hour. Upon successful completion of training and promotion, pay is $30.77 per hour.

Learn more about the process of becoming a Natural Resources Officer, including automatic disqualifiers, at Becoming an Ohio Natural Resources Officer.

What you will do:

Natural Resources Officer Cadets receive extensive training to prepare them for a career as a Natural Resources Officer. As a cadet, you will:

• 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 rivers 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 you get:

One of the unique aspects of being a Natural Resources Officer is getting to protect nature in addition to people and working in some of the most beautiful parts of Ohio every day! You also will get the amazing benefits below:

• The starting pay for cadets in the academy is $26.20/hour without any prior state service.
• Upon successful completion of ODNR training and graduation from the academy, cadets are promoted to Natural Resources Officers with a starting salary range of $64,002 up to $84,885/year (increases yearly after step 1), 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 $5,000 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!

We're glad you're interested in pursuing a rewarding career with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources!  Exploring and protecting the natural beauty of Ohio will prove to be the most enjoyable career opportunity you will ever find. To learn more about the Division of Parks & Watercraft, please visit Parks & Watercraft.

** THIS POSTING IS FOR NON-PEACE OFFICER CERTIFIED APPLICANTS **

What you need:

• Associate degree in core program areas such as natural resources area (e.g., parks & recreation, forestry, fisheries, wildlife, environmental, conservation biology, natural science (e.g. biology, geology, wildlife, botany, ecology, agronomy), or criminal justice/law enforcement

OR

• 18 months training or 18 months experience in any of the following:
  • A natural resources area (e.g., parks & recreation, environmental, or natural science)
  • Criminal justice/law enforcement (i.e., corrections officer)
  • Military (e.g., military police, security forces, investigative services, intelligence)

AND

• Ability to pass fitness and swim test
• Valid driver's license
• 21 years of age upon completing the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course
• U.S. Citizen

Successful applicants will undergo:

• An internal investigation, which consists of background checks of schools, employers, creditors and references.
• A physical examination
• A drug test
• A psychological evaluation

Recruitment Timeline*

Job Posting Closes: August 9, 2026

Fitness Testing: late August 2026

Interviews: mid September 2026

Swim Test: late October 2026

Background, Psychological, and Medical Processes: October - December 2026

Offer: mid December 2026

Hire Date: mid January 2027

 *Recruitment Timeline is approximate and dates can change

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.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THE CLASSIFICATION AFTER EMPLOYMENT:   Per Article 31.05 of Unit 2 Contract, must maintain agency required physical condition as outlined by department directive & pass any required medical examinations; must maintain OPOTC certification; must qualify for $1,000 surety bond if acts as agent of state in collecting of money.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: May be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year; exposed to inclement weather, search & rescue, floods & environmental hazards/wastes, law enforcement violators & training which may cause substantial physical harm or death; exposed to forest fires; exposed to violent situations.

Special Note:

The Division of Parks & Watercraft has specific direction on tattoos & other body art or body modifications. Tattoos, body art or branding, which do not professionally represent a Natural Resources Officer or are offensive in nature are not permitted.  Natural Resources Officer Cadet candidates who have body art, tattoos, or branding will need to be reviewed by the law enforcement section prior to receiving a conditional offer of employment. Candidates may receive consideration for hire upon agreement to remove tattoos, body art, or branding, prior to receiving a conditional offer of employment. Intentional body modification to any area visible in any uniform or attire while on duty is prohibited. Body modifications could include, but are not limited to: tongue splitting or bifurcation; abnormal shaping of the ears, eyes or nose; abnormal filling of the teeth; branding or scarification.

In order for applicants to be considered for the Natural Resources Officer Cadet, they must meet the 30th percentile of the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program (OPOTC) Physical Fitness Standards in the three fitness events (sit ups in 1 minute, push ups in 1 minute, 1.5 mile run). Testing is tentatively scheduled for late August 2026. To learn more about the fitness standards, please visit Becoming an Ohio Natural Resources Officer.

All new Cadets upon completion of the Academy, and prior to graduation, shall be required to pass the OPOTC Physical Fitness Standards in at least two events at the End Level and one event at the Basic Level in order to retain employment. Tentatively scheduled for June/July 2027. To learn more about the graduation fitness standards, please visit Becoming an Ohio Natural Resources Officer.

Applicants who pass the pre-hire fitness testing entry standards will be invited to participate in a structured oral interview, which will be tentatively conducted in mid September 2026. Swim testing is tentatively scheduled in late October 2026. 

Successful applicants will undergo an internal investigation, which consists of background checks of schools, employers, creditors and references. A physical examination, drug test, and psychological evaluation will be administered. Offer/hire dates are tentatively set for December 2026/January 2027.

Voluntary Practice Swim Testing - Friday, September 4, 2026

Ohio State Highway Patrol, 740 E. 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211

***If interested in attending the voluntary practice swim test, please send an e-mail to hr@dnr.ohio.gov with three timeslots of interest. Confirm your attendance no later than Monday, August 31.

Timeslots available: 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm

Learn More

Any questions about the NRO position or to set up a ride along, please send an e-mail to NRORecruitment@dnr.ohio.gov. 

18 mos. trg. or 18 mos. exp. (e.g., military occupational specialty &/or duty assignments) in the United States military (e.g., US Army Military Police (Provost Marshal) or Criminal Investigation Division, US Air Force Security Forces or Office of Special Investigations, US Navy Master-at-Arms or Naval Criminal Investigative Service; US Marine Corps Military Police or Criminal Investigation Division, Army Counter Intelligence, US Coast Guard Investigative Services); valid driver's license. Must be at least 21 years of age per Section 124.41 of the 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. trg. or 18 mos. exp. in natural resources area (e.g., parks & recreation, forestry, fisheries, wildlife, environmental, conservation biology, natural science (e.g. biology, geology, wildlife, botany, ecology, agronomy), 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 completion of associate core program in natural resources area (e.g., parks & recreation, forestry, fisheries, wildlife, environmental, conservation biology, natural science (e.g. biology, geology, wildlife, botany, ecology, agronomy), 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 s...