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Natural Resources Police Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Charleston, WV · On-site

$35K - $61K/yr

May need to successfully complete required Special Natural Resources Police Officer training and pistol requirements as established by the Division of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Section. May ...

Park Ranger

Charleston, WV · On-site

$35K - $61K/yr

May need to successfully complete required Special Natural Resources Police Officer training and pistol requirements as established by the Division of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Section. May ...

Park Superintendent 2

Charleston, WV · On-site

$41K - $71K/yr

Employee may be required to successfully complete Special Natural Resources Police Officer (SNRPO) training and pistol qualification requirements as established by DNR Law Enforcement Section. SNRPO ...

Park Superintendent 2

Charleston, WV · On-site

$41K - $71K/yr

Employee may be required to successfully complete Special Natural Resources Police Officer (SNRPO) training and pistol qualification requirements as established by DNR Law Enforcement Section. SNRPO ...

$43K/yr

... police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and ...

$43K/yr

... police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and ...

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Natural Resources Police information

See salary details

$36K

$53.2K

$99K

How much do natural resources police jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for natural resources police in the United States is $53,175.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a natural resources police officer?

Natural Resources Police are law enforcement officers who specialize in protecting and managing natural resources such as wildlife, fisheries, forests, and state parks. They enforce laws and regulations related to hunting, fishing, boating, and environmental protection. These officers also conduct search and rescue operations, investigate environmental crimes, and educate the public about conservation. Their work helps ensure the safety of people and the preservation of natural habitats.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a natural resources police officer?

To thrive as a Natural Resources Police Officer, you need knowledge of environmental laws, law enforcement procedures, and typically a relevant degree or police academy training. Familiarity with field equipment, GPS systems, boats, and firearms, as well as certifications in first aid and law enforcement, are commonly required. Excellent judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers effectively interact with the public and respond to emergencies. These skills are essential for protecting natural resources, ensuring public safety, and enforcing regulations in diverse outdoor environments.

What are common challenges faced by natural resources police officers in the field?

Natural Resources Police officers often encounter challenges such as enforcing regulations in remote or rugged terrain, managing conflicts with individuals who may be unaware of or resistant to environmental laws, and balancing public education with law enforcement duties. They may also experience unpredictable schedules, especially during peak hunting, fishing, or boating seasons. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial, as officers frequently collaborate with other law enforcement agencies, wildlife biologists, and the public to protect natural resources.

What is the difference between Natural Resources Police vs Conservation Officer?

AspectNatural Resources PoliceConservation Officer
Required CredentialsPeace officer certification, law enforcement trainingWildlife management, environmental science, law enforcement training
Work EnvironmentEnforcement on public lands, parks, waterwaysWildlife habitats, parks, rural and urban areas
Employer & IndustryState or federal agencies, law enforcementState agencies, environmental departments
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for law enforcement roles in natural settingsFocuses more on wildlife and habitat management

Natural Resources Police and Conservation Officers both work in natural settings and may require law enforcement credentials. However, Natural Resources Police primarily focus on enforcing laws and regulations, while Conservation Officers emphasize wildlife and habitat management. Both roles serve in public lands and parks, but their core responsibilities differ slightly.

What do natural resources police officers do?

Natural resources police officers enforce laws related to the protection and management of natural resources, such as wildlife, forests, and water. They conduct patrols, investigate violations, issue citations, and may require specialized training or certifications to perform law enforcement duties in outdoor environments.
More about Natural Resources Police jobs

What cities are hiring for Natural Resources Police jobs?

Cities with the most Natural Resources Police job openings:

What states have the most Natural Resources Police jobs?

States with the most job openings for Natural Resources Police jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Natural Resources Police jobs?

For Natural Resources Police jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Natural Resources Police job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,175 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Natural Resources Police Trainee - State Parks Unit & Fish & Wildlife Unit

Dover, DE • On-site

$69K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform crime prevention and detection activities, including investigating suspicious and criminal activity, collecting and preserving evidence, interviewing victims, witnesses, suspects, and defendants, and executing search and arrest warrants.

  • Conduct vehicle and foot patrols in assigned areas using various methods such as motor vehicle, foot, bicycle, ATV/UTV, and vessel.

  • Enforce all applicable state laws, regulations, and department rules related to natural resources, including fishing, hunting, boating laws, and state park regulations.


Job description

Introduction

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has three Natural Resources Police units that work with the public to ensure safety, investigate environmental crimes, and make sure that Delawareans and visitors to the state can enjoy Delaware's natural resources. \r\n\r\n\r\nClick here for more information about Natural Resources Police.\r\n

Summary Statement

Natural Resources Police Trainee position(s) for the State Parks Unit and Fish and Wildlife Unit, duties will include crime prevention and detection, public safety, enforcement of all Delaware criminal and traffic laws, responding to calls for service, and enforcing Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Rules and Regulations. This position will be responsible for enforcing all applicable state park regulations, fishing, hunting, and boating laws, and regulations. Varied patrols by use of motor vehicle, foot patrol, bicycle, ATV/UTV and vessel in varying weather conditions.\r\n

Career Ladder

Upon satisfactory completion of department promotional standards and job requirements, employees may be eligible to be promoted to the next level.\r\n

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.\r\n\r\n\r\n Implements appropriate law enforcement action in response to complaints, traffic, criminal, regulatory and other activities.\r\n Investigates suspicious and criminal activity which includes detecting, collecting and preserving physical evidence, interviewing victims, witnesses, suspects and defendants, processing charging documents, executing search and arrest warrants and processing defendants.\r\n Performs vehicle and foot patrol of assigned areas.\r\n Performs community policing through informational presentations and educational seminars for other state agencies, schools, the public and community organizations.\r\n Provides protective services to state employees, visitors and the general public.\r\n Conducts surveillances and performs undercover assignments.\r\n Provides assistance to other law enforcement agencies as back-up or primary response.\r\n Takes into custody and transports felons and prisoners.\r\n Presents evidence and testimony and prosecutes cases in court.\r\n Prepares and maintains a variety of reports pertaining to response of an incident, daily activity and investigations.\r\n Calibrates, maintains and uses various technical instruments and equipment to determine safety compliance and operational readiness.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Natural Resources Police Trainee\r\nApplicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:\r\n \r\n\r\n At least 20 and 1/2 years of age. \r\n Associates degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Sociology or related field. \r\n\r\n OR\r\n\r\n At least 20 and 1/2 years of age. \r\n Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent. \r\n Six months experience in conducting investigations which includes conducting interviews to obtain confidential information, gathering evidence and documenting findings. \r\n Six months experience in applying natural resources laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures. \r\n Six months experience in narrative report writing. \r\n\r\n

Additional Posting Information

\r\nThis is a tested position, and all qualified candidates will be contacted by email to test.\r\n\r\n\r\nIncumbents working four or more hours of work between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day will receive 5% shift differential pay. \r\n\r\n\r\nSelected incumbent is eligible for Hazardous Duty Pay upon completion of the basic approved Police Officer Standards and Training Academy.\r\n\r\n

Conditions of Hire

\r\nDNREC does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1 B Visas. \r\n\r\n\r\nApplicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.\r\n\r\n\r\nCriminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire. \r\n\r\n\r\nAs a condition of hire you must possess a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).\r\n\r\n\r\nThis position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization). The candidate selected for this position shall be asked to join and pay dues to the labor organization or may, decline joining the labor organization and not pay dues or a fee. The labor organization has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other work-related purposes. \r\n\r\n\r\nState of Delaware Police Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST) For admission to a POST approved Delaware Police Academy, applicants who are made a conditional offer of employment shall be required to successfully complete State of Delaware approved psychiatric/psychological exam, medical examination, eye exam and a physical ability test to demonstrate fitness for duty. \r\n\r\n\r\nBy the end of probationary period, applicants must show proof of boater education (a state-issued card or NASBLA-approved certificate) or have successfully completed a NASBLA approved boating safety course and show completion of the Delaware Hunter Safety Course. \r\n\r\n\r\nAll applicants will be required to pass a physical fitness test and pass the DNREC/NRP Water Confidence Assessment. Information about the testing can be found here: https://dnrec.delaware.gov/nrp/recruitment/ \r\n\r\n\r\nDNREC Medical Exam: To meet health and safety requirements, applicants for this position must successfully pass a baseline medical examination to demonstrate fitness for duty.\r\n\r\n

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/\r\n

Selection Process

\r\nThe application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the "My Applications" tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.\r\n\r\n\r\nExamination: An online test is required. Applicants will need to retest if the test was taken prior to 3/24/10, or if a failing score was received within the last 120 days.\r\n\r\n\r\nTest study guides may be obtained by visiting the Department of Human Resources web-site at State of Delaware - Delaware Employment Link. Applicants scheduled for examinations will be required to show photo identification to the exam proctor before taking the exam. All scheduling notices will be sent via email to the applicant. Please check your email for your scheduling testing notice.\r\n\r\n

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. \r\nIndividuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. \r\nIf you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.\r\nThe State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. \r\n

Employment Type: Full Time