Wildlife Officer Cadet - State

Wildlife Officer Cadet – 12 Positions

We are seeking energetic, passionate individuals interested in wildlife conservation and law enforcement to join the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as a Wildlife Officer Cadet.

• Attend a 7‑month in‑residence training academy covering agency functions, law enforcement techniques, firearms, vehicle operations, water survival, and wildlife management.
• Upon graduation, serve as a state wildlife officer with statewide authority to enforce wildlife regulations, protect ODNR lands and waters, conduct surveys, give conservation education, and contribute to public safety.
• Apply fish and wildlife management techniques including ecology, research, creel & bag checks, habitat management, specimen collection, and public relations.
• Maintain physical readiness and comply with health and safety standards.

• Starting pay for cadets: $26.20/hr (effective July 1, 2026).
• Promotion to Wildlife Officer: salary range $64,002–$84,885/year (effective July 1, 2026).
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance; FSA/HSA; fitness pay; shift differential; uniform allowance; paid military leave; vacation, sick and personal leave.
• Education benefits up to $5,000 annually and additional training opportunities.
• Retirement participation in the Law Enforcement Public Employees Retirement System.

• Associate’s degree or completion of an undergraduate core program in natural science, criminal justice, environmental law enforcement, or related field.
• 18 months of training or experience in natural resource area, law enforcement, military, or related field.
• Must pass fitness test (push‑ups, sit‑ups, 1.5‑mile run) and swim test (100 yards in ≤5 min, 5 min of tread water).
• Vision correctable to 20/20 binocular vision; hearing loss ≤30 dB per ear.
• Valid driver’s license, U.S. citizenship, and at least 21 years old at completion of Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course (tentatively Jan 2027).

Cadets must serve at least six months and graduate from the Wildlife Officer Training Academy, obtain Ohio peace officer’s training certificate, and maintain OPOTC certification. Annual qualification in firearms and related equipment is required.

24/7 on‑call duty, exposure to inclement weather, search and rescue, floods, environmental hazards, forest fires, violent situations, and physical hazards.

• Job posting closes January 11, 2026.
• Proficiency exam mid‑February 2026.
• Interviews late‑March to early‑April 2026.
• Swim test mid‑April 2026.
• Background and medical processes late‑May to mid‑June 2026.
• Offer July 2026; hire August 2026.

Email: hro.gov | Phone: 614‑265‑6808