Conservation Officer - Cadet

Conservation Officer - Cadet in 83 - STATEWIDE, MS

State of Mississippi

$38,203.64 Annually

83 - STATEWIDE, MS

Full-Time

S

02/17/2026

3/17/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada)

$38,203.64

The mission of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is to conserve and enhance Mississippi’s wildlife, fisheries, and parks, provide quality outdoor recreation, and engage the public in natural resource conservation. The Law Enforcement Bureau is responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations pertaining to the Natural Resources of our State. Conservation Officers possess enforcement powers by statute, which they use in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.

In addition to law enforcement, they serve as educators, promoting hunters and boating safety. They also deliver a variety of public talks and educational programs on behalf of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP).

This is a probationary, specialized trainee (Cadet) position for entry‑level law enforcement, natural resources protection, and conservation training within the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The purpose of this position is to prepare the Cadet to become a Certified Conservation Officer. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Training Curriculum approved by the Board of Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training, an agency‑defined specialized training program, and established requalification standards.

Duty assignments may require the applicant to demonstrate swimming proficiency equivalent to the American Red Cross Basic Swimming skill standard. Upon successful completion of all required training and in‑service requirements, the trainee (Cadet) will be reclassified as a Conservation Officer I / Law Enforcement Officer I (Private). Conservation Officer Cadets are required to attend both the Mississippi Conservation Officer Training Academy and the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy.

While enrolled, cadets participate in daily physical training and complete a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare them for careers in law enforcement and natural resource protection. Instruction includes state and federal laws related to wildlife conservation, boating laws and regulations, traffic laws, and other felony and misdemeanor criminal statutes. Training also covers defensive tactics and self‑defense techniques, firearms handling and safety, defensive driving skills, and water survival tactics.

In addition to law enforcement instruction, cadets study biological concepts and participate in laboratory sessions focused on fish and wildlife native to Mississippi. Classroom learning is reinforced through hands‑on training scenarios that allow cadets to apply their knowledge in realistic field situations.

To be successful, Conservation Officers must possess a solid working knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations related to the enforcement and protection of our state’s natural resources. They must demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to public trust through both their words and actions. Excellent customer and constituent service skills are essential. Officers must be able to communicate with the public clearly and professionally, using a knowledgeable, precise, and, when necessary, disarming tone.

Strong writing skills are also required to ensure that all written correspondence is clear, concise, and grammatically correct. A successful employee exhibits strong work ethic—productive, diligent, conscientious, timely, and loyal. Proficiency with job‑related tools such as firearms, vehicles, ATVs, and boats is necessary to perform duties efficiently. Conservation Officers are expected to work 160 hours within a 28‑day pay period, which frequently includes weekends.

Typically requires 60 semester hours of college, possession of a State of Mississippi Law Enforcement Professional Certification within six months of hire, and 0–2 years of…