Wildlife Officer Cadet - State

We are seeking energetic, passionate people who are interested in wildlife conservation, law enforcement, and want to play a key role for the position of Wildlife Officer Cadet (12 positions) within the Division of Wildlife
. To learn more about becoming a Wildlife Officer, including automatic disqualifiers, training requirements, & interview & selection procedures, please visit Becoming an Ohio Wildlife Officer.  to listen to the Willd Ohio Podcast about becoming a State of Ohio Wildlife Officer.

Upon successful completion of training, cadets are placed into a Wildlife Officer position starting at $29.87/hr (with multiple increases over 5.5 years of service, with an end salary of $39.62/hr), headquartered in an assigned county to be determined after hire
. Any applicant accepting an offer to this position will be required to physically reside in the assigned county.

Wildlife Officer Cadets receive extensive training to prepare them for a career as a Wildlife Officer.

• Attend an in‑residence training academy for approximately 7 months to receive instruction on organization and function of agency and Division of Wildlife and law enforcement techniques (e.g., purpose and responsibility of wildlife officer; standards of ethics; law enforcement techniques; laws of arrest, court procedures; peace officer basic training instruction, firearms, all‑terrain vehicle [ATV] and patrol truck operations, water survival, and related responsibilities);
• Upon graduation, and successfully completing the Wildlife Officer Cadet Academy, Wildlife Officers have statewide authority to enforce wildlife regulations, protect ODNR lands and waters, and are the visible face of the division;
• State wildlife officers contact thousands of people in the field, perform fish and wildlife surveys, speak about conservation programs, and provide technical advice and instruction about wildlife management issues, hunting, fishing, and shooting sports;
• As state law enforcement officers, they contribute to public safety in their local areas and Ohio's great outdoors;
• Receives instruction and is tested on fish and wildlife management techniques (e.g., ecology; research; creel & bag checks; habitat management; specimen collection;
• Surveys and sampling techniques, fish and wildlife identification, public relations, hunter safety, first aid, self‑defense and driving skills.

• The starting pay for cadets in the academy is $25.44/hr without any prior state service. Effective July 1, 2026, the starting pay is $26.20/hr without any prior state service.
• Upon successful completion and graduation from the academy, cadets are promoted to Wildlife Officers with a starting salary range of $62,130 up to $82,410/year (increases yearly after step
  1), excluding supplements and overtime. Effective July 1, 2026, the starting salary range of $64,002 up to $84,885/year.
• Medical insurance within 30 days, including wellness incentives plus Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
• Employer paid dental, vision and 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 and personal leave.
• Education benefits up to $5,000 annually for tuition, workshops and seminars.
• Members of the Law Enforcement Public Employees Retirement System.
• Advancement opportunities to investigator and administrative ranks.
• Additional duty opportunities such as instructor, field training officer, canine handler, and honor guard team member.
• Additional benefits can be found alrewards.ohio.gov

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 Wildlife, please visit the Division of Wildlife.

BOTH OHIO PEACE OFFICER CERTIFIED AND NON‑CERTIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACCEPTED

• Associates degree or completion of undergraduate core program in certain areas
• Do you have…