Wildlife Officer Cadet

Wildlife Officer Cadet

Agency
:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Division of Wildlife

Location
:
Franklin County, Ohio (additional assignments may be in other Ohio counties)

Compensation
: $25.44/hr during the academy; promotion to Wildlife Officer offers $29.87/hr base pay (later $39.62/hr) and step-based salary progression up to $82,410 per year.

Schedule
:
Full‑time (hours may vary).

Union
:
Unit 2.

Primary Job Skill
:
Law Enforcement.

• Attend a 7‑month in‑residence academy covering agency, Division of Wildlife, and law enforcement techniques including ethics, firearms, and vehicle operations.
• Upon graduation and academy completion, enforce wildlife regulations statewide, protect ODNR lands and waters, and serve as the division’s public face.
• Conduct fish and wildlife surveys, provide conservation education, and advise on wildlife management, hunting, and fishing topics.
• Participate in public safety duties as a state law enforcement officer in local communities.
• Receive training and assessment in fish and wildlife management techniques, survey methods, identification, public relations, hunter safety, first aid, and driving skills.

• Associate’s degree or completion of an undergraduate core program in natural resources, criminal justice, or related field.
• Minimum 18 months of training or experience in fish/wildlife management, law enforcement, or the military.
• Fitness test: push‑ups, sit‑ups, 1.5‑mile run; swim test: 100‑yard swim in 5 minutes, 5 minutes tread water.
• Vision: 20/20 binocular vision; color vision required.
• Hearing: correctable loss not exceeding 30 dB in each ear.
• Valid driver’s license.
• At least 21 years old upon completion of the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course (scheduled for 2027).
• U.S. Citizen.
• Applicants may be both Ohio Peace Officer certified and non‑certified.

• Starting pay pay: $25.44/hr (effective July 1 2026 $ 26.20/hr); post‑academy: salary range $62,130–$82,410 per year (effective July 1 2026 $ 64,002–$84,885).
• Medical insurance within 30 days, wellness incentives, FSA/HSA options.
• Employer‑paid dental, vision, and life insurance after one year of service.
• Fitness pay, shift differential, uniform allowance, 22 days paid military leave per year, vacation, sick, and personal leave.
• Education benefits up to $5,000 per year for tuition and professional development.
• Retirement system membership for law‑enforcement public employees.
• Advancement opportunities to investigator and administrative ranks.
• Special duty roles such as instructor, field trainer, canine handler, and honor guard team member.
• Additional benefit details alrewards.ohio.gov.

We are ready for you!

Explore and protect Ohio’s natural beauty by joining the Ohio Division of Wildlife. For more information, visit the Division of Wildlife website.