Natural Resources Officer (PEACE OFFICER CERTIFIED) Multiple Positions Statewide

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services activities programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39) and as outlined in the posting.

Who we are:

Did you know Ohio operates 76 state parks manages over 750000 acres of diverse wildlife land and more than 2 million acres of water Thats just the tip of the iceberg of what we do at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) as we seek to ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all!

Across our 12 divisions and support services we employ office staff law enforcement officers geologists biologists engineers attorneys communicators managers and so much more. Whatever your passion we likely have a position to fit it and pathways for advancement!

Application Requirements:
Please ensure your online application clearly indicates how you meet minimum qualifications (MQs). Transcripts are required for all coursework degrees or educational accomplishments claimed on the application. Applicants must submit a transcript (can be unofficial until point of selection) by the posting deadline (attach in the Additional Attachments section of the application submission Step 6). Should you have issues attaching please email to: . See resume is not a substitution for completing supplemental questions. Answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the work experience/education sections of the application. Applications that fail to demonstrate how they meet minimum qualifications will not be considered.

To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability please contact Mohammad Yakubu EEO Regional/Program Administrator at or .

Effective July 1 2015 applicants must apply online for positions at all state agencies except the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicants prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

STATUS OF POSTED POSITIONS: Applicants can view the status of this position by logging into their user profile on the Ohio Hiring Management System OHMS Home page at the following link and selecting My Profile.

NOTES: Bargaining unit applicants will be given consideration for applicable positions pursuant to collective bargaining agreement.

Selection devices proficiency testing and/or assessments may be used to determine if an applicant meets and is proficient in the minimum qualifications for this position.

Please do not upload attachments that have an anomaly or are password protected.

At the State of Ohio we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits visit ourTotal Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off including vacation personal sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth Adoption and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds Public Service Loan Forgiveness and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS STRS SERS and HPRS)&Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Successful completion of Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Council Course or Ohio Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Academy Course; must be 21 yrs. of age per Section 124.41 Ohio Revised Code; valid drivers license; must be able to continuously swim 300 yards in 12 minutes or less continuously tread water for 5 minutes perform a surface dive & retrieve object in a minimum of 5 feet of water from water treading position; Completion of associate core program in natural resources area (parks & recreation forestry fisheries wildlife environmental conservation biology or criminal justice/law enforcement or 18 months training or experience in natural resources area (parks & recreation forestry fisheries wildlife environmental conservation biology or criminal justice/law enforcement NOTE: Applicant must successfully pass background check by appointing authority which includes polygraph psychological & medical examination. Per Article 31.05 of Unit 2 Contract applicant must be able to perform the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program (OPOTC) Fitness Testing Entry Standards Per Ohio Department of Natural Resources Directive The final applicant accepted for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to test for illegal drug use prior to appointment. An applicant with positive test results will not be offered employment per Section 123:Ohio Administrative Code.

Job Skills: Law Enforcement

** THIS POSTING IS FORPEACE OFFICER CERTIFIED APPLICANTS**

What we need:

Working at ODNR is a special experience. Ohio State Parks recently named the #1 state park system in the nation is an incredible place to build your career.

ODNRs law enforcement unit has achieved national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) becoming the only state natural resources agency with CALEA accreditation.

We are seeking energetic passionate people who enjoy the outdoors and want to play a key role in enforcing laws to protect our environment and wildlife as well as the safety of those who use state lands and waterways. Our Natural Resources Officers work within our Division of Parks & Watercraft.

We are currently seeking peace officer certified candidates for Natural Resources Officer positions headquartered at one of the following locations:

Northeast district

• Cleveland Field Office 1150 E. 49th St Cleveland OH 44114 (Cuyahoga county)

Northwest district

• Harrison Lake State Park 26246 Harrison Lake Rd Fayette OH 43521 (Fulton county)

Southeast district

• Jesse Owens State Park 100 Natural Resources Road 1 McConnelsville OH 43756 (Morgan county)
• Salt Fork State Park 14755 Cadiz Rd Lore City OH 43755 (Guernsey county)

Southwest district

• Buck Creek State Park1976 Buck Creek Lane Springfield OH 45502(Clark county)
• East Fork State Park 3294 Elklick Rd Bethel OH 45106 (Clermont county)
• Lake Loramie State Park 4401 Fort Loramie-Swanders Rd Minster OH 45865 (Shelby county)
• Rocky Fork State Park9800 N Shore Dr Hillsboro OH 45133 (Highland county)

Learn more about the process of becoming a Natural Resources Officer including automatic disqualifiers at Becoming an Ohio Natural Resources Officer

What you will do

Natural Resources Officers receive extensive trainingto prepare them for their career.

• Perform law enforcement tasks such as patrolling and enforcing laws on state waterways state parks state forests and scenic rivers and natural preserves.
• Conductsafety inspections on recreational vessels as well as educate thepublicrecreationand conservation groups regarding watercraft use and safety.
• Provide media interviews as well as presentinformation & education programs regarding vessel safety and natural resources conservation.

Whats in it for you

• The starting pay for officers is $30.77/hr without any prior state service - salaryrange of$64002 up to $84885/year (increases yearly after step 1) excluding supplements & overtime.
• Medical insurance within 30 days including wellness incentives plus Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
• Employer paid dental vision & life insurance coverage after one year of service.
• Additional benefits include:fitness payshift differential uniform allowance 22 days of paid military leave per year vacation sick & personal leave.
• Education benefits up to $5000 annually for tuition workshops & seminars.
• Members of the Law Enforcement Public Employees Retirement System.
• Advancement opportunities to investigator& administrative ranks.
• Additional duty opportunities such as instructor field training officer canine handler & honor guard team member.
• Additional benefits can be found at

We are ready for you!

Were glad youre 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 Parks & Watercraft please visitParks & Watercraft.

** THIS POSTING IS FORPEACE OFFICER CERTIFIED APPLICANTS**

What you need:

• Associate degree in core program areas such as natural resources area (e.g. parks & recreation forestry fisheries wildlife environmental conservation biology natural science (e.g. biology geology wildlife botany ecology agronomy) or criminal justice/law enforcement

OR

• 18 months training or 18 months experience in any of the following:

  • A natural resources area (e.g. parks & recreation forestry fisheries wildlife environmental conservation biology or natural science)
  • Criminal justice/law enforcement (i.e. corrections officer)
  • Military (e.g. military police security forces investigative services intelligence)

  AND

• Ability to pass fitness and swim test
• Valid drivers license
• 21 years of age
• U.S. Citizen
• Successful completion ofthe Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course or Ohio Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Academy Course

Successful applicants will undergo:

• An internal investigation which consists of background checks of schools employers creditors and references.
• A physical examination
• A drug test
• A psychological evaluation

Recruitment Timeline*

Job Posting Closes:August 9 2026

Fitness Testing: late August 2026

Interviews: mid September 2026

Swim Test: late October 2026

Background Psychological and Medical Processes: October - December 2026

Offer: mid December 2026

Hire Date:mid January 2027

*Recruitment Timeline is approximate and dates can change

Official Position Description:
Natural Resources Officers(NRO) receive extensive training in laws & regulations related to general & natural resources law participate in ODNR specific law enforcement training such as parks law enforcement watercraft law enforcement forestry laws natural area laws accident investigation search & rescue procedures boat & pursuit operation and water rescue techniques. They also receive instruction on uniform regulations & officers code of ethics. During training NROs operate state-owned vehicles watercraft trucks trailers & all-terrain vehicles. Employees in this position are required to maintain physical fitness standards set forth by the agency directive.

During the course of training NROs attend guest lectures & discussion sessions and complete exams & in-service training for all classes & practical exams attended. All NROs also receive extensive instruction in public & human relations in the areas of public speaking skill development instruction lesson plan development & student performance objectives.

NROs will spend time assisting other commissioned officers with various law enforcement tasks such as patrolling assigned areas assisting with arrests & investigations conducting safety inspections on recreational vessels and presenting public information & education programs.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THE CLASSIFICATIONAFTER EMPLOYMENT: Per Article 31.05 of Unit 2 Contract must maintain agency required physical condition as outlined by department directive & pass any required medical examinations; must maintain OPOTC certification; must qualify for $1000 surety bond if acts as agent of state in collecting of money.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: May be on call 24 hours a day 7 days per week 365 days per year; exposed to inclement weather search & rescue floods & environmental hazards/wastes law enforcement violators & training which may cause substantial physical harm or death; exposed to forest fires; exposed to violent situations.

Special Note:

The Division of Parks & Watercraft has specific direction on tattoos & other body art or body modifications. Tattoos body art or branding which do not professionally represent a Natural Resources Officer or are offensive in nature are not permitted. Natural Resources Officer candidates who have body art tattoos or branding will need to be reviewed by the law enforcement section prior to receiving a conditional offer of employment. Candidates may receive consideration for hire upon agreement to remove tattoos body art or branding prior to receiving a conditional offer of employment. Intentional body modification to any area visible in any uniform or attire while on duty is prohibited. Body modifications could include but are not limited to: tongue splitting or bifurcation; abnormal shaping of the ears eyes or nose; abnormal filling of the teeth; branding or scarification.

In order for applicantsto be considered for the Natural Resources Officer candidates shall be required to pass the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program (OPOTC) Physical Fitness Standards in at least two events at the End Level and one event at the Basic Level to be considered for initial employment. To learn more about the fitness standards please visitBecoming an Ohio Natural Resources Officer.

Applicants who pass the pre-hire fitness testing entry standards will be invited to participate in a structured oral interview which will be tentatively conducted inmid September 2026. Swim testing is tentatively scheduled in late October 2026.

Successful applicants will undergo an internal investigation which consists of background checks of schools employers creditors and references. A physical examination drug test and psychological evaluation will be administered.Offer/hire dates are tentatively set for December 2026/January 2027.

Voluntary Practice Swim Testing Friday September 4 2026

Ohio State Highway Patrol 740 E. 17^thAvenue Columbus OH 43211

***If interested in attending the voluntary practice swim test please send an e-mail to with three timeslots of interest. Confirm your attendance no later than Monday August 31.

Timeslots available: 9:00 am 10:30 am 12:00 pm 1:30 pm 3:00 pm

Learn More