What are the responsibilities and job description for the Natural Resources Officer Cadet (NON-PEACE OFFICER CERTIFIED) - Multiple Positions Statewide position at Ohio Department of Natural Resources?
- THIS POSTING IS FOR NON-PEACE OFFICER CERTIFIED APPLICANTS **
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.
ODNR's 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.
No experience? No problem!
We are currently seeking non-peace officer certified candidates for our next Natural Resources Officer Cadet class. Upon successful completion of training, cadets are promoted into a Natural Resources Officer ($30.77/hr), headquartered at one of the following locations:
Northeast district
- Cleveland Field Office, 1150 E. 49th St, Cleveland, OH 44114 (Cuyahoga county)
- Harrison Lake State Park, 26246 Harrison Lake Rd, Fayette, OH 43521 (Fulton county)
- 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)
- Buck Creek State Park, 1976 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 Park, 9800 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 Officer Cadets receive extensive training to prepare them for a career as a Natural Resources Officer. As a cadet, you will:
- Attend an in-residence training academy for approximately 6 months where you will be trained on general law enforcement such as criminal laws, civil laws, laws of evidence, methods of arrest, search & seizure, investigative skills, handling of prisoners, court conduct, patrolling & enforcement techniques.
- Upon graduation, perform law enforcement tasks such as patrolling and enforcing laws on state waterways, state parks, state forests and scenic rivers and natural preserves.
- Conduct safety inspections on recreational vessels as well as educate the public, recreation and conservation groups regarding watercraft use and safety.
- Provide media interviews, as well as present information & education programs regarding vessel safety and natural resources conservation.
One of the unique aspects of being a Natural Resources Officer is getting to protect nature in addition to people and working in some of the most beautiful parts of Ohio every day! You also will get the amazing benefits below:
- The starting pay for cadets in the academy is $26.20/hour without any prior state service.
- Upon successful completion of ODNR training and graduation from the academy, cadets are promoted to Natural Resources Officers with a starting salary range of $64,002 up to $84,885/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 pay, shift differential, uniform allowance, 22 days of paid military leave per year, vacation, sick & personal leave.
- Education benefits up to $5,000 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 www.totalrewards.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 Parks & Watercraft, please visit Parks & Watercraft.
- THIS POSTING IS FOR NON-PEACE OFFICER CERTIFIED APPLICANTS **
- 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
- 18 months training or 18 months experience in any of the following:
- A natural resources area (e.g., parks & recreation, environmental, or natural science)
- Criminal justice/law enforcement (i.e., corrections officer)
- Military (e.g., military police, security forces, investigative services, intelligence)
- Ability to pass fitness and swim test
- Valid driver's license
- 21 years of age upon completing the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course
- U.S. Citizen
- An internal investigation, which consists of background checks of schools, employers, creditors and references.
- A physical examination
- A drug test
- A psychological evaluation
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
During the course of training, NRO Cadets attend guest lectures & discussion sessions and complete exams & in-service training for all classes & practical exams attended. All NRO Cadets also receive extensive instruction in public & human relations in the areas of public speaking, skill development instruction, lesson plan development & student performance objectives.
NRO Cadets will spend time assisting 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 CLASSIFICATION AFTER 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 $1,000 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 Cadet 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 applicants to be considered for the Natural Resources Officer Cadet, they must meet the 30th percentile of the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program (OPOTC) Physical Fitness Standards in the three fitness events (sit ups in 1 minute, push ups in 1 minute, 1.5 mile run). Testing is tentatively scheduled for late August 2026. To learn more about the fitness standards, please visit Becoming an Ohio Natural Resources Officer.
All new Cadets upon completion of the Academy, and prior to graduation, shall be required to pass the OPOTC Physical Fitness Standards in at least two events at the End Level and one event at the Basic Level in order to retain employment. Tentatively scheduled for June/July 2027. To learn more about the graduation fitness standards, please visit Becoming 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 in mid 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. 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
- If interested in attending the voluntary practice swim test, please send an e-mail to hr@dnr.ohio.gov with three timeslots of interest. Confirm your attendance no later than Monday, August 31.
Learn More
Any questions about the NRO position or to set up a ride along, please send an e-mail to NRORecruitment@dnr.ohio.gov.
18 mos. trg. or 18 mos. exp. (e.g., military occupational specialty &/or duty assignments) in the United States military (e.g., US Army Military Police (Provost Marshal) or Criminal Investigation Division, US Air Force Security Forces or Office of Special Investigations, US Navy Master-at-Arms or Naval Criminal Investigative Service; US Marine Corps Military Police or Criminal Investigation Division, Army Counter Intelligence, US Coast Guard Investigative Services); valid driver's license. Must be at least 21 years of age per Section 124.41 of the Ohio revised code; must be able to continuously swim 300 yds. 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.
- Or 18 mos. trg. or 18 mos. exp. in 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; valid driver’s license; must be 21 years of age upon completion of Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course, per Section 124.41 Ohio Revised Code; must be able to continuously swim 300 yds. 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.
- Or completion of associate core program in 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; valid driver’s license; must be 21 years of age upon completion of Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course, per Section 124.41 Ohio Revised Code; must be able to continuously swim 300 yds. 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. 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 123:1-76-09 Ohio Administrative Code.
Agency Contact Name and Information
hr@dnr.ohio.gov or 614-265-6986
Unposting Date
Aug 9, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
Primary Location
United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus
Other Locations
United States of America-OHIO-Clermont County-Bethel, United States of America-OHIO-Shelby County-Minster, United States of America-OHIO-Fulton County-Fayette, United States of America-OHIO-Morgan County-McConnelsville, United States of America-OHIO-Guernsey County-Cambridge, United States of America-OHIO-Highland County-Hillsboro, United States of America-OHIO-Cuyahoga County-Cleveland, United States of America-OHIO-Clark County-Springfield
Compensation
$26.20/hr
Schedule
Full-time
Work Hours
Hours may vary
Classified Indicator
Classified
Technical Skills
Criminology/Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety
Professional Skills
Building Trust, Customer Focus, Listening, Time Management, Verbal Communication
Agency Overview
Who we are:
Did you know Ohio operates 76 state parks, manages over 750,000 acres of diverse wildlife land and more than 2 million acres of water? That’s 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!
Salary : $5,000 - $84,885