Natural Resources Officer Cadet (NON-PEACE OFFICER CERTIFIED) - Multiple Positions Statewide

Job Description

Natural Resources Officer Cadet (NON-PEACE OFFICER CERTIFIED) - Multiple Positions Statewide

(
260004G3
)

Organization
:

Natural Resources
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
Union
:

Unit 2

Primary Job Skill
:

Law Enforcement
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!
Job Description
** THIS POSTING IS FOR NON-PEACE 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.
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
C
leveland 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 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)

Cadets do have to meet certain criteria (listed below) and spend a
pproximately 6 months
completing an in-residence academy.
Pay during the academy is $26.20 per hour. Upon successful completion of training and promotion, pay is $30.77 per hour.
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.

What you get:
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 are ready for you!
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 **

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, environmental, or natural science)
C
riminal justice/law enforcement (i.e., corrections officer)
Military (e.g., military police, security forces, investigative services, intelligence)
AND
A
bility to pass fitness and swim test
Valid driver's license
2
1 years of age upon completing the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course
U.S. Citizen
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

Natural Resources Officer (NRO) Cadets receive extensive training in laws & regulations related to general & natural resources law enforcement. This will include attending scheduled training sessions (in-resident) pertaining to 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, use of firearms, self-defense, and first aid & emergency care. NRO Cadets 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 NRO Cadets 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, 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 &

Requirements

required to maintain physical fitness standards set forth by the agency directive.
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 &