Conservation Officer Recruit 10 and Probationary Conservation Officer 10

Conservation Officer Recruit 10 (Entry-Level Recruits) – This is the entry-level recruit training position where the employee will be enrolled in a Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) basic law enforcement training academy to meet the training standards for a MCOLES law enforcement officer license.  Recruits will receive additional trainings to develop and learn the knowledge and abilities required to function as a conservation officer.  Responsibilities include learning how to enforce the laws, rules, and orders relating to natural resources, environmental protection, and general criminal law.  Learn to check licenses, permits, and species of fish and wildlife.  Learn how to investigate complaints.  Learn how to issue citations and make arrests for natural resources and criminal violations.  Learn the correct procedure when contacting prosecutors and judges, serving warrants, and appearing and testifying in court.  Learn how to complete and submit reports, maintain records and files, and respond to public inquiries.  Learn how to operate watercraft, snowmobiles, off-road vehicles (ORV's), and patrol vehicles, while maintaining them in good working condition.  Learn to attend meetings and take part in departmental programs.  Learn to ensure the availability of and how to teach all recreation safety classes.  Learn when and how to provide assistance to other law enforcement agencies.  Learn to enforce statutes and regulations that relate directly to public safety.

Probationary Conservation Officer 10 (MCOLES Licensed/License Eligible)– This is the probationary level conservation officer acting in the capacity of a Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) licensed law enforcement officer. Successful candidates must be MCOLES licensed or are eligible to be immediately licensed upon employment or promotion to the position by having completed an MCOLES approved basic law enforcement training academy or are eligible for a MCOLES license based on recognition of prior training and experience. As a probationary conservation officer, employees will participate in a in-service training program for probationary conservation officers. In the remainder of the probationary period, and under the supervision of experienced conservation officers and supervisors, officers will learn and develop the knowledge and abilities required to function as a conservation officer. Responsibilities include learning how to enforce the laws, rules, and orders relating to natural resources and environmental protection.  Learn how to operate watercraft, snowmobiles, off-road vehicles (ORV's), and patrol vehicles, while maintaining them in good working condition. Learn how to take part in departmental programs such as recreation and hunter safety. Successful completion of the field evaluation process, passing of formal training examinations, and meeting physical standards are mandatory for continuation of employment beyond the probationary period.
 

Education 
Education level typically acquired through completion of high school.

Experience 
No specific type or amount is required.

To be eligible for hiring and to participate in the in-service conservation officer trainings, a candidate must provide proof of one of the following:
 
1)   Current MCOLES license and current employment with a Michigan law enforcement agency, or
2)   Current MCOLES license eligibility by having successfully completed a MCOLES approved basic law enforcement training academy, or
3)   Obtain MCOLES eligibility through completing the MCOLES Recognition of Prior Training and Experience Program (RPTE).  This process is available to certified and experienced law enforcement officers from another state or Michigan law enforcement officers whose MCOLES eligibility has expired.  Click here for more information.

General information and an overview of the conservation officer job is available from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website, Click here

Click here for more information on the conservation officer Hiring Process.
 
Click here for the Civil Service conservation officer job specifications.

• Be a United States Citizen.
• Be at least 21 years of age before graduation from the academy.
• Become a resident of the State of Michigan by the completion of the Probationary Training Program (PTP).
• Possess a valid Michigan driver’s license and the ability to obtain a valid Michigan driver's license.
• Possess a clean criminal record absent of any felony convictions.
• Submit to and pass a thorough background investigation measuring the applicant’s suitability for law enforcement work.
• Have taken and passed the MCOLES Pre-Enrollment Physical Fitness Test within the past 180 days. 

Click for a copy of the Conservation Officer (Recruit) 10  Position Description

Click for a copy of the Essential Job Functions

Click for a copy of the Location Preference Sheet The Law Enforcement Division has several openings in specific counties and is willing to offer qualified candidates a preference for those openings. Please go to the Conservation Officer Hiring and Training Web Page for further details.

Click for a copy of the MCOLES Licensing Standards.

SPECIAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

You must complete and attach the following documents and may be screened out from the process if you do not attach these documents.

Cover Letter
Resume
References
Location Preference Sheet
Copy of Valid Driver's License
DD214 (Military Discharge Papers – Long Form), If Applicable
Current Michigan Civil Service or National Testing Network (NTN) entry-level law enforcement exam results*
Proof of MCOLES Pre-Enrollment Physical Fitness testing with a passing score taken within the past 180 days        

If applying for the Probationary Conservation Officer 10 position, provide proof of your eligibility for immediate activation of a MCOLES license.

* Michigan Civil Service exam results are valid for five years from the date taken and NTN exam results are valid for one year from the date taken.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
All information provided in your application, resume, cover letter, and all other documentation provided will be used to verify responses to the supplemental questions.  Unsupported responses will not be considered further.

Your application for any position does not guarantee that you will be contacted by the Department/Agency for further consideration.  Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.