Learn About a Career as an Ohio Wildlife Officer

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is hosting information sessions for interested candidates to learn more about the wildlife officer career path. Ohio wildlife officers enforce wildlife regulations and protect state lands, waterways, and property. Wildlife officers combine law enforcement, conservation, and public service in a career that makes a difference for Ohio's communities and wildlife.

Wildlife officers serve from Lake Erie to the Ohio River and in every county, supporting the mission of the Division of Wildlife. The hiring process is to become an Ohio wildlife officer can be competitive. In recent years, hundreds of applicants have applied when positions are announced.

In-person information sessions are designed to provide an overview of the Division of Wildlife law enforcement program, meet officers, and see the specialized equipment that officers use on the job. Each event includes information on the qualifications and preparation needed to apply for the wildlife officer cadet training academy.

• Northeast Ohio:
  • When: Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Wildlife District Three office located at 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron, OH 44319
  • Details: This is an in-depth, interactive event about a wildlife officer's responsibilities and job duties. Attendance is limited to 25. Individuals who are at least 18 years old and eligible to apply for the upcoming job posting are prioritized. Email WildlifeOfficerExperience@dnr.ohio.gov to register.
• Northwest Ohio:
  • When: Friday, July 25, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Where: District Two office located at 952 Lima Ave., Findlay, OH 45840
  • Details: This event is limited to 40 attendees. Email Alyssa.Knaup@dnr.ohio.gov to register.
• Southwest Ohio:
  • When: Sunday, Aug. 10, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Where: Spring Valley Wildlife Area Shooting Range located at 3570 Houston Rd., Waynesville, OH 45068
  • Details: This event is limited to 50 attendees. Email Alyssa.Knaup@dnr.ohio.gov to register.
• Central Ohio:
  • When: Sunday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Delaware Wildlife Area Shooting Range located at 1110 State Route 229, Ashley, OH 43003
  • Details: This event is limited to 50 attendees. Email Alyssa.Knaup@dnr.ohio.gov to register.
• Southeast Ohio:
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 13, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Wildlife District Four office located at 360 E. State St., Athens, OH 45701
  • Details: This event is limited to 50 attendees. Email Alyssa.Knaup@dnr.ohio.gov to register.

Ohio wildlife officers speak to hundreds of clubs and groups about conservation and wildlife programs and perform fish and wildlife surveys. Wildlife officers also provide technical advice and instruction about wildlife management issues, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor-related recreation, and work closely with law enforcement partners in their communities.

To learn more about Ohio wildlife officers, visit ohiodnr.gov/becomeawildlifeofficer. The Division of Wildlife plans to begin the hiring process this fall and winter, with final selection of candidates in the summer of 2026. Selected candidates will complete the 33rd Wildlife Officer Training Academy later next year.

To be considered for the wildlife officer training school, applicants are required to be 21 years of age upon completion of the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course and possess a valid driver license. Completion of at least a minimum of core course work in an associate degree or undergraduate program in natural resources, fisheries and wildlife conservation, natural sciences, biology, criminal justice, environmental law enforcement, agriculture, or a related field is required.

Eighteen months of training or experience in the above fields may also be acceptable, as would 18 months of training or experience in the U.S. military with an occupational specialty related to law enforcement or investigations. Other qualifications include meeting physical fitness and swim standards, vision and hearing requirements, completing a background check, as well as passing a psychological exam and drug screening.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.