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

State of Ohio•Columbus, OH

9d•$64,002 - $84,885•Onsite

About The Position

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 .

Requirements

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)
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
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
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.
Must be able to perform the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program (OPOTC) Fitness Testing Entry Standards Per Ohio Department of Natural Resources Directive.
Must successfully pass background check by appointing authority, which includes polygraph, psychological & medical examination.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
Operate state-owned vehicles, watercraft, trucks, trailers, & all-terrain vehicles during training.
Maintain physical fitness standards set forth by the agency directive.
Attend guest lectures & discussion sessions and complete exams & in-service training for all classes & practical exams attended.
Receive extensive instruction in public & human relations in the areas of public speaking, skill development instruction, lesson plan development & student performance objectives.
Assist 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.
Maintain agency required physical condition as outlined by department directive & pass any required medical examinations.
Maintain OPOTC certification.
Qualify for $1,000 surety bond if acts as agent of state in collecting of money.

Benefits

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.
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.
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 )