Natural Resources Officer (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. We are currently seeking peace officer certified candidates for Natural Resources Officer positions headquartered at one of the following locations: Northeast district Cleveland 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) Learn more about the process of becoming a Natural Resources Officer, including automatic disqualifiers, at Becoming an Ohio Natural Resources Officer. Natural Resources Officers receive extensive training to prepare them for their career. 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. Natural Resources Officers (NRO) receive extensive training in laws & regulations related to general & natural resources law enforcement. NRO's 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's 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's attend guest lectures & discussion sessions and complete exams & in-service training for all classes & practical exams attended. All NRO's also receive extensive instruction in public & human relations in the areas of public speaking, skill development instruction, lesson plan development & student performance objectives. NRO's will spend time assisting other 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. 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. 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 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, candidates shall be required to pass the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program (OPOTC) Physical Fitness Standards in at least two events at the End Level and one event at the Basic Level to be considered for initial employment. To learn more about the 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 [email protected] with three timeslots of interest. Confirm your attendance no later than Monday, August 31. Timeslots available: 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm Learn More Any questions about the NRO position or to set up a ride along, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. 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! At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes: 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) Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position. The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

Requirements

Peace Officer Certified
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, forestry, fisheries, wildlife, environmental, conservation biology, 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
U.S. Citizen
Successful completion of the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course or Ohio Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Academy Course
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 yards 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
Completion of associate core program in natural resources area (parks & recreation, forestry, fisheries, wildlife, environmental, conservation biology, or criminal justice/law enforcement or 18 months training or experience in natural resources area (parks & recreation, forestry, fisheries, wildlife, environmental, conservation biology, or criminal justice/law enforcement
Applicant must successfully pass background check by appointing authority, which includes polygraph, psychological & medical examination.
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.

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. 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

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.
Patrolling assigned areas, assisting with arrests & investigations, conducting safety inspections on recreational vessels, and presenting public information & education programs.

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)