Natural Resources Officer Cadet

Natural Resources Officer Cadet (NON-COMMISSIONED) - Multiple Positions Statewide (24000BK5)

Organization

: Natural Resources

Agency Contact Name and Information: hr@dnr.ohio.gov or 614-265-6986

Unposting Date

: Dec 31, 2024, 11:59:00 PM

Primary Location

: United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Other Locations

: United States of America-OHIO-Columbiana County-Lisbon, United States of America-OHIO-Ashtabula County-Ashtabula, United States of America-OHIO-Scioto County-West Portsmouth, United States of America-OHIO-Ashtabula County-Geneva, United States of America-OHIO-Guernsey County-Cambridge, United States of America-OHIO-Fairfield County-Millersport, United States of America-OHIO-Fulton County-Fayette, United States of America-OHIO-Vinton County-McArthur, United States of America-OHIO-Logan County-Lakeview, United States of America-OHIO-Highland County-Hillsboro, United States of America-OHIO-Pickaway County-Mount Sterling, United States of America-OHIO-Preble County-College Corner, United States of America-OHIO-Hocking County-Logan, United States of America-OHIO-Ashland County-Perrysville, United States of America-OHIO-Lorain County-Wellington, United States of America-OHIO-Geauga County-Chagrin Falls, United States of America-OHIO-Cuyahoga County-Cleveland, United States of America-OHIO-Clark County-Springfield, United States of America-OHIO-Clinton County-Wilmington, United States of America-OHIO-Lucas County-Oregon, United States of America-OHIO-Clermont County-Bethel, United States of America-OHIO-Delaware County-Delaware, United States of America-OHIO-Henry County-McClure, United States of America-OHIO-Warren County-Lebanon, United States of America-OHIO-Erie County-Sandusky

 Compensation: $21.72/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-COMMISSIONED APPLICANTS **

What we need:

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-commissioned candidates for our next Natural Resources Officer Cadet class. Upon successful completion of training, cadets are promoted into a Natural Resources Officer ($27.22/hr), headquartered at one of the following locations:
 

Central district covering Champaign, Delaware, Franklin, Knox, Logan, Marion, Morrow, and Union counties.

• Alum Creek State Park, 3615 S. Old State Road, Delaware, OH 43015 (Delaware County)
• Buckeye Lake State Park, 2905 Leibs Island Rd NE, Millersport, OH 43046 (Fairfield) 
• Delaware State Park, 5202 US-23, Delaware, OH 43015
• Indian Lake State Park, 13156 State Route 235N, Lakeview, OH 43331 (Logan County)

Northeast district covering Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Jefferson, Mahoning, Portage, Stark, and Tuscarawas counties.

• Cleveland Field Office, 1150 E. 49th St, Cleveland, OH 44114
• Geneva State Park, 4499 Padanarum Road, Geneva, OH 44041 (Ashtabula county)
• Guilford Lake State Park, 6835 E Lake Road, Lisbon, OH 44432 (Columbiana county)
• Mohican State Park, 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842 (Ashland)
• Punderson State Park, 11755 Kinsman Rd, Newbury Township, OH 44065 (Geauga)
• Pymatuning State Park, 6100 Pymatuning Lake Rd, Andover, OH 44003 (Ashtabula)

Northwest district covering Allen, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, Williams, and Wood counties.

• East Harbor State Park, 1169 N Buck Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440 (Ottawa county)
• Harrison Lake State Park, 26246 Harrison Lake Rd, Fayette, OH 43521 (Fulton county)
• Maumee Bay State Park, 1400 State Park Rd, Oregon, OH 43616 (Lucas county)
• Sandusky Marine LE Office, 1407 Cleveland Road, Sandusky, OH 44870 (Erie)

Southeast district covering Gallia, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, and Ross counties

• Burr Oak State Park, 10220 Burr Oak Lodge Rd, Glouster, OH 45732
• Salt Fork State Park, 14755 Cadiz Rd, Lore City, OH 43755, (Guernsey)
• Shawnee State Park, 4404 OH-125, West Portsmouth, OH 45663 (Scioto)

Southwest district covering Auglaize, Clark, Mercer, Miami, Shelby, Butler, Clinton, Drake, Greene, Montgomery, Preble, Warren, Adams, Brown, Clermont, Hamilton, and Highland counties.

• Buck Creek State Park, 1976 Buck Creek Lane, Springfield, OH 45502 (Clark county)
• Caesar Creek State Park, 8570 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068 (Warren county)
• Cowan State Park, 1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177 (Clinton county)
• East Fork State Park, 3294 Elklick Rd, Bethel, OH 45106 (Clermont county)
• Hueston Woods State Park, 6301 Park Office Rd., College Corner, OH  45003 (Preble 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 approximately 6 months completing an in-residence academy. Pay during the academy is $21.72 per hour. Upon successful completion of training and promotion, pay is $27.22 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 river 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 $21.72/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 $56,618 up to $72,197/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-COMMISSIONED APPLICANTS **

What you need:

• Associate degree or completion of undergraduate core program in 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

• 18 months training or 18 months experience in any of the following:
  • A natural resources area (e.g., parks & recreation, environmental, 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 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: December 31, 2024

Fitness Testing: late January - early February 2025

Interviews: late February - early March 2025

Swim Test: early April 2025

Background, Psychological, and Medical Processes: early April - late May 2025

Offer: mid June 2025

Hire Date: late July 2025

 *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 & 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.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: May be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year; exposed to inclement weather, search & rescue, floods & environmental hazards/wastes, law enforcement violators & training which may cause substantial physical harm or death; exposed to forest fires; exposed to violent situations.

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 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.

In order for applicants to be considered for the Natural Resources Officer Cadet, they must meet the 30th percentile of the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program (OPOTC) Fitness Testing Entry Standards for New Recruits upon testing, which is tentatively scheduled for late January - early February 2025. Cadets must meet the 50th Percentile of the Fitness Testing Entry Standards by the end of the OPOTA Training Academy to graduate from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy, tentatively scheduled for January/February 2026.  

To learn more about the fitness standards and testing procedures, please visit Becoming an Ohio Natural Resources Officer.

Applicants who pass the fitness testing entry standards will be invited to participate in a structured oral interview, which will be tentatively conducted in late February 2025. Swim testing is tentatively scheduled in early April 2025. 

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 June/July 2025.  

Voluntary Practice Swim Testing – Thursday, December 19th, 2024

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 hr@dnr.ohio.gov with three timeslots of interest. Confirm your attendance no later than Monday, December 16th.

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 NRORecruitment@dnr.ohio.gov. 

Why Work for the State of Ohio

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.

Qualifications

18 mos. trg. or 18 mos. exp. (e.g., military occupational specialty &/or duty assignments) in the United States military (e.g., US Army Military Police (Provost Marshal) or Criminal Investigation Division, US Air Force Security Forces or Office of Special Investigations, US Navy Master-at-Arms or Naval Criminal Investigative Service; US Marine Corps Military Police or Criminal Investigation Division, Army Counter Intelligence, US Coast Guard Investigative Services); valid driver's license. Must be at least 21 years of age per Section 124.41 of the Ohio revised code; 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.

-Or 18 mos. trg. or 18 mos. exp. in 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; valid driver’s license; must be 21 years of age upon completion of Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course, per Section 124.41 Ohio Revised Code; 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.

-Or completion of associate core program in 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; valid driver’s license; must be 21 years of age upon completion of Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course, per Section 124.41 Ohio Revised Code; 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. NOTE: Applicant must successfully pass background check by appointing authority, which includes polygraph, psychological & medical examination. Per Article 31.05 of Unit 2 Contract, 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. An applicant with positive test results will not be offered employment per Section 123:1-76-09 Ohio Administrative Code.

Job Skills: Law Enforcement

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements:
Please ensure your online application clearly indicates how you meet minimum qualifications (MQs).  Transcripts are required for all coursework, degrees or educational accomplishments claimed on the application.  Applicants must submit a transcript (can be unofficial until point of selection) by the posting deadline (attach in the Additional Attachments section of the application submission Step 6).  Should you have issues attaching, please email to: hr@dnr.ohio.gov.  “See resume” is not a substitution for completing supplemental questions. Answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the work experience/education sections of the application.  Applications that fail to demonstrate how they meet minimum qualifications will not be considered.

To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability please contact Mohammad Yakubu, EEO Regional/Program Administrator at 614-265-6992 or mohammad.yakubu@dnr.ohio.gov.

Effective July 1, 2015 applicants must apply online for positions at all state agencies except the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration. 

STATUS OF POSTED POSITIONS: Applicants can view the status of this position by logging into their user profile on the Ohio Hiring Management System [OHMS] Home page at the following link careers.ohio.gov, and selecting "My Profile". 

NOTES: Selection devices, proficiency testing and/or assessments may be used to determine if an applicant meets and is proficient in the minimum qualifications for this position.

ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.