Job Description:

 

 

 

Who we are:

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is committed to it's mission “To ensure a balance between wise use & protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.”  Our agency embraces the insightful use of our natural resources to assure the continued safety, happiness & prosperity of Ohio’s people.

ODNR owns & manages state parks, state forests, state nature preserves & wildlife areas. We license all hunting, fishing and watercraft; oversee & permit all mineral extraction, monitor dam safety, manage water resources & serve as the second largest Law Enforcement presence in the State of Ohio.

We are accepting applications for Natural Resources Officer Cadet within the Division of Parks & Watercraft.   Upon successful completion of training, cadets are placed into a Natural Resources Officer, headquartered in any of our five districts.  To learn more about becoming a Natural Resources Officer, including automatic disqualifiers, commission requirements, & interview & selection procedures, please visit https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/buy-and-apply/support-odnr/jobs/natural-resources-officer-career. 

What you will do…

Natural Resources Officer Cadets receive extensive training to prepare them for a career as a Natural Resources Officer.

• 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’s in it for you…

• The starting pay for cadets in the academy is $19.88/hr without any prior state service.


• Upon successful completion & graduation from the academy, cadets are promoted to Natural Resources Officers with a salary range of $51,813- $66,082/year, 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 $3,000 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 https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-odnr/division-parks-watercraft.

** BOTH OPOTA COMMISSIONED AND NON-COMMISSIONED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACCEPTED **

 

**  At least fifteen (15) Natural Resources Officer Cadet vacancies are available.  Headquarter county/work unit will be determined in January 2021.

 

Official Position Description:

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 qualify semi-annually with firearms & related equipment; must maintain OPOTC certification; must qualify for $1,000 surety bond if acts as agent of state in collecting money.

 

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: May be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year (including evenings, weekends, holidays); exposed to inclement weather, boating rescue, floods & environmental hazards/wastes, law enforcement violators & training which may cause substantial harm or death; exposed to forest fires; exposed to violent situations; work as educator with diversified age groups.

 

Special Note:

The Division of Parks & Watercraft has specific direction on tattoos & other body art or body modifications. Tattoos, body art or branding, which does not professionally represent a Natural Resources Officer, may not be visible while in uniform.  Natural Resources Officer Cadet candidates who have body art, tattoos, or branding, which would be visible while in uniform, 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 qualify for entry into the cadet academy, 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 February 2021. Cadets must meet the 50th Percentile of the Fitness Testing Entry Standards by the end of the OPOTA Training Academy in order to graduate from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy, tentatively scheduled for January 2022.  Interviews & swim testing are tentatively scheduled for March 2021.  Dates are subject to change due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  To learn more about the fitness standards and testing procedures, please visit https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/buy-and-apply/support-odnr/jobs/natural-resources-officer-career. 
 

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.  Candidates that do not hold a current OPOTA commission will be required to participate in an in-residence (Monday through Friday) training academy for approximately 22 weeks beginning August 2021.  Candidates that currently hold an OPOTA commission will report to an assigned location for field training.

 

The State of Ohio is diverse, inclusive, and Equal Opportunity Employer. Under the Americans with Disability Act as Amended (ADAAA), if reasonable accommodation is required, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 614-265-6981 or hr@dnr.ohio.gov. 

Completion of associate core program in natural resources area (parks & recreation, forestry, fisheries, wildlife, environmental, conservation biology, 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 18 mos. training or 18 mos. exp. in natural resources area (parks & recreation, forestry, fisheries, wildlife, environmental, conservation biology, 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.

Salary: $22.00

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