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

Natural Resources Officer (Peace Officer Certified) – Multiple Positions Statewide (260004HO) This role is with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), working within the Division of Parks & Watercraft. The officer will enforce state laws related to natural resources, protect wildlife and public safety, and promote environmental stewardship. Responsibilities Patrol state waterways, parks, forests, and natural preserves, enforce laws, and investigate incidents. Conduct safety inspections of recreational vessels, educate the public, recreation and conservation groups on watercraft use and safety. Provide media interviews, present public information and education programs regarding vessel safety and natural resources conservation. Assist commissioned officers with arrests, investigations, safety inspections, and public education. Participate in specialized training, including parks law enforcement, watercraft law enforcement, forestry laws, natural area laws, accident investigation, search & rescue procedures, boat & pursuit operations, and water rescue techniques. Maintain physical fitness standards as required by agency directives and participate in ongoing fitness and swim testing. Qualifications Associate degree in a core natural resources area (parks & recreation, forestry, fisheries, wildlife, environmental, conservation biology, or natural science) or criminal justice/law enforcement. Or 18 months of training or experience in a natural resources area, criminal justice/law enforcement, or military policing, security, investigative services, or intelligence. Must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid driver’s license, and satisfy Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training (OPOTC) or ODNR Law Enforcement Academy fitness and swim standards. Must be able to continuously swim 300 yards in 12 minutes or less, tread water for 5 minutes, and perform a surface dive with retrieval from a minimum of 5 feet of water. Successful completion of background investigation, polygraph, psychological and medical examinations, drug test, and urinalysis. OPOTC certification required; must qualify for a $1,000 surety bond if serving as a state agency agent. Ability to perform sustained physical fitness and meet agency physical condition standards. Benefits Starting pay of $30.77 per hour; annual salary range of $64,002 to $84,885 (excluding overtime and supplements). Medical insurance within 30 days, with wellness incentives and options for a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). Employer‑paid dental, vision, and life insurance after one year of service. Fitness pay, shift differential, uniform allowance, and 22 days of paid military leave per year. Paid vacation, sick, and personal leave; 11 paid holidays per year. Education and development benefits up to $5,000 annually for tuition, workshops, and seminars. Membership in the Law Enforcement Public Employees Retirement System. Opportunities for advancement to investigator and administrative ranks. Additional duty options such as instructor, field training officer, canine handler, and honor guard team member. Recruitment Timeline Job posting closes: August 9, 2026. Fitness testing: late August 2026. Interviews: mid‑September 2026. Background, psychological and medical processes: October–December 2026. Offer: mid‑December 2026. Hire date: mid‑January 2027. Application Requirements Apply online and include a transcript for all coursework, degrees or educational achievements claimed. Ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications. Transcripts may be unofficial until selection. For attachment issues, email View email address on click.appcast.io. Answers to supplemental questions must be supported by the work experience and education sections of the application. Failure to meet the minimum qualifications will result in disqualification. EEO and Disability Ohio is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Requests for reasonable accommodation due to a disability may be made to Mohammad Yakubu, EEO Regional/Program Administrator, at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. The State of Ohio is a disability inclusion state and provides access and reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Contact HR for ODNR: View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Ohio