Conservation Officer / NR Spec 2 CO

This is a general recruitment announcement for Conservation Officer candidates. The Division of Enforcement anticipates hiring Conservation Officers for an academy in May 2027.

About the role

Conservation Officers work to ensure public safety and compliance with state game and fish, recreational vehicle, and natural resource commercial operation laws. Responsibilities include law enforcement, public safety, and education in the following areas:

• Hunting and fishing seasons, methods of taking animals and fish, and possession limits
• Public safety, especially concerning alcohol use while hunting or operating recreational vehicles and watercraft
• Commercial use and possession of natural resources and products
• Protection of the state's land, air, and water
• Youth and adult safety training and hunter education classes

Conservation Officers work variable hours to meet seasonal needs in their assigned patrol areas and often work from a 4x4 patrol vehicle, a snowmobile, ATV, or various watercraft. Officers are expected to work nights, weekends, holidays, and game and fish season openers.

Selected candidates will attend a 15-week training academy at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minnesota, where you will be expected to live onsite Monday through Friday. Following the academy, successful candidates must complete 16 weeks of field training working closely with an experienced Conservation Officer.

Responsibilities

• Enforce state and federal laws related to natural resources and public safety
• Respond quickly and appropriately to crisis and emergency situations
• Protect the personal safety of individuals and apprehend suspects when necessary
• Use force, including deadly force, when justified by law
• Observe, record, and communicate information clearly and accurately
• Work independently or as part of a team with good discretion and judgment
• Maintain professionalism and courtesy to earn public trust and respect
• Interpret and apply laws, statutes, and regulations
• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Requirements

• Must possess a valid MN Peace Officer's License, or be eligible to be licensed by the MN Peace Officers Standards and Training Board (POST) by November 16, 2026, or complete basic police training and be certified as a full-time peace officer in a state or federal law enforcement agency with which Minnesota has reciprocity and pass the POST Board reciprocity exam by November 16, 2026
• Interest in outdoor recreation activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping, ATV trail riding, snowmobiling, and water recreations
• Ability and willingness to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions, and to work unusual, varying shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to maintain self-control and respond appropriately to emergencies
• No felony or gross misdemeanor convictions in Minnesota or equivalent in other jurisdictions
• No serious natural resource violations, crimes involving moral turpitude, or two or more alcohol-related driving violations in the past ten years
• No DWI, reckless or careless driving, or other serious driving violations within the last five years
• Unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record
• Ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations
• Must pass a general written exam, oral interviews, comprehensive background investigation, medical evaluation, functional capacity exam, and psychological evaluation
• Must not have been disqualified from a previous Minnesota DNR Conservation Officer background investigation within the past 60 months

Preferred Qualifications

• Post-secondary education focused on Natural Resources, or a bachelor's or advanced degree in any field
• Participation in a natural resources-related internship
• Volunteer experience at the Conservation Officer Academy

Pay

$38.06 - $52.06 per hour

Schedule

• Full-time
• Rotating shift
• Varies, including nights, weekends, holidays, and game/fish season openers