Apply Now to Be an Ohio Wildlife Officer

From Ohio Department of Natural Resources
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Division of Wildlife is seeking to fill up to 12 wildlife officer positions throughout Ohio and training for new wildlife officer cadets begins in August 2026. Applications are being accepted until Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, for the next Ohio Wildlife Officer training school, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. 

Ohio wildlife officers enforce wildlife regulations and protect public lands, waterways, and fish and wildlife resources. Officers serve from Lake Erie to the Ohio River and in every Ohio county, supporting the mission of the Division of Wildlife. This is the Division of Wildlife’s 33rd Wildlife Officer Training Academy since 1951. Those interested in becoming an Ohio Wildlife Officer can complete an application at careers.ohio.gov. 

Ohio wildlife officers speak to hundreds of clubs and groups about conservation and wildlife programs, and perform fish and wildlife surveys. Wildlife officers also provide technical advice and instruction about wildlife management issues, hunting, fishing, trapping, and other outdoor-related recreation, and work closely with other law enforcement partners in their communities.

To be considered for the wildlife officer training school, applicants are required to be 21 years of age upon completion of the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course, be a U.S. citizen, and possess a valid driver license. Completion of at least a minimum of core course work in an associate degree or undergraduate program in natural resources, fisheries and wildlife conservation, natural sciences, biology, criminal justice, environmental law enforcement, agriculture, or a related field is required.

Eighteen months of training or experience in the above fields may also be acceptable, or 18 months of training or experience in the U.S. military with an occupational specialty related to law enforcement, investigations, or intelligence. 

Other qualifications include meeting physical fitness standards, completing a background check, and passing a psychological exam, medical exam, and drug screening. For more information about becoming an Ohio wildlife officer, visit ohiodnr.gov/becomeawildlifeofficer.

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