1-12-2026 8:30pm

ODNR Hosts Statewide Open Houses for Aspiring Natural Resources Officers

Beth Callahan Editor

ODNR is hosting 11 open house events to provide insight into what it takes to become a Natural Resources Officer.

Story and photo courtesy of ODNR

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) invites anyone interested in a meaningful, mission-driven career to attend one of 11 upcoming Natural Resources Officer (NRO) Open Houses being held across the state.

“Increasing the number of Natural Resources Officers across that state has been an important mission for myself and Governor Mike DeWine,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “NROs are crucial to ensuring people who explore our great outdoors are safe while protecting and conserving Ohio’s natural spaces.”

These informal sessions offer a unique opportunity to learn what it truly means to serve as an ODNR Natural Resources Officer, a role that blends law enforcement with the protection of Ohio’s natural resources, waterways, and outdoor spaces. Whether participants are just beginning their careers or considering a new professional path, the open houses are designed to provide clear, practical insight into the profession.

“At its core, this career is about service to the public, to Ohio’s public lands and waters, and to future generations,” said Lt. Colonel Pat Brown, ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft. “These open houses give people the chance to ask questions, meet current officers, and see whether this rewarding and challenging role is the right fit for them.”

During each open house, attendees will have the chance to:

Explore the NRO hiring process and application timeline
Learn about physical fitness expectations and training requirements
Discover specialized units such as Investigations, K9, Drone Operations, and Swift Water Rescue
Receive application tips and career guidance directly from current officers
Sign up for a ride-along to experience the job firsthand

Natural Resources Officers serve throughout Ohio, working in state parks, state forests, state nature preserves, and on waterways to ensure safety, enforce laws, and protect the natural resources that millions of Ohioans and visitors enjoy each year.

Find an Open House Near You:
(Open houses are listed chronologically below.)

Wednesday, February 4
- East Fork State Park Administrative Office, 3294 Elklick Road, Bethel, OH 45106 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday, February 20
- Cowan Lake State Park Conference Room, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, OH 45177 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, February 21
- Salt Fork State Park Office, 14755 Cadiz Road, Lore City, OH 43755 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Indian Lake State Park Law Enforcement Office, 12774 State Route North 235, Lakeview, OH 43331 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, February 22
- Buckeye Lake State Park Law Enforcement Office, 5490 Lakeshore Drive, Thornville, OH 43076 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday, February 25
- Maumee Bay State Park Nature Center, 1400 State Park Road, Oregon, OH 43616 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, February 27
- Buck Creek State Park Office, 1976 Buck Creek Lane, Springfield, OH 45502 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, February 28
- Scioto County Field Office, 3261 Kenyon Road, Franklin Furnace, OH 45629 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Alum Creek State Park Law Enforcement Office, 3305 South Old State Road, Delaware, OH 43015 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Deer Creek State Park Office, 20635 State Park Road 20, Mount Sterling, OH 43143 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursday, March 5
- Wingfoot Lake State Park Boat Barn, 993 Goodyear Park Boulevard, Mogadore, OH 44260 from 5p.m. to 8 p.m.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance by sending an email to NRORecruitment@dnr.ohio.gov. Questions can also be answered by calling (614) 265-6536.

Recognized as the No. 1 state park system in America with the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio’s 76 state parks and waterways.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.