In an effort to stay competitive with other law enforcement agencies that are hiring throughout the state, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has extended its application deadline for the 2022 conservation officer recruit school to March 31.
“As with most industries, it’s been a challenge recruiting qualified applicants in the current economy. We’re hoping this extension will provide prospective applicants additional opportunities to review our hiring and job information and training videos, and to reach out to our recruiters with questions before they apply,” said F/Lt. Jason Wicklund, DNR Law Enforcement Division.
Michigan conservation officers are fully sworn law enforcement officers who protect Michigan’s natural resources, the environment, and the health and safety of the public through effective law enforcement and education. As trained emergency first responders, conservation officers also respond to general criminal and life-threatening situations in the counties they patrol.
What sets conservation officer training apart from other law enforcement training is the range of additional knowledge and techniques that recruits will learn during the academy, including specialized identification and education related to fish, game, trapping and waterfowl, and operation of marine vessels, off-road vehicles and snowmobiles – all of which COs use in their day-to-day work patrolling outdoor areas and often challenging terrain.
“We often hear from people about how being a conservation officer is their dream job,” Wicklund said. “Now is the time for those people. We’re looking for go-getters with excellent communication skills who want to make a difference in their communities.”
Academy details
The DNR plans to offer two recruit school academies this year – a shorter, hybrid academy for people who are already certified/certifiable through the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, and the traditional 23-week academy for those not yet MCOLES-licensed.
The 23-week recruit school academy will take place from July
