Indiana Conservation Officer FAQs

What are some factors that can hinder me; or cause me to be disqualified?

Some include, but are not limited to: conviction of a felony or commission of a felony; adverse credit; recent drug usage, irresponsible driving history, poor work history, etc…

Where will I live after graduating?

You will have the opportunity to compete for an assignment to specific vacant counties as determined by the current needs of the Law Enforcement Division.

Question:

I am a resident of Canada and I want to know if I can participate in your screening process?

Answer

No, 312 IAC 4-5-2 states that a person who wishes to apply to become a conservation officer must be a United States citizen.

Question

I will turn 21 years old two days after the scheduled graduation day for the recruit school. Can I still participate in the screening process?

Answer

Yes, you must be 21 years old on the date of your appointment as a conservation officer. If you are not 21 years old upon graduation from recruit school, you will be placed on a waiting list until your 21st birthday and there is an open position to place you in.

Question

I attended a college that I'm not sure meets your requirements. How can I find out?

Answer

Our regulations state that you must have an associate degree or completed 2 years towards a bachelor degree "from a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. You can determine this by contacting your college or university and asking them if they are accredited and by whom. (No trade school degrees accepted.)

Question

I was arrested for speeding a few years ago, will this keep me from becoming a conservation officer?

Answer

Not necessarily, we conduct a thorough background investigation on all applicants, as long as we do not find a poor driving history one speeding ticket will not automatic eliminate you. NOTE: It could eliminate you, however, if you fail to inform us about the arrest and we find out.

Question

If I get hired can I work in the area that I currently live in?

Answer

You must be willing to reside and serve anywhere within Indiana as designated by the division director. Assignments are made according to where we have vacant positions. It is possible to be assigned to your home county, however, it is somewhat rare for this to occur on your initial assignment.