Become an Indiana Conservation Officer

DNR's Law Enforcement Division employs 214 conservation officers. Division headquarters is in Indianapolis, and there are 10 law enforcement districts in the state.

The role of an Indiana Conservation Officer is centered on being service oriented. As the law enforcement division of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, we concentrate on full time police work focused on community needs within natural resource laws and rules. As an officer, you will experience interesting challenges that vary from day to day. You will also have the opportunity to become actively involved in your local community and with many organizations.

Conservation officers are eligible for a variety of benefits. These benefits include: take home vehicle; department cellphone and laptop; all necessary equipment to perform job tasks; comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage; paid vacation; holidays and comp time; scheduling allocations for schooling; and three paid hours per week to maintain physical fitness.

To be a good conservation officer candidate, you must be mature, responsible, tactful and dedicated to a career in natural resources law enforcement. Additional requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be at least 21 years of age by the graduation date of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (April 16, 2021).
• Complete a physical fitness test consisting of:
  • 1 minute sit-up, 24
  • 300 meter run, 82 seconds or less
  • Max push-up, 21
  • 1.5 mile run, 18 minutes 56 seconds or less
  • Vertical jump, 13.5 in.
• Demonstrate an ability to swim 100 yards without stopping and to tread water for at least 5 minutes.
• Possess a valid license to operate an automobile.
• Be willing, if appointed, to reside and serve any place within Indiana, as designated by the Division Director.
• Be willing to refrain from engaging in any political activity prohibited by law.
• Completed at least 60 credit hours toward a bachelor's degree (four-year program) or an associate's degree, as evidenced by a certified transcript, or four years of concurrent military service with an honorable discharge.
• Submit to and satisfy standard psychological testing.

You will work with minimum supervision in all kinds of weather.