The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hiring conservation officer candidates for an accelerated training academy — one that starts this spring and could be the perfect opportunity for current and prospective law enforcement professionals eager to protect Michigan's woods and water.

The Conservation Officer Training Academy will take place April 25-July 15, 2027, in Lansing. Qualified applicants must be at least 21 years old (by the time of hire) and meet one of the following requirements:

• Hold a current Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards license.
• Be eligible for immediate licensure upon employment.
• Be a licensed law enforcement officer in another state and meet MCOLES requirements.

"This is a great opportunity for current law enforcement officers who are looking for a change of pace," said Sgt. Kyle Bucholtz, training academy commander with the DNR Law Enforcement Division. "Conservation officers are able to set their own daily schedule, eliminate going to an office by using a take-home vehicle, and patrol via boat, off-road vehicle, snowmobile or other equipment that many traditional police agencies don't regularly use."

Application/academy info

The job posting will be open Oct. 1 to Nov. 3. Successful candidates must meet DNR hiring requirements, including being a Michigan resident, by the time training ends.

The application process includes the opportunity for candidates to give preference for which county they prefer to be assigned. Applicants will be offered their county assignments at the time of receiving a conditional offer of employment.

Successful candidates will be hired as probationary conservation officers and outfitted with all necessary equipment. As State of Michigan employees, these PCOs will receive biweekly paychecks and the opportunity to earn health and retirement benefits.

Training will include laws and rules specific to fish and game, species identification, and safe, legal operation of boats, off-road vehicles and snowmobiles.

Bucholtz said the DNR encourages application by those who recently graduated from a law enforcement program or who live in another state but are considering a move to Michigan.

"Our organization offers a great diversity in the work that we do, and Michigan offers an incredible mix of places – deep woods, inland and big lakes, rural and urban communities, trails – where that work happens," Bucholtz said. "Plus, our instructors are the best at what they do, and every academy participant will receive top of the line, quality training that will prepare you to confidently start a fantastic career."

Upcoming webinars

The DNR will host two optional webinars to allow interested applicants the chance to learn and ask questions about the application process, training academy, county assignments and more.

Webinars will be hosted at 6 p.m. EDT Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Oct. 7. Pre-registration is required.

Ready to learn more?

Stationed in nearly every Michigan county, DNR conservation officers are fully licensed law enforcement officers who enforce laws and regulations related to fish and wildlife, state parks, trails and forests, and outdoor recreation activities such as off-road vehicle use, snowmobiling and boating. They also often serve as first responders during natural disasters, public emergencies and life-threatening situations.

Previous fishing and hunting experience and a college education are not required to become a conservation officer.

The DNR is a gold status veteran-friendly employer committed to protecting Michigan's natural resources and the environment, and the health and safety of the public through effective law enforcement and education.

Questions? Contact a local recruiter or visit Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.