Wildlife Officer Cadet Academy

Cadets from the 27th Wildlife Officer Training Academy graduated on June 29, 2012 after a six month training program and were assigned to various Ohio counties.

Learn about the application process.

The Division of Wildlife is in the process of selecting cadets for the 28th Wildlife Officer Cadet Training Academy that will begin in early 2014.  Over 800 applications were received and the job posting is now closed.  
 
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take a state proficiency test administered by the Ohio Department of Administrative Services.  This test is tentatively scheduled for May 4, 2013 in Columbus.  Top scoring candidates will then undergo interviews and pre-employment evaluations, including physical fitness and swim testing, a drug screening, polygraph examination and background investigation.

Those who are selected as cadets will attend the wildlife officer academy for about six months. During the training, cadets will study law enforcement, fish and wildlife management techniques and learn communications and educational skills.

Information on the application process and career contained here may be useful for anyone considering a future in wildlife law enforcement.
 
If you have questions about becoming an Ohio wildlife officer and are interested in applying for the next training academy you can contact Cadet Training Officer Jim Quinlivan at 614-265-6314.  

 

Wildlife Officer Career Information

Printable Fact Sheet

This PDF document contains more detailed information about wildlife officers and the application and hiring process. It contains much of the information featured on this website:
 
Printable Wildlife Officer Career Document

• Applicants must be 21 years of age upon successful completion of peace officer training
• Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license
• Applicants must have a minimum of an Associates Degree or completed the undergraduate core course work in wildlife, fisheries, or natural resources management, environmental science, biology, criminal justice, law enforcement or related fields
• Applicants must successfully complete an intensive background investigation
• Applicants must pass a drug screening, psychological and physical exams, and polygraph test
• Applicants must be able to successfully meet physical fitness and swim standards that include upper body and core strength, aerobic exercise, distance running, swimming and treading water    
• An interest in hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife conservation and other outdoor recreation is helpful 
   

Application Process

The application for the position of Wildlife Officer Cadet is the first step in the employment process.  Once you have successfully completed the pre-screening process and met the minimum qualifications you will be invited to take the proficiency exam and then a series of assessments. You must complete each step successfully in order to continue in the hiring process and be enrolled in the training academy. 

Learn more about the application process. 
 
 

FAQs and Self-Assessment

Our frequently asked questions and self-assessment questionnaire may help if you have questions about the requirements and demands of the job and about the training program. 

Go to FAQs and Self-Assessment.
 
 

Preparing for the Proficiency Test

A written proficiency test will be administered for Wildlife Officer Cadet positions. Successful completion of this exam is one of the first steps in the application and testing process for the position. The purpose of the test is to assess applicants’ knowledge of certain topics.

View the practice test and study materials.
 
 

Physical Fitness

The minimum qualifications for the Wildlife Officer Cadet position includes the ability to successfully pass the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council (OPOTC) Basic Training Program Physical Fitness Standards at the 50% level for the appropriate age/gender.

The best applicants will have prepared themselves well for these tests through a regular exercise program that includes strength training, emphasizing upper body and core exercises, and aerobic training that includes running.  Applicants should also ensure they are a good swimmer who can swim the distance needed and tread water comfortably.  It may be difficult to pass these tests without any prior preparation and training.

Learn more about the physical fitness standards.