Conservation Officer Trainee

Trainee-Natural Resources Specialist Conservation Officer
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 92188
• Location: Various
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Trainee
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/02/2026
• Closing Date: 03/31/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Enforcement Trainee Program
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $26.64
• Classified Status: Non-Status
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 221 - Excluded All Others/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

The Conservation Officer Trainee program (CO Prep) is designed for applicants who have a 2 or 4 year degree in any discipline and want to become a Conservation Officer. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will provide CO Prep candidates with the educational requirements necessary to take the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) exam, required to become a licensed peace officer. Candidates must pass the P.O.S.T. exam to be eligible for permanent employment as a Conservation Officer. 

Being a Conservation Officer (CO) is not just a rewarding career, it's an opportunity to make a difference by protecting Minnesota's natural resources and the people that use them. As a CO Prep participant, you receive an hourly rate of pay, paid tuition and books to attend school to earn a Minnesota Peace Officer License.  

NOTE: This is a general announcement for recruitment of Conservation Officer Trainee candidates. The Division of Enforcement anticipates holding an academy in the spring of 2027. 

• If you have enrolled/completed law enforcement skills, or/are currently Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board licensed, eligible for licensure or will be license eligible prior to June 8, 2026, you are not qualified to participate in this program. Please apply to the Traditional Conservation Officer posting which will be posted in August of 2026. 
• If you are eligible for military reciprocity or out-of-state reciprocity P.O.S.T. licensure, please apply to the Traditional Conservation Officer posting which will be posted in August 2026. 

Conservation Officers work to ensure public safety and compliance with state game and fish, recreational vehicle, and natural resource commercial operation laws. Responsibilities include law enforcement, public safety, and education in the following areas: hunting and fishing seasons, methods of taking animals and fish, possession limits, public safety, especially where it concerns alcohol use while hunting or operating recreational vehicles and watercraft, commercial use and possession of natural resources and products, the protection of the state's land, air, and water, and youth and adult safety training and hunter education classes. 

Conservation Officers work variable hours to meet the seasonal needs in their assigned patrol areas and often work form a 4X4 patrol vehicle, a snowmobile, ATV, or from various watercraft. Conservation Officers are expected to work nights, weekends, holidays and game and fish season openers. 

The DNR is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve across Minnesota and encourage individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply. During the hiring and selection process, consideration may be given to veterans and candidates who possess skills that enhance effective service to communities across Minnesota. This includes proficiency in languages commonly spoken within the state, such as Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Somali, or American Sign Language (ASL).  

Selected candidates will receive approximately 22 weeks of general law enforcement classroom and practical training at Hennepin Technical College fulfilling the requirements to become eligible for hire under the Peace Officers Standard and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board criteria. Upon completion you will attend a 15-week training academy at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minnesota where you will be expected to live onsite Monday through Friday. Following the 15-week training academy, successful candidates are then required to complete 16 weeks of field training where you will work closely with an experienced Conservation Officer. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited college or university or will have earned an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university by June 8, 2026. Verify accreditation of the U.S. Department of Education website or with the registrar's office at your school. 

Must continually strive to meet acceptable standards of behavioral competencies including but not limited to: being courageous in the face of adversity, demonstrating high levels of integrity and initiative, possessing a focus on the community / customer and respect for diversity, and displaying empathy and compassion for others. 

Interest/passion in outdoor recreation activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping, ATV trail riding, snowmobiling, water recreation, etc. 

Ability and willingness to carry out the responsibilities of a licensed Peace Officer while performing the job in adverse weather and other environmental conditions and to work unusual, varying shifts including nights, weekends and holidays. 

Ability to maintain self-control and respond quickly and appropriately to crisis and emergency situations. 

Ability to enforce state and federal laws and assist any person whose safety or property is threatened. At times, must act immediately to protect the personal safety of another or apprehend persons suspected of committing crimes. 

Must be able to perform all duties with courtesy and professionalism in order to achieve and maintain the trust and respect of the public and fellow officers up to and including subduing a suspect using force as authorized by law. Must be prepared to use deadly force when justified. 

Ability to clearly and accurately observe and record information, read, analyze, interpret and communicate information; detect and analyze information based on sight, smell, sound, etc. 

Must be able to act with or without direct supervision and exercise good discretion and judgement while working independently or as a team. 

Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with both internal and external customers. 

Reading comprehension skill sufficient to interpret law, statutes, etc. 

Oral or written communication skills sufficient to clearly, concisely and effectively communicate in English legal and non-legal information to various people/audiences. 

No felony or gross misdemeanor conviction in Minnesota or crime in any other state or federal jurisdiction which would have been a felony if committed in Minnesota. 

No other criminal convictions involving serious natural resource violations, crimes involving moral turpitude or two or more alcohol related driving violations within the last five years. 

Candidates must pass the general written exam to be admitted to other portions of the exam/selection process.

Preferred Qualifications

Post-secondary education focused on Natural Resources, or a bachelor’s or advanced degree in any field.

Participation in a natural resources related internship. 

Participation as a volunteer at the Conservation Officer Academy. 

Fluent in a second language sufficient to provide support to the diverse communities of Minnesota. 

Additional Requirements

Requires an unrestricted Class Driver's License with a clear driving record - a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds. 

All applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations. 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status). 

Other portions of the process will include: oral interviews and completion of a comprehensive background investigation. Final job offers will be based on passing a medical evaluation, functional capacity exam and psychological evaluation. 

Candidates must not have been disqualified from a previous Minnesota DNR Conservation Officer background investigation within the past 60 months. Please review the disqualification criteria information carefully. You must meet the selection standards before being appointed a peace officer position under Minnesota Administrative Rule 6700.0100.

Application Details

How to Apply 

By applying, you are acknowledging that you have read the full job posting for which you are applying and meet the minimum eligibility requirements. 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, please visit the Conservation Officer Hiring Information website or contact the DNR Enforcement Recruitment at COrecruitment.dnr@state.mn.us .

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.