FAQs and Self-Assessment

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The following are answers to frequently asked questions about becoming a Wildlife Officer.  A self-assessment questionnaire is also found below .  These may help if you have questions about the requirements and demands of the job and about the training program. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the minimum qualifications for a Wildlife Officer Cadet?
• Can I apply if I am not yet 21?
• I have a degree, but it is not in one of the mentioned fields.  Can I still apply?
• I am already certified as a peace officer in Ohio.  Do I have to go back through a training academy?
• Where is the academy held? 
• How long is the training?
• What will I have to pay for the training and academy?
• Where will I be assigned or what areas are open for the job?
• Will I have to move for my assignment?
• I have some past convictions on my record for speeding and drug use.  Will this prohibit me from getting this job?

Question: What are the minimum qualifications for a Wildlife Officer Cadet?

Answer: Applicants must be 21 years of age upon successful completion of peace officer training, possess a valid driver’s license, and have a minimum of an Associates Degree or competed the undergraduate core course work in wildlife, fisheries, or natural resources management, environmental science, biology, criminal justice, law enforcement or related fields.  Applicants will also have to successfully complete a physical fitness test and intensive background investigation, including drug screening, psychological and physical exams, and polygraph test.       

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Question: Can I apply if I am not yet 21?

Answer: Yes, but you must turn 21 upon successful completion of peace officer training, which is usually 16 weeks after training has begun.

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Question: I have a degree, but it is not in one of the mentioned fields.  Can I still apply?

Answer: The current requirements include a degree in one of the specified fields.  All applicants’ education will be evaluated. There may be possibilities of equivalent work experience in certain fields.

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Question: I am already certified as a peace officer in Ohio.  Do I have to go back through a training academy?

Answer: You should be prepared to attend peace officer training again with your academy class.  Prior training and current certification will be evaluated individually by the Division of Wildlife.  All cadets will attend the 8-9 week wildlife officer specific training academy at a minimum.

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Question: Where is the academy held? 

Answer: The training academy will be held at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy campus in London, Ohio.  Some specific training will also be held around the state at various locations.  Cadets will reside at the academy during the week while in training.

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Question: How long is the training?

Answer:  The total academy training program is about six months.  The first portion is the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training program where cadets receive their training and certification as peace officers in the State of Ohio. It is largely law-enforcement related and lasts about 16 weeks.  The second portion is the Wildlife Officer Pre-Service Training Academy lasting about 8-9 weeks and encompassing law enforcement, resource management, communications, and other skills and duties common to the wildlife officer position.  The academy usually begins in January and cadets graduate around the July 4th holiday.

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Question: What will I have to pay for the training and academy?

Answer: The academy training program and materials along with issued equipment is provided to the officer by the Division of Wildlife at no cost to the applicant.

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Question: Where will I be assigned or what areas are open for the job?

Answer: Most vacant assignments open to cadets will not be known until after the training academy has begun and senior officers have the opportunity to transfer.  It is anticipated that some cadets would be assigned to counties while others will be assigned at-large, working in a particular unit or district until assigned to a vacant county.  Cadets usually are given their assignment 30 days prior to graduation.

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Question: Will I have to move for my assignment?

Answer: You should be prepared to move to your assignment location.  Wildlife Officers assigned to a county must live in that county.  Officers assigned temporarily at-large must live within a certain area established by the Division of Wildlife.

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Question: I have some past convictions on my record for speeding and drug use.  Will this prohibit me from getting this job?

Answer: Not necessarily, but they could.  If you have six or more points on your driving record, or are dishonest about your driving record, your application will be rejected.  Numerous crashes or moving violations could result in rejection, but these situations will be reviewed by the Division of Wildlife.  Drug use, sale, or convictions for drug related violations are serious situations and many instances will result in rejection.  An applicant who has used any illegal drug within the past ten years, or marijuana in the past 12 months, will be rejected.  For more information on the background investigation, see the Wildlife Officer Cadet Application Process.

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Self-Assessment Questionnaire

You should be aware of all the criteria necessary to become a Wildlife Officer Cadet as well as the requirements and demands of the job. You should carefully weigh each aspect before reaching a decision on a career as a State Wildlife Officer. 

If you answer “NO” to any of the questions below, you should seek additional information and seriously reconsider your decision to enter into the application/selection process.  This is a unique job, performed by dedicated men and women.  It may or may not be a career for you.  The purpose of the questionnaire is not to discourage you from seeking a challenging and rewarding career as a State Wildlife Officer.  Its purpose is to make you aware of aspects that you might not have previously considered.  If you can honestly answer all of the questions with a “YES,” the Division of Wildlife welcomes you to apply.

 
The Selection Process

As part of the selection process, are you prepared to:

	Go through a long and competitive selection process that includes a physical fitness evaluation, a swim evaluation, an interview, a background investigation, a pre-employment polygraph examination, a medical screening (including a drug test) and a psychological assessment?
	Invest up to a year to complete all of these steps, if necessary?
	Make several trips to Columbus throughout the selection process?
	Permit an investigator to conduct criminal and financial history checks, and to interview friends, family members, previous employers, high school teachers, and others concerning your background?

The Training Academy

If appointed, will you be able to:

	Undertake an approximately six (6) month period of physical and mental training beginning early in the morning and ending sometimes later in the evening, as part of a team, operating in a strict atmosphere?
	Live at the academy from Monday through Friday, away from your family and friends?
	Have limited contact with family and friends during the week?
	Complete an intensive academic program that includes hundreds of hours of classroom training, reading, studying, testing and typing?
	Perform intensive physical activity including self defensive training and distance running?
	Perform menial tasks such as cleaning basic facilities and equipment, making beds, etc?
	Take orders without questions?
	Function in a military style atmosphere, including drill, marching, and room, uniform, and firearms inspections?
	Spend your weekends studying and preparing for the upcoming week if needed?
	Pass all testing requirements (knowledge, fitness, firearms, and the state exam)?

 
As a Wildlife Officer

Are you willing to:

	Move anywhere in the state for your assigned work location?
	Work various hours, including late nights and early mornings?
	Work most weekends and many holidays?
	Work alone in a large geographical area with little to no backup immediately availability?
	Work outdoors in inclement or extremely hot or cold weather?
	Work in remote, rural areas of the state or urban areas of major cities?
	Be the target of rude or abusive treatment and profane language from the general public you are trying to serve?
	Deal with large amounts of report writing, forms and paperwork?
	Regularly use and be proficient on computers?
	Operate 4X4 trucks, boats and all-terrain vehicles (ATV)?
	Speak in front of groups and events about Division of Wildlife programs?
	Confront and arrest persons who may be armed or larger and stronger than you?
	Travel anywhere in the state with little notice, or at odd hours to respond to emergencies and/or statewide trainings?
	Risk personal injury to assist others or perform dangerous tasks in hostile environments?
	Work as part of a team or unit, doing any task needed to accomplish a goal?
	Work independently, as a self-starter with limited supervision and a variable schedule?
	Successfully complete a physical fitness test each year that includes running, upper body, and core exercises in order to continue with employment?

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