Becoming a Conservation Officer
APPLY | FAQs | COMPENSATION | MEET THE OFFICERS | EVENTS CALENDAR
You must be able to agree to of the minimum prerequisites in the questionnaire below to begin the hiring process. In addition you must be a mature, responsible individual with a high degree of tact dedicated to a natural resource law enforcement career. You must be able to work with minimum supervision and be willing to work in all kinds of inclement weather conditions. If you successfuly complete the below test
If you successfully completed the above process, you will be contacted via e-mail during the first of December 2013 for further instructions. Make sure to check your junk/spam mail folder for messages from ICORecruit-Testing@dnr.in.gov.
FAQs about the process
What are the age requirements to be considered for a position?
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment (completion of the hiring process). There are no maximum age restrictions.
How long does the hiring process take?
The hiring process will take around 7 months to complete.
How do I obtain an application to apply?
You must complete the online prerequisite questionnaire found on this webpage to register for the hiring process. Once you have registered the DNR Law Enforcement Division will contact you with information about the next testing process.
What is the Conservation Officer Selection Test, and what does it consist of?
This written test is very similar to the POST exam. The examination test for basic reading comprehension, mathematics (nothing greater than division), spelling and grammar skills. It is based on a high school level education.
What are some factors that can hinder me; or cause me to be disqualified?
Some include, but are not limited to: conviction of a felony or commission of a felony; adverse credit; recent drug usage, irresponsible driving history, poor work history, etc…
How long must I wait to reapply for a position, if I am not selected?
You must wait at least one full year to reapply once you have been advised that you were not selected for a position.
Where will I live after graduating?
You will be assigned to a county within Indiana depending on current vacancies and manpower needs.
Conservation Officer compensation
Trainee annual salary is $36,852.40 plus benefits. Upon successful completion of training, your salary is increased to $38,443.60 as a Probationary Officer. After one year as a Probationary Officer, your salary increases to $40,099.80. Thereafter, your salary increases each year according to the current 20 year matrix schedule. Annual Leave: One vacation day is earned each month; one sick day is earned every other month; and one personal day is earned every fourth month. Leave is accrued on the employee’s accrual date. Bonus sick days are accrued when the employee accrues a personal day.
Bonus Vacation Leave
After five years of employment an employee earns three days; after ten years of employment you earn eight days; and after twenty years of employment you earn thirteen days.Paid Holidays
Fourteen paid holidays annually.Life Insurance
Basic Life, supplemental Life, and dependent Life are available at a low cost to the officer.Health Insurance
Conservation and Excise police officers have a combined self insured health plan that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for the officer and their dependents. Plan may be continued upon retirement as long as eligibility requirements are met.TaxSaver for Health Insurance
Allows employee health insurance premium to be deducted from the gross pay before taxes. Taxes are calculated on lower pay resulting in more take home pay. This is a permanent tax reduction for as long as participation is maintained.Flexible Spending Accounts
Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars from each pay check for reimbursement of qualified medical and/or dependent care expenses.Retirement
Conservation Officer’s, Excise Police Officer’s and Gaming Agents have a combined pension plan. Mandatory retirement age is 65. Early retirement options are available: age 45 and have accrued at least 15 years of creditable service (reduced benefit); age 55 and age plus years of service equal 85 (unreduced benefit); and age 50 and have accrued at least 25 years of service (unreduced benefit).Separation of Employment
Employees who leave in good standing with the state are eligible to be paid up to thirty (30) vacation days on their last payroll check.Stay Connected
