Job Description

Posting number: NR26-54 PSA

Department: Commerce - Natural Resources

Job classification: Natural Resources Police Officer

Posting type: CLASSIFIED **PSA**

Categories: Law Enforcement, Natural Resources

Law Enforcement/StatewidePatrols assigned territory to enforce Natural Resources and Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Area laws, rules, and regulations; checks for illegal possession of fish & game. Inspects fishing, trapping, and hunting methods employed. Interprets fish and game laws to individuals, sportsmen clubs and other community groups; participates in conservation education programs. Investigates complaints and reports of violations, forest fires, wildlife damage claims and hunting or boating accidents in accordance with state law. Arrests violators and assists in their prosecution, which includes filing warrants, testifying in court, and submitting evidence. Inspects boating and rafting activities on state waters; assists with fish stocking programs and surveys; provides security services on state recreational facilities and assists personnel of other DNR divisions and state agencies. Maintains issued equipment in proper order. Reviews applications and approves licenses and permits; inspects operation to ensure continued compliance with conditions of the permit. Assists other law enforcement agencies. Conducts hunter education or motorboat safety courses. Performs chemical field tests and submits samples for analysis by laboratory. May collect injured, diseased or nuisance wildlife for disposal, transport, or relocation. May assist in searches for lost hunters, drowning victims, downed aircraft, etc. Completes daily, weekly, and monthly activity reports of various types. May perform special security detail assignments. Performs related duties as required.

Employee is expected to respond to any call or report of a violation at any hour of the day or night and is subject to duty, or seasonal, undercover, and other special assignments whenever and wherever required by the functions, services and needs of the department. Duties involve an element of personal danger due to the nature of law enforcement work. Work requires considerable travel and outside work in varying weather conditions and difficult terrain.

IMPORTANT: New Natural Resources Police Officers (formerly Conservation Officer) must attend the State Police Training Academy, unless applicant is a current certified WV Law Enforcement Officer. At the completion of training, officers are assigned to county locations and work shifts based on available vacancies and agency need. All new employees must be willing to relocate and work rotating shifts.

Employees DO NOT have a choice of assignment location.

July 25, 2026
South Charleston Community Center

August 01, 2026
New River Park Pool

August 08, 2026

PAT Requirements
Upper Body Strength- Must be able to complete 18 properly executed push-ups within one minute.
Aerobic Power (1.5 Mile Run) - Must be able to complete the 1.5 mile run within 14 minutes, 36 seconds. Candidates should bring a change of clothes for the running test.
Muscular Endurance - Must be able to complete 28 properly executed sit-ups within one minute.
Swimming Test - Must be able to swim 37 1/2 yards fully clothed. Candidates should bring long pants and a shirt for the fully clothed swimming test.

WRITTEN TEST DATE AND LOCATION:- A written test session will be administered on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 11 A.M. at the WVDNR Headquarters, 112 California Avenue, Building 4, Charleston, WV 25305. Report promptly.

For directions and details about the test refer to this DNR website: www.wvdnr.gov/lenforce/employment.shtm

We do not accept paper applications without prior authorization. You SHOULD apply online BEFORE reporting for testing. Once you apply, you do not need an appointment for testing. If you have questions, call the DNR Law Enforcement Section at (304) 352-5159. To apply now, click the Apply l ink. All applicants are required to attend one of the scheduled PAT sessions shown above. Those who pass the PAT are required to take the written test scheduled above. Test may include: completion of written questionnaire, physical agility testing, structured panel interview and other evaluation procedures.

As a condition of employment, an inquiry into job-related information will be completed which may include, but not limited to, criminal records, abuse registry records, driving records, employment history, and education and training. Failing to cooperate with this process, providing false and incomplete information, or discovery of disqualifying information will result in denial of or dismissal from employment or denial of transfer irrespective of when discovered.

Click The APPLY Link To Apply Online

Qualifications

Training: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
OR
Substitution: Two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience as a law enforcement officer as certified by the Law Enforcement Training Subcommittee of the Governor's Committee on Crime, Delinquency and Correction OR an Associate Degree AND two (2) years of continuous active United States military service. OR Four (4) years of continuous active United States military services.
AND
Special Requirement: A valid driver’s license is required. Must be able to swim IN fully clothed. Must pass periodic firearms qualification and may be required to pass annual physical examinations. Must pass a physical examination, psychological evaluation and polygraph examination designed to determine applicant's fitness for Natural Resources Police Officer and general law enforcement duties.

Note: The probationary period for Natural Resources Police Officers shall be one (1) year from the date of certification by the WV Law Enforcement Training Subcommittee of the Governor's Committee on Crime, Delinquency and Correction. If certified at the time of employment, the probationary period shall be one (1) year from date of employment. If selected, applicant must present certifications as stipulated in accordance with West Virginia Code §20-2-7.