Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Seeks Conservation Officers

Apply now for a position as a conservation officer with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR). Image provided by KDFWR

Do you dream of an exciting and rewarding outdoor job that revolves around protecting wildlife and fisheries resources? If so, then you should waste no time filling out an application for one of several conservation officer positions with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Applications will be accepted through April 17, 2024. Applicants must be 21 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. The online application must be completed to be considered. To apply, visit the Conservation Officer Recruit posting at personnel.ky.gov.

Kentucky’s conservation officers are sworn law enforcement officers with statewide jurisdiction and have a primary mission focusing on hunting, fishing, and boating laws.

Conservation officers work to enforce these laws to help conserve the commonwealth’s fish and wildlife resources for present and future generations, and to ensure that the state’s waterways are safe for all to enjoy. Their two-prong approach consists of both education and enforcement.

Once an applicant meets the initial screening criteria, he or she must next pass a physical fitness test, swimming test, oral interview, psychological and drug screen, polygraph, background review, and medical evaluation to be considered for the position.

Kentucky conservation officers work to enforce hunting, fishing, and boating laws. Image provided by KDFWR

After the job posting closes, applicants should frequently check their email, including junk mail folders, for a response. An initial email to applicants will include important, time-sensitive information, and recipients will be required to respond by a specific date. Applicants will also be notified via email regarding the physical fitness and swim test scheduling.

Selected applicants not already Peace Officer Professional Standards (POPS) certified will undergo 20 weeks of basic training at the Department of Criminal Justice Training Center in Richmond. In addition to basic training, all selected applicants undergo another 14 weeks of training in the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Academy before being placed with a field-training officer for a final 12 weeks of on-the-job training.