Natural Resource Officer I
FT / PT Status – Full-time
Salary – $26.62 - $46.31
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid
Recruiter – Christa Rowland|crowlan@utah.gov|801-538-4826
Application Deadline – 6-21 -26
Job Description
While working as a Natural Resource Officer for the Division of Law Enforcement, you will have the opportunity to enjoy all that Utah's great outdoors has to offer. As a Natural Resource Officer, you will provide your services, in a law enforcement capacity, to protect the state's vital outdoor recreational and wildlife opportunities by ensuring state recreation and wildlife conservation laws and regulations are adhered to.
For additional information on becoming a Natural Resource Officer, go to: https://wildlife.utah.gov/become-an-officer.html
Assignment locations are undetermined at this time and could be anywhere in the state of Utah.
Assignment locations will be discussed with applicants during the interview process.
Key Responsibilities
- Patrol assigned Natural Resource Officer District and assigned crew area.
- Enforce Utah outdoor recreation laws and regulations.
- Enforce Utah wildlife conservation laws and regulations.
- Conduct investigations, interviews, and interrogations.
- Compile reportsand other paperwork/documentation associated with citations, investigations and other job-related responsibilities.
- Assist with law enforcement outreach efforts: school programs, media releases, etc.
- Build positive working relationships with other law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
Minimums
Qualifications
- Previous law enforcement employment/experience and/or a bachelor’s degree are not required for application or hire of this position. However, applicants with Police Officer (LEO) law enforcement employment/experience and/or a bachelor's degree may be given preference over applicants who do not have either (SFO, BCO experience is not considered for preference). Also, bachelor's degrees in natural resource management, criminal justice, or recreation management related fields may be given further preference.
- Other attributes possessed by applicants may also be given preference during the hiring process: i.e. military experience, natural resources related employment or work, any post high school education, etc.
- Valid Drivers License.
- Mustmeet POST requirements: 21 years of age, U.S. citizenship, pass physical fitness requirements (push-ups, plank, vertical jump, run and swim test).
Preferred
- History (or knowledge of) ATV, UTV, OHV, Dirt Motorcycle, Boat, and/or PWC operation and use activities.
- History (or knowledge of) hunting, fishing, and/or trapping activities Capable of interacting in a positive,professional manner with natural resource users.
- Ability to deescalate otherwise tense situations.
- Previous employment in natural resources related field. Previous employment with Utah DNR.
Supplemental Information
- PeaceOfficer Standards and Training (POST) certification (Divisionof Law Enforcement will put employeethrough this required trainingif not already obtained). Valid driver's license.
- Must pass background investigation, drug testing, driver's license check, polygraph, psychological evaluation, and medical evaluation.
- Mustlive within 50 miles of the "focal point" designated for the districtwhere officer is assigned; relocating to assigned district if necessary.
- Weekend and holiday work is required.
- Required to respond to time-sensitive requestsfor service at any hour of day/night.
About The Role
Location – 1594 W North Temple, Salt Lake City
Background Check Required – Yes
Drug Test Required – Yes
Schedule Code – B
Why You Should Join Our Team
Employment with the Division of Law Enforcement as a Natural Resource Officer is a highly sought after and professional career.It offers the opportunity to see various locations throughout the state while interacting with passionate outdoor recreationists while protecting the state's natural resources through the enforcement of outdoor recreation laws and regulations. While the job is demanding, the work is shared by a cohesive group of rangers that have similarpassions relating to Utah's naturalresources and its preservation. One would be hard pressed to find a career elsewhere that offers the diversity and level of job satisfaction that isprovided while being a recreation ranger. If you want a job that isfun, yet challenging and pushes you to improve yourself, has an outdoor office, a diverse work environment and the ability to build lifelong relationships with like-minded individuals, this is the career for you.
Candidates are encouraged to recognize this career is a full-time, State of Utah law enforcement profession. Please DO NOT apply for this position if you do not want to be a policeofficer.
Benefits: Full benefits package, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement plan, and paid leave to include annual, sick and holiday pay.
Benefits
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah , click here . Other benefits may include:
- Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
- Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
- Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
- Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
The Agency For more information about working for the Department of Natural Resources please click here.
About
DNR Law Enforcement Officers, also referred to as Natural Resource Officers, are sworn law enforcement professionals who patrol Utah's vast backcountry and waterways. On average, each officer covers 385,000 square acres, which is about twice the size of New York City. Officers provide protection for natural resources, including wildlife, trails and waterways and the recreators who enjoy them. The DNR Division of Law Enforcement was formally established in January 2025 and is a unification of law enforcement from four divisions:
EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.