SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Office of Law Enforcement is seeking applicants for the position of conservation police officer trainee.

Conservation police officers enforce state laws intended to protect Illinois' natural and recreational resources. They are vested with full state-wide police authority and are trained to the highest standards for law enforcement professionals in Illinois. Conservation police officers serve as an important link between IDNR and its constituencies, and they are often called upon to assist other agencies in emergency situations and rescue operations.

IDNR's Office of Law Enforcement currently has a staff of 148 conservation police officers and is looking to expand its ranks by 25 with the newest class of trainees. Applications must be submitted electronically by March 3. Instructions for applying can be found at https://bit.ly/2023CPOtrainees. Criteria to be considered:

• Must be not less than 21 years of age, or at least 20 years of age and have successfully completed an associate degree or 60 credit hours at an accredited college or university;
• OR three or more years of active-duty military service, honorably discharged prior to applying;
• OR military service (active, Reserve, or National Guard), currently serving or honorably discharged, with one or more of the following medals: Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal.

For additional eligibility information, visit https://bit.ly/CPOrequirements. IDNR offers competitive pay and benefits, including affordable, employer-sponsored health care; dental and vision insurance; pension; employer-furnished equipment; take-home patrol vehicle; flexible scheduling; and more.

The hiring process will consist of:

• application submission
• physical fitness and swimming proficiency tests
• in-person interview
• medical examination
• psychological examination
• background investigation 

Unless previously certified as a police officer in Illinois, selected applicants will be required to complete a paid, 16-week police certification at the Illinois State Police Academy. An additional paid, 14-week Conservation Academy must be completed as a condition of employment. During these training academies, selected applicants will be provided meals and lodging on site Monday through Friday.  

For more information, applicants may call or email a recruiting officer:

• Conservation Police Officer Tom Davis, thomas.davis@illinois.gov, 847-404-3596
• Conservation Police Officer Isaac Gerard, isaac.gerard@illinois.gov, 309-214-0203