Anyone interested in becoming a conservation officer for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is being told to take a look at the DNR’s website. DNR First Lieutenant Jason Wicklund tells WSJM News the agency it’s planning a conservation officer training academy for next year. It’s seeking candidates from all backgrounds for the academy scheduled for July at the Michigan State Police training facility. DNR conservation officers are certified police officers with the authority to enforce all state laws. Wicklund says they also protect the state’s natural resources, and there’s never a dull moment for them.
“You’re going to have your big seasons,” Wicklund said. “You’re going to have your fishing. You’re going to have your deer season, hunting seasons, but our job is never the same. You may start out in the morning in your truck patrolling for deer hunters, and then you might end up in the afternoon in an ORV patrolling another area. It changes with the weather, it changes with the climate.”
Wicklund says the state aims to have two conservation officers per county, and as retirements occur, they need more. The 23 week academy is rigorous, but it helps to prepare those officers for the hard work they’ll be doing. You can learn more about becoming a conservation officer right here.
