Trainee- Specialist

Position: Trainee-NR Specialist (CO)
*
* Working Title:

Trainee- (CO)*
* ** Job Class:
Trainee-Natural Resources Specialist Conservation Officer*
* ** Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources*
* +  
** Job ** : 92188

+  
** Location** :
Various

+  
** Telework Eligible** :
No

+  
** Full/Part Time** :
Full-Time

+  
** Regular/Temporary** :
Trainee

+  
** Who May Apply** :
Open to all qualified job seekers

+  
** Date Posted** : 03/02/2026

+  
** Closing Date** : 03/31/2026

+  
** Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** :
Department of Natural Resources

+  
** Division/Unit** : DNR Enforcement Trainee Program

+  
** Work Shift/Work Hours** :
Day Shift

+  
** Days of Work** :
Varies

+  
** Travel Required** :
No

+  
** Salary Range:**  $26.64

+  
** Classified Status** :
Non-Status

+  
** Bargaining Unit/Union** : 221 - Excluded All Others/Unrep

+  
** FLSA Status** :
Nonexempt

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./connect
700/) :
No

** The work you'll do is more than just a job.*
* At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Conservation Officer Trainee program (CO Prep) ()  is designed for applicants who have a 2 or 4 year degree in any discipline and want to become a Conservation Officer. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will provide CO Prep candidates with the educational requirements necessary to take the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) exam, required to become a licensed peace officer.

Candidates must pass the P.O.S.T. exam to be eligible for permanent employment as a Conservation Officer.

Being a Conservation Officer (CO) is not just a rewarding career, it's an opportunity to make a difference by protecting Minnesota's natural resources and the people that use them. As a CO Prep participant, you receive an hourly rate of pay, paid tuition and books to attend school to earn a Minnesota Peace Officer License.

NOTE:

This is a general announcement for recruitment of Conservation Officer Trainee candidates. The Division of Enforcement anticipates holding an academy in the spring of 2027.

+ If you have enrolled/completed law enforcement skills, or/are currently Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board licensed, eligible for licensure or will be license eligible prior to June 8, 2026, you are not qualified to participate in this program. Please apply to the Traditional Conservation Officer posting which will be posted in August of 2026.

+ If you are eligible for military reciprocity or out-of-state reciprocity ()  P.O.S.T. licensure, please apply to the Traditional Conservation Officer posting which will be posted in August 2026.

Conservation Officers work to ensure public safety and compliance with state game and fish, recreational vehicle, and natural resource commercial operation laws. Responsibilities include law enforcement, public safety, and education in the following areas: hunting and fishing seasons, methods of taking animals and fish, possession limits, public safety, especially where it concerns alcohol use while hunting or operating recreational vehicles and watercraft, commercial use and possession of natural resources and products, the protection of the state's land, air, and water, and youth and adult safety training and hunter education classes.

Conservation Officers work variable hours to meet the seasonal needs in their assigned patrol areas and often work form a 4X4 patrol vehicle, a snowmobile, ATV, or from various watercraft. Conservation Officers are expected to work nights, weekends, holidays and game and fish season openers.

The DNR is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve across Minnesota and encourage individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply. During the hiring and selection process, consideration may be given to veterans and candidates who possess skills that enhance effective service to communities across Minnesota. This includes proficiency in languages commonly spoken within the state, such as Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Somali, or American Sign Language (ASL).

Selected candidates will receive approximately 22 weeks of general law enforcement classroom and practical training at Hennepin Technical College fulfilling the requirements to become eligible for hire under the Peace Officers Standard and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board criteria. Upon completion you will attend a 15-week training academy at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minnesota where you will be expected to live onsite Monday through Friday.

Following the 15-week training…