Park Police Officer Trainee

Park Police Officer Trainee – New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

Apply to the Park Police Officer Trainee position with New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation. Recruitment for the 2026 Park Police Academy begins now. Applications are accepted through February 18, 2026.

Base pay range: $61,587.00/yr – $93,129.00/yr.

Salaries are based on skills and experience. Travel may be required for certain hiring steps.

• First 6 months of traineeship – $61,587 (residential academy)
• Second 6 months – $63,192 – $82,525 (rate based on county assignment)
• After completion (1 year) – $73,796 – $93,129

Officers working in New York City boroughs or Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, or Westchester counties receive an additional $1,762 annual downstate adjustment. Additional supplemental local pay ranges from $1,467 to $2,571. Up to $15,000 geographic pay differentials may also apply.

• 13–24 vacation days, 12 holidays, 5 personal days, and 13 sick days each year.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Retirement at half pay after 20 years.
• Promotional opportunities via competitive exams.
• All uniforms and equipment are provided.

The New York State Park Police provide law enforcement services in a wide variety of locations, from urban areas in New York City to ocean beaches and vast natural areas.

Duties include:

• Handling large crowds
• Assisting park users
• Searching for and rescuing missing persons
• Making arrests
• Conducting criminal and non‑criminal investigations
• Providing emergency services on site
• Marine law enforcement and education on waterways
• Snowmobile enforcement and education
• High-angle and swift-water rescue teams

Minimum qualifications:

• Age: 20 years on time of hire; must not have passed the 43rd birthday by October 1, 2026. Military duty or terminal leave may reduce age by up to six years.
• Education:
  
  Must meet educational requirements by June 30, 2026 if applicable.
• Experience:
  
  Must have required experience by February 18, 2026.

Experience requirements:

• 60 college semester credit hours; or
• Two years active U.S. military service with honorable discharge or in accordance with the New York State Restoration of Honor Act;*
• Four years U.S. military reserve or any state National Guard service;*
• Two years full-time police officer experience in NY with valid New York State Municipal Police Training Course certification;*
• Two years full-time peace officer experience in NY with valid certification;*
• 30 college semester credit hours can substitute one year of required experience.
• Must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

• U.S. citizen and New York State resident at time of appointment and maintain residency thereafter.
• Valid New York State driver’s license now and thereafter.

• Agility Performance Test
• Background investigation
• Medical examination after conditional offer
• Psychological examination
• Civil Service written examination

Visual acuity must be correctable to at least 20/30; if not, distant vision cannot be below 20/100 without correction. Cannabis use is not permitted. See Civil Service Physical/Medical Requirements Form: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Serv

Successful candidates begin as Park Police Officer Trainees, Grade 13, and will be enrolled in a six‑month residential police academy in Rensselaerville, NY. Upon graduation, they will be assigned to a Park Police Zone and complete field training and the remaining six months of probation. After completing the traineeship, candidates advance to Park Police Officer Grade 14.

Internship

Full-time

Consulting and Customer Service

Government Administration