Position Details
IDNR is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Conservation Police Officer Trainee (CPOT).
Job Duties:
- Marked Squad Patrol - General enforcement, including the Wildlife Code, Fish Code, and Criminal Code
- Large and Small Boat Patrol
- Snowmobile Patrol: (area of assignment dependent)
- Covert Enforcement of the Wildlife and Fish Code
Application may be found at:
APPLICATION
Applications must be electronically submitted by September 9, 2025.
Employment Criteria:
- At the time of hire, the person must be not less than 20 years of age and have successfully completed an associate's degree or 60 credit hours at an accredited college or university. Any person so hired shall not have power of arrest, nor shall he or she be permitted to carry firearms, until he or she reaches 21 years of age;
- The person must possess the skill level and demonstrate the ability to swim at a competency level approved by the Department in an administrative rule; and
- The person must successfully obtain certification pursuant to the Illinois Police Training Act and must also successfully complete the Conservation Police Academy training program, consisting of not less than 400 hours of training, within one year of hire. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, all persons who meet one of the following requirements are deemed to have met the collegiate education requirements:
- Have been honorably discharged and who have been awarded a Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal by the United States Armed Forces;
- Are active members of the Illinois National Guard or a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces and who have been awarded a Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal as a result of honorable service during deployment on active duty.
- Have been honorably discharged and served in a combat mission by proof of hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay during deployment on active duty; or
- Have at least 3 years of full active and continuous military duty and received an honorable discharge before hiring.
Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal
All applicants must be willing to relocate to an assigned county within the state, and the available counties have not been established at this time. Residency requirements are within 30 minutes of your assigned county in free-flowing traffic.
For additional eligibility information:
https://dnr.illinois.gov/lawenforcement/conservationpoliceofficercareeropportunities.html
The Hiring Process:
- Application Submission to Department of Central Management Services
- 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 Recruit Academy. An additional paid, 16-week Conservation Academy must be completed as a condition of employment. During these training academies located in Springfield, selected applicants will be provided meals and lodging on-site, Monday-Friday.
For additional information:
Call, text, or email an OLE recruiting officer:
CPO Tom Davis, Recruiting Officer-Northern Illinois
Email: thomas.davis@illinois.gov
Phone Number: 847-404-3596
CPO Chase Sanford, Recruiting Officer-Central Illinois
Email: chase.sanford@illinois.gov
Phone Number: 217-361-9982
CPO James Hubler, Recruiting Officer-Southern Illinois
Email: james.hubler@illinois.gov
Phone Number: 618-602-8841
