If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could get paid to roam Shawnee State Forest, protect wildlife, and tell someone they absolutely cannot keep a raccoon as a ‘therapy pet,’” good news — your opportunity has arrived.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has opened applications for the next class of Ohio Wildlife Officers. Up to twelve new officers will be selected statewide, and Scioto County is uniquely positioned because the role includes regular patrols in and around our region’s greatest natural resource: the Shawnee State Forest.
Applications are open now through January 11, 2026, and training for new recruits begins in August 2026.
What Wildlife Officers Actually Do
According to ODNR, the job blends traditional law enforcement with wildlife management. Officers enforce hunting and fishing laws, investigate wildlife complaints, conduct surveys, give presentations to schools and community groups, and often guide people who discover that the Shawnee State Forest hiking trails are, in fact, much longer than they look on Instagram.
In short, it’s a role for someone who enjoys both the outdoors and telling anglers, “Yes, I really do need to see your fishing license.”
Why This Job Appeals to Scioto Countians
The selling point is simple:
Your office is the outdoors.
Not a cubicle. Not the corner of a basement office under a flickering light. Wildlife officers spend their days in Ohio’s most rugged and beautiful spaces. For our region, that means patrolling the hills, trails, and waterways of the Shawnee Forest — a perk that alone draws applicants from across the state.
Scioto County residents who grew up exploring these woods may find the job especially meaningful. Being paid to protect the land you love isn’t an offer that comes along every day.
Who Can Apply
ODNR lists several requirements, including:
- Must be at least 21 years old by the end of Peace Officer Training
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Must have at least one year of college coursework in wildlife, biology, law enforcement, agriculture, or related areas
- OR 18 months of relevant work or military experience
- Must pass physical fitness, psychological, medical, drug, and background screenings
So no, owning three ferrets and a brave cat does not count as “wildlife handling experience.”
Pay Scale: What Officers Earn
Approximate salary ranges based on statewide averages:
- Year 1: $48,000–$54,000
- Year 5: $60,000–$67,000
- Year 10: $70,000–$75,000
Officers also receive overtime opportunities, full state benefits, retirement programs, and the satisfaction of stopping illegal ginseng poachers — a perk that should probably be its own line item.
How to Apply
Applicants can apply through the official Ohio government hiring portal. ODNR recommends applying early because wildlife officer openings typically draw large numbers of passionate outdoorsmen and women.
ODNR also provides detailed role descriptions, training information, and expectations for applicants.
Sidebar: What Exactly Does a Wildlife Officer Do?
Protects Wildlife:
Enforces laws for hunting, fishing, trapping, and habitat protection.
Responds to Complaints:
Everything from “there’s a bear near my house” to “my neighbor keeps bragging about taking too many deer.”
Investigates Violations:
Illegal hunting, habitat damage, wildlife trafficking.
Educates the Public:
School visits, workshops, community outreach.
Patrols Natural Areas:
Shawnee State Forest, lakes, rivers, state parks — essentially anywhere the wildlife roam.
Think of a wildlife officer as equal parts police officer, biologist, educator, and outdoor problem-solver.
