Title: Conservation Police Officer (Probationary)

State Role Title: Law Enforcement Officer I

Hiring Range: starting salary $54,106 (non-negotiable)

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept of Wildlife Resources

Location: Dept of Wildlife Resources

Agency Website: www.dwr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Conservation Police Officers

***This posting is for multiple vacancies across various regions in Virginia.
***The Conservation Police Basic Academy is scheduled to begin February 2026.
We are accepting applications from all candidates including current Virginia DCJS Certified Law Enforcement Officers. Virginia Conservation Police (VCP) offers a comprehensive Career Progression Program (CPP).
Top candidates will be hired as Probationary Law Enforcment Officer with advancement opportunities to Law Enforcement Officer after successfully completing the probationary period.

DWR Conservation Police Officers provide a full range of law enforcement services pertaining to wildlife, fish and boating; to recognize and appropriately address public safety concerns while providing such services; to provide presentations, exhibits and programs to the public that support the Agency’s mission.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of law enforcement practices and procedures as they apply to wildlife and fisheries management and recreational boating. Demonstrated ability to use law enforcement equipment, vehicles, and boats safely and proficiently; to understand laws and regulations, to comply with agency and division policy and procedures; to plan and conduct law enforcement operations; to conduct thorough investigations; to recognize, collect and preserve evidence; to interpret and apply complex laws, regulations and court rulings; to provide legally relevant court testimony; to effect a forcible arrest; to communicate effectively in an inclusive and diverse work environment; to work cooperatively with agency staff; to deal courteously and tactfully with the public; to provide educational presentations; to meet the physical demands of the job. Maintain a working knowledge of criminal laws, rules of evidence, lawful search and seizure, court rulings, opinions of the Attorney General, and law enforcement practices as they apply to the enforcement of fish, wildlife and boat laws and regulations. Must work rotating schedules, weekends, and holidays. Maintain the Residence Requirements by establishing and occupying a primary residence that is within 20 driving miles from any border of his/her duty station boundary.

Additional Considerations

Considerable years of relevant experience (work or volunteerism)
Current Virginia DCJS Law Enforcement certifications.
Career Readiness Certificate (CRC); Bilingual Community involvement

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Applicants who submit an incomplete application or an application without an attached resume will not be considered eligible for an interview.

Ensure that all required documents and your completed application are submitted online by 11:55PM on the "Job Close Date". to be considered for this great opportunity in developing your career path within Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources.

 
****Faxed, emailed, and mailed applications will not be accepted for consideration.

****Cover letters will be accepted in conjunction with completed application and resume.

DWR is an equal opportunity employer who values diversity in the workforce. All qualified applicants are afforded equal opportunities without regard to race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability.  Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities, if requested during the application and/or interview process.  If accommodations are needed with, he application and/or interview, please contact Human Resources Office at 804-367-0243.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process.

DWR is a proud member of Virginia Values VETERAN PROGRAM. Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability.
If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use the link:
https://www.vadars.org/dars/cpid/PWContact.aspx. Or call DARS at 800-552-5019 or DBVI at 800-822-2155.

Contact Information

Name: Marlo Gibson

Phone: 8043670243

Email: careers@dwr.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.