A career as a CO is extremely rewarding for those who have an interest in law enforcement and a desire to protect our natural resources.  A CO must learn to adapt, deal with people, and maintain a professional image at all times.

CO duties vary from season to season.  Day-to-day work primarily consists of dealing with persons recreating out-of-doors.  COs work varied shifts, often outside in inclement weather. Examples of work include: observing and checking hunters and anglers, enforcing regulations governing the operation and use of snowmobiles, off-road vehicles and watercraft; enforcing laws that protect the environment; outdoor recreation safety education; writing criminal case briefs and giving court testimony. As peace officers, COs often deal with people possessing firearms; and on occasion, make physical arrests of criminals who may be intoxicated and/or disorderly. To view the weekly activity reports of COs, go to the DNR Web site under Enforcement at: DNR

Organization: There are approximately 230 COs at various positions and levels throughout the Department of Natural Resources.  Promotional opportunities include specialist and supervisor positions.  Specialist programs include detective, communications, commercial fish, recreational safety and shooting range positions.  Opportunities as a supervisor range from first-line CO supervisors to top-level DNR management

Training:The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certifies CO recruits as peace officers.  Recruit COs attend a 22-week DNR/MCOLES basic police recruit school academy.  Recruit COs receive training to develop skills in:

Legal training is focused on natural resource, constitutional and general criminal laws.  Recruits also receive daily training on physical fitness, stress reaction and ethics.  After completing the academy, recruits participate in an 18-week Probationary Training Program where they work at several temporary field assignments throughout Michigan with Field Training COs.

COs are among the most highly trained law enforcement officers in the nation.  COs receive regular in-service training on:

Field Assignments: COs in the field are assigned to one of Michigan’s 83 counties as their primary work location, depending on DNR operational needs.  Following successful completion of the recruit school and probationary training program, recruit COs will receive their first assignment.  COs may request transfers to other vacant work locations after their one-year probationary period has been completed.

Education Requirements: High school diploma or GED.  Although a college degree is not required at this time, college experience may enhance employment opportunities. Recommended courses include natural resource sciences, criminal justice, sociology and all types of communication arts.  Military experience can result in additional civil service test points that may be beneficial.

Employment Process: The process begins by applying with the Michigan Department of Civil Service and taking the Entry Level Law Enforcement exam #2002.  Obtain a CS application at MDCS Forms .

Pay: As of  10-1-05, CO entry level salary is $36,504.  After five years of progressive step increases, a CO’s salary will reach $52,509, which is the top of the pay range. This does not include overtime opportunities.