What’s it take to be a natural resources officer? Ohio DNR offering open houses

Columbus — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) invites anyone interested in a meaningful, mission-driven career to attend one of 11 upcoming natural resources officer (NRO) open houses being held across the state.

“Increasing the number of natural resources officers across that state has been an important mission for myself and Gov. Mike DeWine,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “NROs are crucial to ensuring people who explore our great outdoors are safe while protecting and conserving Ohio’s natural spaces.”

These informal sessions offer a unique opportunity to learn what it truly means to serve as an ODNR natural resources officer, a role that blends law enforcement with the protection of Ohio’s natural resources, waterways, and outdoor spaces. Whether participants are just beginning their careers or considering a new professional path, the open houses are designed to provide clear, practical insight into the profession.

“At its core, this career is about service to the public, to Ohio’s public lands and waters, and to future generations,” said Lt. Colonel Pat Brown, ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft. “These open houses give people the chance to ask questions, meet current officers, and see whether this rewarding and challenging role is the right fit for them.”

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During each open house, attendees will have the chance to:

• Explore the NRO hiring process and application timeline

• Learn about physical fitness expectations and training requirements

• Discover specialized units such as investigations, K9, drone operations, and swift water rescue

• Receive application tips and career guidance directly from current officers

• Sign up for a ride-along to experience the job firsthand

Natural resources officers serve throughout Ohio, working in state parks, state forests, state nature preserves, and on waterways to ensure safety, enforce laws, and protect the natural resources that millions of Ohioans and visitors enjoy each year.

Open houses are listed chronologically below:

Wednesday, Feb. 4

East Fork State Park Administrative Office, 3294 Elklick Road, Bethel, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 20

Cowan Lake State Park Conference Room, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 21

Salt Fork State Park Office, 14755 Cadiz Road, Lore City, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Indian Lake State Park Law Enforcement Office, 12774 State Route North 235, Lakeview, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 22

Buckeye Lake State Park Law Enforcement Office, 5490 Lakeshore Drive, Thornville, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 25

Maumee Bay State Park Nature Center, 1400 State Park Road, Oregon, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 27

Buck Creek State Park Office, 1976 Buck Creek Lane, Springfield, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, February 28

Scioto County Field Office, 3261 Kenyon Road, Franklin Furnace, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Alum Creek State Park Law Enforcement Office, 3305 South Old State Road, Delaware, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Deer Creek State Park Office, 20635 State Park Road 20, Mount Sterling, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursday, March 5

Wingfoot Lake State Park Boat Barn, 993 Goodyear Park Boulevard, Mogadore, from 5p.m. to 8 p.m.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance by sending an email to NRORecruitment@dnr.ohio.gov. Questions can also be answered by calling (614) 265-6536.