Minnesota DNR seeks conservation officer applicants

St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR is seeking applicants for its Conservation Officer Prep program, which provides a pathway for people without previous law enforcement experience to become COs. The application period is open from March 2 to March 31.

The CO Prep hiring process is one of the ways the DNR creates a workforce that more closely resembles the diverse communities that COs serve. As part of this process, the DNR’s Enforcement Division will hold two virtual open house sessions for applicants. During the sessions, applicants will attend a presentation on conservation officer careers and the hiring process

The open house sessions will be livestreamed on the Enforcement Division’s Facebook page at noon on Thursday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 17. Each session will also include a Q&A opportunity.

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In accordance with Peace Officer Standard and Training Board licensing requirements, candidates for CO Prep must have at least a two-year degree but don’t need a law enforcement background. Individuals accepted for the CO Prep program will spend 22 weeks training at Hennepin Technical College (late November 2026 through late April 2027), 16 weeks training at the Conservation Officer Academy at Camp Ripley (May through late August 2027), and then four months training in the field with experienced conservation officers (late August through mid-December 2027).

Additional information, including a link to the application, is on the DNR website.

In early summer, the DNR will also seek applications for the 2027 CO Academy from individuals with law enforcement experience.