Michigan DNR Seeks Conservation Officer Candidates

LANSING (AP) -- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking for a few good conservation officers.

An academy for prospective officers will be held next July at the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Dimondale.

Recruit school commander Sgt. Jason Wicklund says applicants must meet criteria such as being able to lawfully possess a firearm, having a clean criminal record and passing a physical fitness test.

After graduating from the academy, recruits are paired with experienced conservation officers for 20 weeks of field training.

Conservation officers are responsible for protecting the state's natural resources, which includes enforcement of game, fish and trapping laws.

They also act as first responders in emergency situations such as searches for missing persons and rescuing people trapped on ice.