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Hiring Process

Hiring Process

STEP 1: ENTRY-LEVEL LAW ENFORCEMENT EXAM

The written law enforcement examination evaluates an individual's skills, knowledge and abilities related to elements of law enforcement positions.

Note: The entry-level law enforcement exam is currently only administered online through the National Testing Network.

MICHIGAN APPLICANTS

  • Applicants residing in Michigan who have successfully completed the civil service exam within the past five years can submit their civil service exam results.
  • If you have questions regarding your previous civil service examination, please call the Michigan Civil Service Commission at 1-800-788-1766.
  • Michigan applicants that do not have a valid (within five years) civil service exam must complete the law enforcement exam available through the National Testing Network website, which is valid for one year.

OUT OF STATE APPLICANTS

A practice test is available for purchase at frontlinetest.com.

You must pass the exam in order to advance to step 2.

STEP 2: MCOLES PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST

  • Applicants must take and pass the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) physical fitness test before submitting their job application.
  • Applicants must pass the physical fitness test and submit the passing score results with the application to advance with the hiring process.
  • You may submit a pre-existing MCOLES test if it is dated within 180 days from the job posting end date.
  • View the MCOLES schedule, requirements and sign-up for a test date at Michigan.gov/MCOLES. You will be required to contact the test site directly to schedule your own fitness test.

STEP 3: APPLICATION

The next step is to submit an application. Make sure to use a valid email address on your application as that is how we will communicate with you throughout the entire hiring process. The following documents must be attached to your application:

If you are selected to advance in the hiring process, you will be contacted via email by the DNR Law Enforcement Division with additional instructions.

STEP 4: DNR LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION ORIENTATION

On orientation day, DNR Law Enforcement Division staff will answer all of your questions, including:

  • Selection and hiring process
  • Conservation Officer Recruit School Academy
  • Probationary and continued training programs
  • Expectations
  • General job information

Every attempt will be made to ensure you understand the process, training and the duties of a conservation officer.

Step 5: PRE-SCREENING INTERVIEW

If selected to move forward in the process you must participate in a pre-screening interview. These interviews may be held virtually due to COVID-19 precautions. You will be emailed information about your interview date, time, location, further instructions, and a list of items to bring with you or have available to you at the time of your interview.

STEP 6: BACKGROUND CHECK

Applicants who successfully complete the Step 5 pre-screening interview will be required to complete an online personal history questionnaire. After the questionnaire is complete, your file will be forwarded to a division background investigator to complete an in-depth and exhaustive background investigation. Documentation submitted during the application process will be compared to original documents during your background investigation.

STEP 7: FINAL INTERVIEW

After the background investigation is complete, you will receive an email with the results of your background investigation and may be scheduled for a final interview.

STEP 8: MEDICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND FITNESS EVALUATIONS

Successful applicants will receive a conditional offer of employment which requires the applicant to pass a psychological test, MCOLES medical, hearing and eye exam and drug screening prior to being hired.

You must also pass a second pre-enrollment MCOLES physical fitness test prior to the start of the academy, which will be administered by DNR Law Enforcement Division staff.

STEP 9: ACADEMY AND TRAINING

Upon successfully completing steps 1-8, applicants will receive a conditional offer of employment. If the applicant accepts this offer and associated requirements, they will be hired as full-time State of Michigan employees and begin training.

Training consists of completing the Conservation Officer Recruit School Academy, followed by field training and specialized training in the areas of:

  • Marine
  • Off-road vehicles
  • Fish & game
  • Waterfowl identification and enforcement