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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
- Out of state applicants can sign up to take the law enforcement exam through the National Testing Network website. Test results are valid for one year.
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:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- References
- Location preference sheet
- Driver's license
- DD214 (military discharge papers - long form), if applicable
- Entry-level law enforcement exam results
- Applicants must pass the physical fitness test and submit the passing score results with the application to advance with the hiring process
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