Natural Resource Officer I - Recreation Ranger

Natural Resource Officer I(Ranger)
While working as a Natural Resource Officer (Ranger) for the Division of Law Enforcement, you will have the opportunity to enjoy all that Utah's great outdoors has to offer. As a Natural Resource Officer, you will provide your services, in a law enforcement capacity, to protect the state's vital outdoor recreational and wildlife opportunities by ensuring state recreation and wildlife conservation laws and regulations are adhered to. This recruitment is for multiple positions located statewide. Natural Resource Officers may be assigned to any district throughout Utah based on agency needs and operational priorities.

For additional information on becoming a Natural Resource Officer, go to: https://wildlife.utah.gov/become-an-officer.html

As a Natural Resource Officer (Ranger), you will:

• Patrol assigned Natural Resource Officer District and crew area enforcing state outdoor recreation laws and regulations
• Enforce Utah wildlife conservation laws and regulations
• Conduct investigations, interviews, and interrogations related to outdoor recreation violations
• Compile reports and documentation associated with citations, investigations, and other job-related duties
• Assist with law enforcement outreach efforts such as school programs and media communications
• Build positive working relationships with other law enforcement agencies throughout the state

Preference may be given to candidates who have:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in natural resource management, criminal justice, recreation management, or a related field
• Five (5) years of full-time law enforcement experience as a Park Ranger, Conservation Officer/Game Warden, or certified Police Officer (LEO)
• Military experience or natural resources-related work experience
• Post-high school education

Preferred skills:

• Experience with ATV, UTV, OHV, dirt bike, boat, and/or PWC operation
• Familiarity with hunting, fishing, and/or trapping
• Ability to interact positively and professionally with the public
• Skill in deescalating tense or high-stress situations

Minimum requirements:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must pass a background check, drug test, polygraph, psychological and medical evaluations
• Must meet Utah POST standards (including physical fitness and swim tests)
• Must complete Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification if not already certified (training provided)
• Must live within 50 miles of assigned Ranger district (or be willing to relocate)

Why You Should Join Our Team
Employment with the Division of Law Enforcement as a Natural Resource Officer is a highly sought after and professional career. It offers the opportunity to see various locations throughout the state while interacting with passionate outdoor recreationists while protecting the state's natural resources through the enforcement of outdoor recreation laws and regulations. While the job is demanding, the work is shared by a cohesive group of rangers that have similar passions relating to Utah's natural resources and its preservation. One would be hard pressed to find a career elsewhere that offers the diversity and level of job satisfaction that is provided while being a recreation ranger. If you want a job that is fun, yet challenging and pushes you to improve yourself, has an outdoor office, a diverse work environment and the ability to build lifelong relationships with like-minded individuals, this is the career for you.
Candidates are encouraged to recognize this career is a full-time, State of Utah law enforcement profession. Please DO NOT apply for this position if you do not want to be a police officer.

Benefits: Full benefits package, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement plan, and paid leave to include annual, sick and holiday pay.

Special Working Conditions

• Work may include exposure to extreme weather conditions, heights, and remote terrain
• May involve verbal and physical threats
• Regular physical exertion required, including hiking, lifting up to 50 lbs., and running
• Must work variable schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Use of firearms and law enforcement tools is required
• Must respond to time-sensitive incidents at any hour
• This is a statewide recruitment for multiple full-time law enforcement positions
• Motivated, self-disciplined, and remains calm in stressful situations
• Can work independently in harsh conditions with limited supervision
• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Is willing to regularly work weekends and holidays
• Accepts direction and is eager to learn new skills