Associate Degree or higher in Conservation, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Forestry, Sociology, Wildlife Resources, or other job related field, 4 or more years of relevant work or volunteer experience may be substituted for education; Current Virginia DCJS Law Enforcement certification; Interest in hunting, fishing, boating and other outdoor activities; Career Readiness Certificate (CRC); Bi-lingual; Community involvement.

Yes. An applicant’s experience in these areas is considered relevant work/volunteer experience and is taken into account.

Yes. DWR is a Virginians Values Veterans (V3) employer and applicants with military service are given preference in the hiring process.

The starting salary for conservation police officers is $45,500. New officers receive their full salary while attending basic training. New hires who are currently certified as a Virginia DCJS Law Enforcement Officer will receive a $2,000 sign on bonus.

Yes. All new hire conservation police officers are required to attend the department’s 26 week Basic Training Program in Henrico, Virginia. Those who are current Virginia law enforcement officers with DCJS Law Enforcement Certification will attend the 14 week Modified Training Program.

The Virginia Conservation Police Law Enforcement Basic Training Academy is approximately 26 weeks in length. During this time, recruit officers are assigned to our Headquarters in Henrico, VA. Our independent training academy provides for a longer period of time to instill the agency culture, philosophy, and expectations in newly hired recruit officers. Our basic training academy sessions provide an opportunity to develop positive relationships and esprit de corps with classmates. These relationships carry on into their careers with the agency.

The Department provides 7 day a week lodging at no cost to the recruit officer during their training period and a state vehicle for official use. This lodging is conveniently located to dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Academy courses are primarily delivered in the training room at DWR headquarters, located in Henrico, Virginia. Recruit officers can plan to receive training during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. There are a few weeks when training is received out of the area, as well as occasional weekends and nights. These off-site training sessions are conducted when field or specialized conditions are required (driver training, firearms, control tactics, tactical tracking, boat school, etc.).

Most training days begin with an hour of physical training prior to arriving at the training room. These sessions consist of running, calisthenics, swimming, and various other workout regimens. At the beginning of the training day, the recruit officer class assembles into formation and their sergeant or lieutenant will conduct an inspection and share information regarding the day’s plan. The recruit officer class will become proficient in drill and ceremony. The class will be divided into squads, with squad leader assignments rotating weekly, providing an opportunity to develop and exercise leadership skills.

Respect, discipline, and accountability will be strictly enforced during the academy. Recruit officers will be tested weekly on topics being taught during the academy. Failure to meet academic, discipline, or fitness requirements, will result in dismissal from employment with the Department.

Yes. A list of anticipated duty stations is available below and may be updated to meet agency needs. Applicants will have the opportunity to state which duty stations they wish to be considered for.

• Albemarle
• Augusta
• Brunswick
• Greensville
• Henry
• Highland
• King William
• Louisa x 2
• Lunenburg
• Madison
• Mathews
• Mecklenburg
• Northumberland
• Pulaski
• City of Richmond
• Roanoke County
• Rockbridge
• Russell
• Westmoreland
• Wythe
• York

Applicants will be given their county of assignment in the conditional offer letter. The conditional offer is made prior to the medical screening. Applicants are encouraged to keep in mind that the role of a CPO can vary considerably depending on duty station and time of year.

Conservation Police Officers are required to reside either in their county/city of assignment or within 20 air miles from the county/city boundary of their assignment as long as the drive time does not exceed 30 minutes.

We anticipate filing 22 vacancies from this announcement. This number may change based on staffing levels and budget considerations.

Application, initial screening, LawFit (physical agility course), written testing, polygraph examination, background investigation, panel interview, medical screening, psychological screening.

The schedule of a CPO is variable and changes to address seasonal patrol needs. Officers can expect to have off 2 weekends a month and are given flexibility in their daily schedules. This flexibility includes varying start/stop times and working split shifts. District supervisors are responsible for determining the monthly district schedule and work closely with their officers to incorporate day off preferences and coverage needs.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Training and Recruiting Section for more information. We can be reached at [email protected] or 804-367-3443.