LANSING — Anyone interested in pursuing a career as a Michigan conservation officer is encouraged to review eligibility guidelines and submit an application for the Department of Natural Resources 10th conservation officer academy, set to start July 12 at the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Dimondale.

“We are seeking male and female candidates from all backgrounds including military veterans and current law enforcement members who are passionate about the outdoors and interested in protecting the states natural resources and the people who enjoy them, said F/Lt. Jason Wicklund. This academy will teach the recruits the necessary skills they need in order to be successful as conservation officers.”

Jackie Mickovich was one of six women to successfully complete the DNRs 2018 conservation officer academy, graduating last December.

“Completing the Michigan DNR Conservation Officer Academy was extremely rewarding. It was by far the toughest task I have ever gone through,” said Mickovich, who now patrols Muskegon County. “I accomplished things physically and mentally that I did not know I could do. It has all been worth it to become a CO.”

Conservation Officer Cole VanOosten, who now patrols Luce County, also graduated from Recruit School #9 in December.

“Looking back, the academy is one of the best things I have ever gone through and it helped me mature in many aspects of my life,” VanOosten said. “It was not easy, but it transformed me into a better person, as well as a more equipped conservation officer. You receive world-class training and the instructors truly care about making you into the best officer you can be.”

DNR conservation officers serve a distinct role in Michigan’s law enforcement community. They are certified police officers with the authority to enforce all Michigan laws. Conservation officers receive unique training in a wide variety of areas related to the protection of Michigans residents and natural resources. This includes extensive training in game, fish and trapping enforcement, recreational safety, firearms, precision and off-road driving, survival tactics and first aid.

In order to be considered for the academy, an applicant must:

— Be able to lawfully possess a firearm in Michigan.

— Be a United States citizen.

— Be at least 21 years of age before academy graduation.

— Be a Michigan resident before completion of the Probationary Training Program.

— Have a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.

— Submit to a thorough background investigation.

— Have proof of completing the MCOLES physical fitness test at https://www.michigan.gov/mcoles/0,1607,7-229–147713–,00.html?utm_campaign=2020+co+academy+recruiting&utm_medium=pr&utm_source=govdelivery.

During the 23-week academy, recruits will become State of Michigan employees and receive biweekly paychecks. Upon graduation, they will spend an additional 20 weeks training throughout the state. When that training is completed, each officer will receive a county assignment where they will live and work.

Learn more about the conservation officer hiring process and requirements at https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79136_79772_81097—,00.html.