Indiana Conservation Officer Preparation

Ideally, preparation should start at age 16-18. Eligible applicants must be at least 21 years of age by the date of their prospective appointment as a conservation officer. ILEA graduation is expected to be the fall. There is no maximum age restriction. Those who are hired will be given opportunity to compete for assignment to vacant counties within Indiana based on the current needs of the Law Enforcement Division.

• Demonstrate leadership through community services
  • Hunter education instructor.
  • Boater education instructor.
  • Trapper education instructor.
  • 4-H leader.
  • Sports groups, church groups, civic organizations and professional clubs (Lions, Kiwanis, Eagles, etc.) involvement.
  • Hospital volunteer.
• Establish a positive community reputation
  • Avoid criminal activity.
  • Avoid drug and alcohol abuse.
• Get an education
  • Earn good grades, be involved in activities, build positive teacher and staff relationships, graduate.
  • Be well-read and a good writer and public speaker.
• Establish a positive work history
  • Demonstrate commitment.
  • Build positive relationships.
  • Display willingness to work.
  • Be punctual.
  • Adopt a line of work that shows interest in outdoors/law enforcement.
• Demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, honesty and trustworthiness
  • Get in shape. A quarter of registered candidates withdraw because they can’t pass the training.
  • Make healthy lifestyle choices (for example, refrain from pornography and imprudent social networking).
  • Have positive social relationships.
  • Engage in positive recreational pursuits.
• Demonstrate maturity
  • Maintain bills, payments and daily functions.
  • Display confidence and independent decision making.
• Understand Indiana Conservation Officer duties
  • Demonstrate an appreciation and involvement in outdoor activities.
  • Accept the complexity and diversity of duties such as arresting violent offenders, working at accident scenes, recovering dead bodies and providing first aid. Review duties.
  • Stay up to date with current issues by visiting this website and the DNR Law Enforcement’s Facebook page.
  • Get involved with Karl Kelley Youth Camp, the Indiana Hunter Education Association and other similar camps and groups.