Job Duties

Conservation Police Officers

***This posting is for multiple vacancies across various regions in Virginia.
***The Conservation Police Basic Academy is scheduled to begin February 2026.

We are accepting applications from all candidates including current Virginia DCJS Certified Law Enforcement Officers. Virginia Conservation Police (VCP) offers a comprehensive Career Progression Program (CPP).
Top candidates will be hired as Probationary Law Enforcment Officer with advancement opportunities to Law Enforcement Officer after successfully completing the probationary period.

DWR Conservation Police Officers provide a full range of law enforcement services pertaining to wildlife, fish and boating; to recognize and appropriately address public safety concerns while providing such services; to provide presentations, exhibits and programs to the public that support the Agency’s mission.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of law enforcement practices and procedures as they apply to wildlife and fisheries management and recreational boating. Demonstrated ability to use law enforcement equipment, vehicles, and boats safely and proficiently; to understand laws and regulations, to comply with agency and division policy and procedures; to plan and conduct law enforcement operations; to conduct thorough investigations; to recognize, collect and preserve evidence; to interpret and apply complex laws, regulations and court rulings; to provide legally relevant court testimony; to effect a forcible arrest; to communicate effectively in an inclusive and diverse work environment; to work cooperatively with agency staff; to deal courteously and tactfully with the public; to provide educational presentations; to meet the physical demands of the job. Maintain a working knowledge of criminal laws, rules of evidence, lawful search and seizure, court rulings, opinions of the Attorney General, and law enforcement practices as they apply to the enforcement of fish, wildlife and boat laws and regulations. Must work rotating schedules, weekends, and holidays. Maintain the Residence Requirements by establishing and occupying a primary residence that is within 20 driving miles from any border of his/her duty station boundary.

Additional Considerations

• Considerable years of relevant experience (work or volunteerism)
• Current Virginia DCJS Law Enforcement certifications.
• Career Readiness Certificate (CRC); Bilingual Community involvement