NATURAL RESOURCES CADET

The Natural Resources Cadet position provides young adults who are not yet eligible to apply to become Natural Resources Police Officers, an opportunity to learn and be exposed to all facets of the job as a prospective future Natural Resources Police Officer.

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Statewide

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Natural Resources Police (NRP), is currently accepting applications for NRP Cadets. This is a trainee position that provides an opportunity for men and women, between the ages of 18 and 21, to develop a working knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of a Natural Resources Police Officer. Cadets will work alongside NRP Officers throughout the state. Cadets will also experience working alongside civilian staff in various units within DNR throughout the state. This on the job experience is in anticipation of the Cadet's acceptance and entry into the Natural Resources Police Academy.

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

1. Candidates must be between 17 and 19 years of age to apply for the position, and between 18 and 20 years of age to be hired.

2. Some positions in this classification are assigned duties which will require the individual to be examined by a physician. After an offer of employment, candidates for such positions will be given a medical examination to certify the ability to perform the essential job functions. The examination may include strength and agility tests.

3. Candidates will be subject to an intensive background investigation, including fingerprint checks. An unsatisfactory reference check or police record may cause removal of the candidate’s name from the eligible list.

4. Candidates must be citizens of the United States and establish residence in the State of Maryland prior to appointment.

5. Candidates must have access to the use of a motor vehicle for official State business when deemed necessary by the agency.

6. Employees in this classification are subject to assignment in any area of State.

7. Employees are subject to call-in 24 hours a day and, therefore, will be required to provide the employing agency with a telephone number where they can be reached. Appointees must be available for duty on around-the-clock shifts and in emergencies.

8. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

9. Employees are subject to rotating assignments in any combination of DNR or NRP specific programs such as DNR Communications; Parks; Fisheries; Wildlife Forestry Service; NRP Academy; Headquarters; Investigations; Field Operations; or Maintenance and Supply for a minimum of six months.

10. Upon reaching the age of twenty-one, and having served in the program for a minimum of six months, cadets shall seek appointment to the next available NRP Academy class. Cadets determined to be ineligible for appointment as an NRP Officer Candidate will be terminated from the Cadet Program.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will move forward in the process by taking a physical fitness (standards can be found on the NRP Website) and written test. Those applicants who pass both tests will move forward in the process which includes:

• Extensive Background Investigation
• Truth Verification Exam
• Drug Screening
• Oral Interview
• Medical Examination
• Psychological Examination

Applicants will be placed on an eligibility list for at least one year based on a comprehensive review of all elements of the process by a Police Selection Committee. Applicants who meet the qualifications will be ranked in one of the three categories:  Best Qualified, Better Qualified or Qualified.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

You will be required to complete and submit a State application AND supplemental questionnaire to be considered for this recruitment. The online application is preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to:

Department of Natural Resources
Human Resources
580 Taylor Avenue, C-3
Annapolis, MD 21401

The Human Resources Department is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.

Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted.

Inquiries regarding this recruitment can be directed to Chuck Hecker at charles.hecker@maryland.gov  

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.