Interested in a career in law enforcement?
Find your future, live the life.
N.C. Wildlife Law Enforcement has protected the public and provided conservation since 1947. Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers enforce state and federal game, fish and boating laws in the state of North Carolina.
It's not just a job, it's a calling! You will be part of a tight-knit family of over 200 highly-skilled, professional officers who are responsible for law enforcement off the pavement. Do you have what it takes to join our team?
Take your career to wild places.
Applicant Requirements
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Be 20 years old before taking the state Basic Law Enforcement Training Exam.
- Take a standardized reading comprehension assessment and score at the 10th grade level or higher.
- Undergo a thorough background investigation, including a complete criminal history check.
- Pass police officers physical ability assessment.
- Complete 30-week basic training academy.
Traditional Program
- All interested applicants with no law enforcement experience.
- Interested applicants who have not received a NC general law enforcement certification (completion of BLET and at least 1 year of sworn law enforcement experience)
- Interested applicants who are enrolled in or who have completed BLET but who will not have their NC general law enforcement certification prior to date of hire.
Accelerated Program
- Interested applicants who possess a current and valid general law enforcement certification issued by NC Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards (a minimum of one year of NC sworn law enforcement experience) or will meet this requirement by their hire date.
- Interested applicants must meet the requirements of lateral transfers as set out by NC Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards.
Training and Certification
All wildlife officer candidates are required to pass an extensive background, psycho-logical and physical screening prior to entering an accredited training academy conducted by the Law Enforcement Division. Each wildlife officer holds a basic law enforcement training certification.
Required Physical Capabilities
In addition to being in an excellent physical condition, candidates must meet vision, hearing, and other sensory perception standards. Maintaining a healthy physical regimen is a required part of job performance upon becoming a wildlife officer. The initial phase of the application process consists of a modified police officer's physical abilities assessment.
Modified Police Officers Physical Abilities Assessment
Recruit Training Academy and Field Training Assignments
The majority of the basic law enforcement training is held at the Samarcand Training Academy in Jackson Springs, NC. Recruits are housed in dorms with fellow recruits. The training is highly structured, with physical training most mornings. The training academy usually begins in January with graduation in late July.
Preferred Qualifications
- A thorough knowledge of fish and wildlife species native to North Carolina.
- An understanding of NCWRC-regulated activities, including boating, fishing, hunting, and trapping.
- A physical training routine while awaiting an application opportunity.
- Criminal justice courses at the university or community college level.
Wildlife Officers Benefits
- Competitive salary and advancement opportunities.
- Paid holidays and military leave.
- Specialized training.
- Agency-issued, take-home patrol vehicle.
NCWRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.