Careers  >  Become an Enforcement Officer

Academy Applications Expected to Open May 1, 2024

 

Virtual Recruitment Event on April 22, 2024

Take Your Career to Wild Places

 

Interested in learning more about Law Enforcement Off The Pavement?  Contact 919-707-0030 or email: enforcementjobs@ncwildlife.org 

 

Virtual Recruitment Event - April 12, 2023 (Recorded Session Below)

The presentation covered duties, responsibilities, application process and Q&A session.

 

We appreciate your interest in becoming a Law Enforcement Officer with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. 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 joining a tight knit family of over 200 highly skilled, and professional officers who are responsible for law enforcement off the pavement.  Do you have what it takes to join our team?


View the Recruiting Flyer

View the Recruiting Flyer

Academy Applications Expected to Open May 1, 2024

 

61st Basic Academy Overview

  • The 61st Basic Academy will consist of both a traditional program and an accelerated program which will run concurrently. Both programs are expected to start between December 2024 & January 2025. The accelerated program is for current law enforcement officers applying for lateral entry in to North Carolina Wildlife Law Enforcement.
  • The traditional program will be comprised of 18+ weeks of Basic Law Enforcement Training(BLET) as well as 12 weeks of wildlife specific training. The traditional program will be hosted at the Wildlife Training Center at the Samarcand Training Academy in Jackson Springs, NC.
  • The accelerated program will complete the first two weeks at the Wildlife Training Center at the Samarcand Training Academy in Jackson Springs, NC. The following 18+ weeks will consist of on the job training in the county in which they applied and were selected for.
  • Once the traditional program completes the 18+ weeks of BLET portion of the Academy, the accelerated program trainees will join back with the traditional program and complete the remaining 10 weeks of wildlife specific training at the Wildlife Training Center at the Samarcand Training Academy in Jackson Springs, NC. The 61st Basic Academy is expected to graduate in late July 2025.
  • The accelerated program trainees will complete 3 months of field training in their assigned county. The traditional program trainees will complete 6 months of field training in 1 of the 100 counties across the state based on the openings at the time of placement.

 

Traditional Program (30 weeks)

  • Have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Be 20 years old before taking the state
  • Basic Law Enforcement Training Exam
    (Tentatively Scheduled for May 9th 2025).
  • Take a standardized reading comprehension assessment and score at the 10th grade level or higher.
  • Pass police officers physical ability assessment.
  • Undergo a thorough background investigation, including a complete criminal history check.
  • Complete 30-week basic training academy. (December 2024/January 2025 through July/August 2025).
  • Assigned anywhere in the state based on available positions after the successful completion of the 30 week Academy and 6 months of field training.
  • Paid throughout training

Accelerated Program (12 weeks)

  • Have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Hold a current General Law Enforcement Certification in NC from CJ Training & Standards (minimum 1 year sworn law enforcement experience).
  • Take a standardized reading comprehension assessment and score at the 10th grade level or higher.
  • Pass police officers physical ability assessment.
  • Undergo a thorough background investigation, including a complete criminal history check.
  • Complete 12-week basic training academy. (2 weeks in (December 2024/January 2025) & (10 weeks from May 2025 through July 2025).
  • Assigned to the county applied and hired for.
  • Paid throughout training

61st Basic Academy Accelerated Program Projected Openings by County:

  • Hyde
  • Washington
  • Tyrell
  • Beaufort
  • Pitt
  • Northampton
  • Durham
  • Gaston
  • Graham
 
 

 

Standards Required for Criminal Justice Employment

Law Enforcement Certification: Applicants

  

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 officers physical abilities assessment.

Medical Screening Guide 

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 Eagle 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.

 

Additional Recommendations

  • While not required, criminal justice courses at the university or community college level are recommended prior to application.
  • A thorough knowledge of fish and wildlife species native to North Carolina is preferred.
  • Recruits receive basic law enforcement training (BLET) curriculum mandated by the department of justice, training standards division, during the training academy. so in most cases, prior BLET certification is not necessary.
  • It is strongly recommended for candidates to maintain a physical training routine while awaiting application opportunity.

 

Wildlife Officers Receive

  • Competitive salary and advancement opportunities.
  • Paid holidays and military leave.
  • Specialized training.
  • Agency-issued take home patrol vehicle.

 

If you are interested in taking your career “off the pavement” call 919-707-0030 for more information, or email us at enforcementjobs@ncwildlife.org.

NCWRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.