Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer I

Agency

Wildlife Resource Commission

Division

Enforcement

Job Classification Title

Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer I (S)

Position Number

Grade

SW04

About Us

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is the state government agency created to conserve and sustain the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use and public input. The NCWRC is the regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of North Carolina’s fishing, hunting, trapping, and boating laws. The agency has an operational budget of approximately $100 million and employs approximately 700 full-time staff and 100 seasonal temporary staff across the state, including wildlife and fisheries biologists and technicians, wildlife law enforcement officers, wildlife educators, communication specialists, and customer service, information technology and administrative professionals. The NCWRC Mission is to conserve North Carolina’s wildlife resources and their habitats and provide programs and opportunities that allow hunters, anglers, boaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy wildlife-associated recreation.

Description of Work

Work in this class involves the statewide enforcement of game, fish, and boating laws and regulations and federal laws as directed in the MOU with the USFWS. On lands owned or leased by the agency, Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers have extended law enforcement and investigatory responsibilities. During a state of emergency, Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers and equipment are directed toward unified emergency operations. Enforcement work involves patrol and surveillance operations to uncover hunting, fishing, boating and trapping violations. Independently organizes regular patrols, apprehends, cites, and testifies against violators. Checks for required license, proper firearms, applicable bag or creel limits, possession limits, proper methods of take, closed season violations, boat registration compliance, required boating safety equipment, and overall safe boating operation. Follows up on investigative leads or information developed during an investigation. Prepares case documentation to include evidence documentation, interview statements, and field notes. Work is performed during day and night hours in all types of weather and following a schedule that includes weekends and holidays. Includes collection, labeling, securing, and presentation of evidence as well as professional testimony in a court of law. Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers maintain professional relationships with District Attorneys, Defense Attorneys, Judges, and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers collaborate with other departments in the agency to enforce laws, ensure public safety, or to assist in activities that support the agency’s strategic goals and mission. Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers investigate applications for administrative licenses and permits to ensure compliance with agency standards. Establish and maintain basic relationships with community, Wildlife Service Agents, hunters and anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts. Coordinates and provides instruction in hunting safety and boating safety in accordance with agency policy and NCGS. Extensive public contact to resolve human and wildlife interactions. Communicates to hunters, anglers and boaters changes in NC General Statute and referenced federal laws, NC Administrative Code and local laws. Represents the agency at public events. Work is generally limited to one to three counties for which the employee is the only Wildlife Enforcement Officer on duty. Because of this, Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers act as back up to officers in other counties and often work collaboratively with officers and supervisors from other work units and other law enforcement agencies.

*Applicants hired prior to completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training and NC Probationary Law Enforcement Certification will be limited to recruit assignments until the training and certification are both complete. These recruits will perform tasks such as shadowing certified police officers, studying policies and procedures, and performing administrative tasks.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) Law Enforcement Division is accepting applications for the 62nd Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer Basic Academy. We anticipate hiring 18–25 Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers statewide. The Academy includes two tracks:
• Traditional Program – Full Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) plus wildlife-specific training.
• Accelerated Program – Wildlife-specific training for applicants with current NC law enforcement certification and at least one year of sworn experience.

APPLY for the 62nd NC Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer Basic Academy TODAY! The deadline to apply is April 30, 2026, at 5:00 pm.

RECRUITMENT RANGE: $52,248 - $72,811
Current Starting Salary $52,248 (potential increase pending NC Legislative budget approval).

Key Responsibilities of Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers:
• Patrol fields, forests, and inland waters by vehicle, boat, ATV, and on foot.
• Enforce hunting, fishing, and boating laws; seize illegal equipment and game/fish.
• Investigate violations, make arrests, and testify in court.
• Conduct safety checks on boats and assist in search and rescue operations.
• Instruct boating and hunting safety courses.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure public safety and resource conservation.

Basic Academy Timeline (Traditional Program)
• April 2026: Applications accepted; deadline April 30.
• Summer–Fall 2026: Pre-Academy screenings (fitness, reading, drug, medical, psychological).
• January 2027: Academy begins January; 30-week program at Samarcand Training Academy (Moore County).
• June 2027: State BLET exam (tentatively June 9).
• Summer 2027: Graduation (July), followed by six months of field training statewide.

Minimum Requirements (Traditional Program)
• High School diploma or GED.
• At least 20 years old by BLET exam date (June 2027).
• Valid NC driver’s license.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Ability to meet NC Criminal Justice Training & Standards certification within one year.

Basic Academy Timeline (Accelerated Program)
• April 2026: Applications accepted; deadline April 30.
• Fall 2026–Spring 2027: Pre-Academy screenings and conditional offers.
• May 2027: Academy begins; 10–12 weeks of wildlife-specific training at Samarcand Training Academy.
• Summer 2027: Graduation (July), followed by six months of field training (statewide or county-specific).

Minimum Requirements (Accelerated Program)
• Current NC general law enforcement certification with at least one year of sworn experience (or meet by hire
date).
• Valid NC driver’s license.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must meet NC Criminal Justice lateral transfer requirements.

Additional Notes
•All applicants must pass background checks, drug screening, physical fitness assessment (Modified POPAT), medical and psychological exams, and a reading comprehension test.
•Graduates are sworn in as Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers and must complete six months of field training.
•Positions may require relocation statewide. Accelerated program positions will be tied to specific counties based on current vacancies at the time of hire.
•Anyone interested in applying as an Accelerated program applicant should apply for this job posting and will be updated on the specific county vacancies throughout the hiring process.
•All 62nd Academy Wildlife Officers Recruits are hired at the same salary range, regardless of education and experience.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

High school or General Education Development (GED) diploma.

Necessary Special Qualifications:

Must be at least 20 years of age or turn 20 years of age before taking the State Exam at the completion of the Basic Training School.

Possession of a valid NC Driver's License.

Must meet the applicable education, employment, and training standards as administered through the NC Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission or the ability to achieve certification within one year of employment.

SUPPLEMENTAL and CONTACT INFORMATION:

All applicants applying for employment opportunities must create and submit a comprehensive candidate profile using State of North Carolina Careers for the State of North Carolina.  All Required Education and Experience must be included in the candidate profile to receive consideration during the selection and salary administration processes.
 

*The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer*
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is committed to maintaining a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. NCWRC strives to ensure that all employment practices are implemented in a manner that is equitable to all applicants and employees.
 

Applicants requesting and receiving an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible to submit paper applications via mail or by fax reference the contact information below. All applicants should indicate the position number and job title in the section "Jobs Applied For".
 

Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 Form, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty along with your application.
 

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference (to include North Carolina Army National Guard & North Carolina Air National Guard) must attach a copy of the NGB 23A (RPAS) or a copy of the DD256 or NGB 22 along with your application.
 

*Degrees must be received from institutions appropriately accredited by the U.S. Department of Education*
If you have started a college degree program but have not completed it – please document the number of Semester CREDIT HOURS you have completed in the Education section of your application

*State Employee Benefits*
We value our employees and offer a wide variety of competitive and family-friendly benefits. Learn more about employee resources, safety, health and wellness information, leave options, employee discounts and more by visiting the NC OSHR website.NC OSHR: Benefits
 

*Employment Eligibility*
It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and the Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).
 

*For More Information*
For more information about the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, visit the WRC website. Home Page | NC Wildlife

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Lenora Cone Murphy

Recruiter Email:

LENORA.MURPHY@NCWILDLIFE.GOV