Have a passion for protecting our great natural resources? Learn how to become a Conservation Police Officer below!

New Jersey’s Conservation Police Officers (CPO) have the same authority and responsibilities as other full-time police officers. They serve as the law enforcement “off the black top,” focusing on the protection of our state’s natural resources, wildlife and the people who enjoy or make their living from these natural resources. Because of the technical nature of these additional responsibilities, CPOs must meet specific educational requirements in addition to the basic requirements for becoming a law enforcement officer in the State of New Jersey. These educational standards are listed in the job specification and below.

Applicants must meet the physical conditioning standard required for all law enforcement trainees who will be enrolled in a Police Training Commission accredited police academy. Applicants are urged to review and prepare for the Physical Training Standards for Trainees well in advance of the application period. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a passing performance in all the physical fitness standards to advance in the hiring process.

Applicants will be subject to a rigorous background investigation to assess their moral character and suitability for a career in law enforcement. Failure to provide complete and honest personal history will result in removal from the process. Certain past criminal convictions or negative history may result in automatic disqualification. Candidates cannot have any tattoo on the hands, neck, head, or face, nor any tattoo that is offensive in nature or insulting to any protected class.

Candidates who successfully pass the physical conditioning test and background investigation are invited to participate in a graded Pre-employment Interview. Selected applicants then receive conditional offers of employment. Appointment to the Conservation Police Officer position is conditioned on the successful completion of a psychological exam, medical exam, and drug test.

Shortly after their hire date CPOs will begin the Basic Course for Police Officers at a county police academy. We anticipate enrolling officers hired in the Cape May County Police Academy. CPOs will reside at the Cape May County Police Academy Sunday evening through Friday afternoon. Successful completion of the 21-week academy will result in a Police Training Commission Certification. After the academy, officers will attend a three month “Game Warden School” where they will learn New Jersey’s fish and wildlife laws and skills specific to wildlife conservation law enforcement. CPOs then move on to a three-month Field Training Program. They are paired with a Field Training Officer to learn how to implement the knowledge and skills they have learned thus far.

Conservation Police Officers earn a salary of $66,302 for their first year and receive health and dental benefits after 60 days of employment. Employees also receive paid vacation, holiday, personal and sick days. With annual step increases, the current top salary for a CPO 1 is $101,510.

CPOs work a 35-hour work week, which includes weekends and holidays. An officer’s days off are typically two consecutive weekdays. They must establish their residence in their patrol area within 9 months after completing the Police Academy.

CPOs are eligible for enrollment in the Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS) if they applied to the current Notice of Vacancy before the age of 35. Prior military or law enforcement service may extend an officer’s eligibility beyond the age of 35. Officers hired after the age of 35 are eligible for enrollment in the Public Employees Retirement System.