Law and Law Enforcement (Natural & Cultural Resources)

Within law and law enforcement jobs you will protect cultural, natural, and historical resources. You will conduct security evaluations, formulate security policy for DOI structures and procedures, and analyze the effectiveness of security practices. You will also maintain, test, and evaluate Physical Security components such as Access Control, CCTV, and Intrusion Detection systems. You may expand to preventing crime and maintaining law and order on public lands. Your presence can be a deterrent to wrongdoing, and help detect, investigate and respond to crimes ranging from misdemeanors to traffic, fish and game or tribal law violations, to felonies.

Industry Insights

A high-level pulse check on talent demand, projected growth, compensation, and how work typically happens across this pathway.

Pathway intensity

Workforce (US)

84%

Projected Growth

Typical Compensation

64%

Primary Work Mode

33%

Workforce (US)

826,800Jobs (2024)

relative scale

Estimated employment nationwide in 2024

Projected Growth

3%Growth (2024‑34)

Projected change in employment through 2034

Typical Compensation

$81,000

Entry Level$45,000

Experienced$117,000

Earning Potential+160%

Mid-career annual salary (nationwide median)

Primary Work Mode

Field

How the work is typically performed

Seasonality

Year‑round

SPR

SUM

FAL

WIN

Shift‑based including nights and weekends

Career Pathways & Progression

Entry Level

Position Responsibilities

Entry‑level positions often serve as seasonal or trainee roles. Individuals patrol public lands, assist fully commissioned officers, interact with visitors, and learn field procedures under supervision. Trainees attend a Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy (PRLEA) or state POST academy for approximately 650-680 hours and must complete background, medical, and fitness screenings.

Job Types & Titles

Seasonal Law Enforcement Park Ranger (Type II Commission)
Game Warden Recruit / Conservation Officer Trainee
Law Enforcement Technician
Park Ranger Intern

Qualifications Snapshot

Education

High school diploma or some college coursework in criminal justice, natural resources, or wildlife science.

Certifications

Completion of a Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy (PRLEA) or state POST academy; CPR/First Aid certification; Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Emergency Medical Responder (EMR).

Experience

No prior experience; internships or volunteer service in parks/wildlife agencies are beneficial.

Technician

Position Responsibilities

Technician‑level professionals are fully commissioned officers who patrol and enforce laws, investigate violations, collect evidence, and educate the public. Examples include state game wardens and federal law enforcement officers (GS‑05/07). Positions require successful completion of academy training and a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science, natural resources, criminal justice, or a related field. Officers typically complete the Land Management Police Training program at FLETC (approx. 83 training days) and additional field training.

Job Types & Titles

Full‑time Law Enforcement Park Ranger (GS‑05/07)
State Fish and Game Warden / Wildlife Officer
Federal Wildlife Officer
Wildlife Inspector

Qualifications Snapshot

Education

Bachelor’s degree in wildlife science, biology, natural resources, criminal justice, or a related field.

Certifications

Land Management Police Training (FLETC) or equivalent; Federal Wildlife Officer Basic Training; state POST certification; Wilderness First Responder or EMT; boating/snowmobile certifications as required.

Experience

1-3 years of on‑the‑job experience following academy graduation; seasonal or trainee experience counts toward this level.

Professional

Position Responsibilities

Professional‑level officers handle complex investigations, cross‑agency operations, and specialized duties such as wildlife crime investigation, cultural resource protection, and training. They may serve as criminal investigators (GS‑1811), special agents, or search‑and‑rescue coordinators. Candidates often hold advanced degrees and complete programs like the Criminal Investigators Training Program (CITP) and Federal Wildlife Officer Basic Training.

Job Types & Titles

Special Agent (Fish and Wildlife Service)
Criminal Investigator (U.S. Forest Service)
Training Instructor / Academy Staff
Search‑and‑Rescue Coordinator

Qualifications Snapshot

Education

Bachelor’s degree with some positions preferring a master’s degree in law enforcement administration, natural resource policy, or related fields.

Certifications

Completion of Criminal Investigators Training Program (CITP), advanced FLETC courses, specialized certifications (e.g., evidence collection, wildlife forensics).

Experience

3-5 years of law enforcement experience, including field patrol and investigative assignments.

Management

Position Responsibilities

Management roles supervise teams and coordinate law enforcement programs across parks, forests, refuges, or state agencies. Chief Rangers, District Rangers, Captains, and Colonels oversee budgets, policy implementation, and interagency coordination. They may represent their agency at the national level and develop training and operational standards.

Job Types & Titles

Chief Ranger / Park Superintendent
Law Enforcement Supervisor (Captain/Colonel)
Branch Chief - Law Enforcement Training
Regional Law Enforcement Manager

Qualifications Snapshot

Education

Bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in natural resource management, public administration, or criminal justice; leadership and management training.

Certifications

Advanced law enforcement and leadership courses; agency management programs; FEMA National Incident Management System (ICS) courses.

Experience

5+ years of progressive law enforcement and supervisory experience.