Looking for a career that blends your passion for nature with a stable government job? The Michigan recruitment Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers a wide range of exciting job opportunities for 2025 that provide meaningful work, competitive pay, and great benefits in Michigan DNR jobs. From conservation officers protecting Michigan’s natural beauty to seasonal park rangers, the DNR hires full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff to steward the state’s parks, wildlife, and natural resources. Discover how you can join this inspiring team and make a real difference in preserving Michigan’s great outdoors.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan DNR jobs are diverse, including conservation officers, park rangers, educators, forest technicians, and seasonal roles.
- Entry-level wages range from around $15.25 per hour for seasonal positions to $20+ per hour for park rangers.
- Full-time roles offer excellent benefits such as health, dental, vision insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off in Michigan DNR jobs.
- Hiring processes vary by job type, with rigorous physical fitness and background checks required for conservation officers.
- Michigan DNR is a veteran-friendly employer and values diversity, providing opportunities for career advancement and training.
Overview of Michigan DNR Jobs
Michigan’s DNR is responsible for managing the state’s natural resources, including forests, waterways, parks, and wildlife habitats. Job openings come in many forms:
- Conservation Officers: Law enforcement officers who protect fish, wildlife, and natural resources while enforcing environmental laws.
- Seasonal Park Rangers: Staff who maintain parks, assist visitors, and lead educational programs.
- Educators: Professionals who run interpretive hikes and environmental education in state parks.
- Forest Technicians & Ecologists: Specialists managing forest health and conducting ecological research.
- Summer Park Workers: Roles involving maintenance tasks, visitor services, and park upkeep during peak seasons.
Job types range from seasonal part-time to full-time permanent positions with the state. Starting hourly wages for seasonal work begin around $15.25, with park rangers earning upwards of $20 per hour. Full-time roles come with comprehensive state employee benefits.
Top 20+ Michigan DNR jobs, Quick overview and apply now
| Job Title | Brief Description | Apply Now Link |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal Park Ranger | Train and lead staff & volunteers, maintain grounds and infrastructure, provide customer service. | Apply Now |
| Educator | Lead educational hikes and activities in state parks and recreation areas. | Apply Now |
| Public Works Clerk | Coordinate administrative services, handle clerical tasks supporting Public Works Dept. | Apply Now |
| Environmental Quality Analyst | Entry-level enforcement case manager in Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division. | Apply Now |
| Accountant Manager (Fund Accounting) | Plan, organize, and direct Michigan DNR/Environment Dept funding and finances. | Apply Now |
| Summer Park Worker | Frontline staff help visitors, register campers, maintain trails and parks. | Apply Now |
| Physician | Provide primary and long-term medical care for PACE Southeast Michigan participants. | Apply Now |
| Wildlife Biologist | Study wildlife ecosystems, perform research and conservation work. | Apply Now |
| Forest Ecologist (DNR) | Conduct ecological research and management in forest areas for DNR. | Apply Now |
| Forest Technician (DNR) | Provide technical support in forest resource management and projects. | Apply Now |
| Conservation Officer | Enforce conservation laws, conduct patrols, and engage with the public on natural resource protection. | Apply Now |
| Student Assistant (Internship) | Assist in various natural resource projects within the Forest Resources Division. | Apply Now |
| Shelter Medicine Veterinary Assistant | Support veterinary care for animals at Michigan Humane Shelter. | Apply Now |
| Hardware Associate | Retail position supporting DNR store operations with customer service and price checks. | Apply Now |
| Test Analyst | Perform test analysis and quality control in DNR technology or related departments. | Apply Now |
| Maintenance Technician | Maintain equipment and facilities related to DNR operations. | Apply Now |
| Economic Development Manager | Lead regional development programs that complement DNR environmental goals. | Apply Now |
| Park Interpreter | Provide educational information about park features and conservation efforts to visitors. | Apply Now |
| Administrative Support | Provide clerical and administrative support for DNR departments. | Apply Now |
| Law Enforcement Career | Opportunities within Michigan DNR Law Enforcement division for conservation law enforcement. | Apply Now |
You can apply to these Michigan DNR jobs through the provided link which directs to the corptocorp.org job portal with the relevant UTM parameters for Google jobs application tracking. This list includes full-time, seasonal, internship, and specialized positions in conservation, ecological research, enforcement, and administration.
How to Apply for Michigan DNR Jobs
Application procedures depend on the specific position:
- For conservation officer roles, candidates must first pass an entry-level law enforcement exam before submitting their application via the State of Michigan NEOGOV system. Required documents include a cover letter, resume, references, driver’s license, and, if applicable, military discharge papers.
- Seasonal and entry-level positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent and successful completion of background checks and drug tests.
- Some roles may also have physical fitness requirements or require specific certifications or licenses.
- Hiring timelines vary but many applicants hear back within two to three weeks after the job posting closes.
- The DNR provides online resources and sometimes contact with recruiters for additional application guidance.
Benefits of Working at Michigan DNR
DNR employees enjoy a variety of state benefits, including:
- Health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision care.
- Life insurance and disability coverage.
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
- Retirement plans including pension and 401(k) options.
- Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and personal days.
- Additional benefits for full-time employees such as tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.
Seasonal and part-time roles may have limited benefits but still provide competitive pay and valuable experience in natural resource management.
Training and Career Development Opportunities
- The Michigan jobs DNR Law Enforcement Division offers a rigorous Conservation Officer Training Academy for law enforcement candidates, including physical fitness tests, background checks, psychological evaluations, and a 26-week academy.
- Seasonal employees may receive on-the-job training and the opportunity to earn internship or academic credit.
- The agency promotes continuous learning and career advancement through specialized training in resource management, public safety, and environmental education in Michigan DNR jobs.
- Being a veteran-friendly employer, the DNR supports veterans transitioning into civilian careers through tailored recruitment and hiring efforts.
Why Choose a Career with Michigan DNR?
- Work closely with nature in some of Michigan’s most scenic parks, forests, and lakes.
- Play a vital role in environmental conservation and public safety.
- Enjoy job security and benefits of being a state employee.
- Be part of a committed, professional team passionate about protecting Michigan’s natural heritage.
- Opportunities to advance into specialized or leadership roles within the department.
FAQs
What qualifications do I need to become a conservation officer?
Applicants must be at least 21 years old by the time of academy graduation, pass a written law enforcement exam, and meet physical fitness and background check requirements. Completion of the Conservation Officer Training Academy is mandatory.
Are there seasonal jobs available for students or part-time workers?
Yes, the DNR offers seasonal park worker, educator, and ranger positions often ideal for students or those seeking flexible work hours during spring to fall.
What benefits do full-time DNR employees receive?
Full-time employees receive health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, life insurance, and other state employee perks.
How long does the hiring process usually take?
For many positions, applicants can expect 2-3 weeks after job posting closure before hearing back. However, the timeline varies by role and application volume.
Can veterans apply for Michigan DNR jobs?
Absolutely. The DNR is veteran-friendly and encourages qualified veterans to apply, providing support for military-to-civilian career transitions.