New York State Law Enforcement Civil Service exams are scheduled for the fall of this year. They include Environmental Conservation Officers, Forest Rangers and Park Police.

The application period is now open for New York State’s entry level law enforcement civil service exam, which is used to fill titles in the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Office of State Parks, Historic Preservation and the State University of New York.

The entry-level law enforcement exam is used to fill the following titles within each agency:  DEC - Environmental Conservation Police Officer Trainee 1, PARKS - Park Police Officer Trainee, SUNY - University Police Officer 1.

It is estimated that approximately 400 entry-level law enforcement positions statewide will be filled over the next year.

Anyone interested in being considered for entry-level law enforcement positions within state government must first meet the minimum qualifications for the title or titles of interest and register for the multiple-choice civil service exam. Qualified candidates will receive an admission notice via mail approximately 2 weeks prior to the date of the written test, which will provide the candidate with details about when and where they are scheduled to appear, along with other pertinent information.

The exam will also be used for local examinations to fill positions in municipal police departments and sheriffs offices. Candidates interested in taking the local examinations should apply directly through the local civil service agency.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “DEC is working to grow the ranks of New York’s Environmental Conservation police officers and forest rangers by enhancing outreach to communities statewide and holding academies. This is a great opportunity for people of all backgrounds to start their journey serving on the front lines to protect New York’s environment and public safety. DEC is committed to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our hiring process to ensure our Rangers and Officers are representative of New Yorkers.”

As of July 11, there were 38 Forest Ranger recruits continuing the 23rd Basic School for Forest Rangers at SUNY Ranger School campus in Wanakena. Ranger recruits are receiving training in criminal procedure law, penal law, physical fitness and wellness as part of basic police officer training. Upon graduation, recruits will be assigned to patrol public lands across the state.

New York State has launched the statewide social media campaign, which will include videos, web content and a new informative webinar from DCS, to help attract candidates to apply for the exam.

Campaign content and additional information, including a test guide to prepare applicants for the exam, is available at cs.ny.gov/police.