DEC Announces Environmental

Exam Application Deadline is September 4, 2019

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today encouraged individuals interested in becoming a Forest Ranger or Environmental Conservation Police Officer (ECO) to apply for civil service exams being offered for the positions this fall. Applications are being accepted until September 4, 2019.

“DEC Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Police Officers are instrumental in protecting wildlife, natural resources, state lands and the people who use them,” Commissioner Seggos said. “From search and rescue operations to uncovering environmental crimes, these brave men and women are often first on the front lines of some of the most harrowing events. We encourage anyone interested in joining our ranks of admirable professionals to sign up for the exams today.”

The civil service exams will be held the weekend of October 19, 2019. There are separate exams and different qualifications for becoming an Environmental Conservation Police Officer or Forest Ranger. Potential applicants should closely review qualifications required for each position to determine which exam they are eligible to take. Those who want to apply for both positions, and meet the required qualifications, must submit separate applications and will be required to take both exams.

A full summary of qualifications, salary, and application procedures can be found online at the New York State Department of Civil Service exam announcements web pages for Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Police Officers.

Exam scores will be used to rank candidates and create eligible lists to fill openings for Environmental Conservation Police Officers or Forest Rangers. Although the exam is being offered, there is no guarantee that there will be openings. The eligibility list from this exam is expected to remain active for up to four years.

In the future, candidates selected from the list would be required to attend a 28-week residential training program at the DEC Basic Academy. Recruits must pass all elements of the Academy before being assigned to a work location. DEC recently began the 22nd Basic School for Uniformed Officers on May 19. For an inside look into what it takes to be an Environmental Conservation Police Officer or a Forest Ranger, watch a 4-minute clip from 2017’s Basic School for Uniformed Officers available on YouTube. Additional information on DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Forest Rangers is available online.

For more information about the upcoming state civil service exams and qualifications, visit the New York State Department of Civil Service website.