COLUMBUS - As many as eight state watercraft officers will be hired this fall to help enforce Ohio’s boating rules and regulations. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft is actively recruiting qualified men and women age 21 and older for these positions.  The deadline for applications is September 30.

Watercraft officer candidates must successfully complete the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy program to become a certified peace officer. They also are required to hold valid certifications in several areas of law enforcement training as well as CPR and first aid training. Candidates must also pass swim and physical fitness testing that is administered by the Division of Watercraft.

“State watercraft officers are typically people who like working in the outdoors, dealing with the public and being involved in training programs,” said Ken Alvey, chief of the Division of Watercraft.

The Division of Watercraft administers Ohio’s recreational boating programs, including watercraft registration and titling operations, and provides grants to local communities for enforcement, education and boating access facilities. Watercraft officers participate in boating related investigations, enforce state boating laws on Ohio’s waterways, and participate in emergency water rescue search, recovery and evacuation efforts.

To learn more about applying to be a state watercraft officer, visit the ohiodnr.com “job opportunities” page, or call the ODNR Office of Human Resources at 614-265-6981.