The New York State Department of Civil Service has opened the application period for the state’s entry-level law enforcement civil service exam. The test is required for candidates seeking jobs with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the State University of New York (SUNY).
Applications are being accepted online through September 17 at 11:59 p.m. There is no fee to apply, as exam application costs are waived through December 2027. The written exam is scheduled for November.
The civil service exam is used to fill positions including Environmental Conservation Police Officer Trainee 1, Forest Ranger 1, Park Police Officer Trainee, and University Police Officer 1. Candidates who qualify will receive an admission notice by mail about two weeks before the test with their assigned date, time, and location.
In addition to English, the state is also looking to hire Park Police Officers and University Police Officers with Spanish proficiency, as well as DEC Police Officers with proficiency in Spanish or Chinese. Applicants with language skills will need to pass a separate proficiency test at the time of hire.
As part of the state’s FY 2026 budget, the maximum age to apply for Park Police and University Police Officer positions has been raised from 35 to 43. There is no maximum age limit for Environmental Conservation Police Officers or Forest Rangers.
Officials estimate that approximately 150 entry-level law enforcement positions statewide will be filled over the next year.
Those interested can review qualifications and apply through the Civil Service website here
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