DNR offers accelerated conservation officer training academy for first time Updated Jan 13, 2021; Posted Jan 13, 2021 Conservation officer recruits are instructed in ORV safety during the 2018 conservation officer academy with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division.Michigan Department of Natural Resources Facebook Share ROSCOMMON, MI – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking for new recruits to protect the state’s natural resources and environment. The DNR is accepting applications to its 10th conservation officer academy, which will begin this spring and conclude in the fall. New this year is a shortened training for recruits who meet hiring requirements and are already certified or certifiable by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards. The accelerated training will focus on conservation officer-specific laws and functions while the regular academy includes basic law enforcement training and training specific to conservation officers.