The New York State Park Police are highly trained and dedicated to helping people and protecting the state’s natural and historic treasures. If you’re interested in a rewarding career in law enforcement, consider becoming a New York State Park Police Officer. Our team works in some of the most beautiful places in the state!

Recruitment for the 2025 Park Police Academy begins now! The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation is accepting applications now for Park Police Officer Trainees. Applications will be accepted until February 28, 2025

Minimum Qualifications:

Age Requirements:

-Candidates must be at least 20 years of age at time of hire. Cannot have passed your 35th birthday by October 25, 2025.

-Time spent on military duty or on terminal leave, not exceeding a total of seven (7) years, shall be subtracted from your age if you have passed your 35th birthday.

Education Requirements:

-Minimum college education requirements: 60 college credit hours completed by June 30, 2025; 30 of those hours may be waived if the candidate is an honorably discharged veteran with at least two years of active military duty.

Additional Requirements:

-Must be a United States citizen and New York State resident at the time of appointment and maintain a New York State residency as a term and condition of employment for the duration of your career.

- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows the candidate to operate a vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.

Operational Needs:

Starting Salary:

First 6 months of traineeship - $61,587 (at the residential academy)

Second 6 months of traineeship - $63,192 - $82,525 (rate will be based on what county the Park Police Officer Trainee is assigned to for field training after the 6-month residential academy)

After traineeship is complete (1 year) - $73,796 - $93,129

To see a full Salary Chart for the career of a Park Police Officer, visit:

https://parks.ny.gov/park-police/park-police-officers.aspx#Salary