Natural Resources Officers with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources help keep Indian Lake State Park safe and enjoyable for everyone who visits.
Assigned through ODNR’s Division of Parks and Watercraft, these officers work both on the water and throughout the park, focusing on safety, law enforcement, and protection of natural resources.
At Indian Lake, officers regularly patrol by boat to check watercraft registrations, monitor speed zones, and make sure boating laws are being followed.
They look out for unsafe or impaired operation and respond to emergencies on the lake, often assisting boaters who are stranded or in trouble.
Their visibility helps prevent accidents and keeps busy weekends running more smoothly.
Officers also patrol campgrounds, beaches, marinas, and other park areas.
They enforce park rules and state laws, respond to calls for service, investigate incidents, and work alongside local police, fire departments, and EMS when needed.
During peak season, they play a major role in crowd management and public safety.
In addition to enforcement, Natural Resources Officers focus on education and conservation.
They answer questions from visitors, explain fishing and boating regulations, help prevent environmental damage, and work to protect wildlife and park property.
Many interactions are educational, aimed at helping people enjoy the lake responsibly.
Saturday, I joined their open house at Indian Lake to get to know our specific Natural Resource Officers better and learn more about their jobs.
Lt. Mike Roeger sat down with me to explain:
ODNR is currently hiring Natural Resources Officers. The position offers a career that combines law enforcement, outdoor work, and public service across Ohio’s parks and waterways.
More information about qualifications and how to apply can be found HERE.
