MWCD Ranger Cadet Program produces first 3 full-time rangers

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District has reported early success from its Ranger Cadet Program, a workforce development initiative designed to recruit, train and prepare the next generation of MWCD park rangers.

The program, adopted in February 2025, provides a structured path for qualified candidates to enter law enforcement within a natural resources setting. Participants are hired as full-time ranger cadets and receive benefits, including health, vision and dental insurance, life insurance and paid leave. Cadets also begin paying into the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System.

As part of their full-time employment, cadets are enrolled in an MWCD-approved Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy. MWCD pays tuition up front. After completing the academy and passing state certification, cadets transition into full-time bargaining unit ranger positions across MWCD parks and lakes.

Since the program began, MWCD has hired three ranger cadets who have completed training and joined the district as full-time rangers.

The first group includes Cameron Ewing, Pleasant Hill park ranger; Wyatt Stanfield, Charles Mill park ranger; and Brady Positano, Tappan park ranger.

Ewing and Stanfield attended the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy at EHOVE Career Center in Milan, Ohio. Positano attended the academy at Buckeye Career Center.

“The success of our first three ranger cadets is a clear testament to the strength of the program and to the commitment of these individuals,” Mary Burley, chief of human resources, said in a statement. “This initiative not only enhances our ability to build a highly skilled ranger workforce but also strengthens MWCD’s long-term capacity to protect our natural resources and ensure an excellent visitor experience.”

MWCD said the investment aligns with its five-year strategic plan goal of strengthening its workforce, particularly in public safety services, while creating a sustainable pathway for hiring future rangers.

“We are committed to building a ranger staff that reflects professionalism, preparedness and passion for our mission,” Pete Novotny, MWCD chief of recreation, said. “The Ranger Cadet Program equips new hires with the training and real-world experience they need to succeed.”

For more information about the Ranger Cadet Program, contact hr@mwcd.org. For other current employment opportunities, visit mwcd.org/employment.