MDC welcomes 11 new conservation agents during 2026 graduation

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) congratulates 11 new conservation agents upon their graduation from MDC's 2026 Conservation Agent Training Academy.

The agent class of 2026 took the Conservation Agent's Oath during a special graduation ceremony Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City.

Protection Programs Supervisor and Training Academy Director, Major Brian Ham, reminded agents they're stepping into a role that requires character, integrity, and dedication.

"The reward for your past six months of hard work is not today's ceremony or the badge that you now wear, it's what you will become and the impact you will make on the conservation of Missouri's resources," Ham said. "We've given you the skills, but the foundation of being an agent - the character, the integrity and the work ethic - comes from within. Never forget or take lightly the responsibility you have to the citizens of Missouri."

The new agents spent the past six months housed at the Highway Patrol Academy in Jefferson City, where they received more than 1,200 hours of intense instruction both in and out of the classroom. Agents received training in criminal investigations, defensive tactics, firearms qualifications, and technical instruction in fish, forest, and wildlife management. Training also included courses in legal studies, communications and conducting education programs, and First Aid/First Responder and CPR certification.

Upon successful completion of this training, agents are issued a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) license from the Missouri Department of Public Safety. The conservation agent training program is also certified by the U.S. Department of the Labor's Office of Apprenticeship.

The new agents joining the ranks protecting Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife include: Lauren Akin, Hunter Carter, Dylan Chambers, Hayden Kueffer, Matthew Masek, Tyler Niemeier, Morgan Potts, Gavin Rowbotham, Jacob Smith, Jenna Stiek and Jenna VanBooven.

The new agents have been assigned their counties. However, they will be involved in field training operations and special assignments while under the supervision of veteran agents for a six-week period during which they will acquire vital field experience.

For more information on MDC careers, visit jobs.mdc.mo.gov.