ESCANABA — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking instructors for its off-road vehicle safety education program. This volunteer opportunity allows ORV enthusiasts to pass along their love and knowledge of the sport to new riders, while teaching them safe and responsible ORV operating skills for an enjoyable riding experience.

All instructors must attend a three-day academy to learn policies and procedures, classroom management and teaching concepts. Instructors will have the chance to experience various aspects of ORV operation, including basic hands-on operational skills on off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, utility-type vehicles and winching recovery equipment.

Current instructors also are encouraged to attend and brush up on their knowledge and skills, and to become familiar with changes in equipment.

There are two instructor academies and each class is limited to 24 students. While attendance at the academies is mandatory, there is no charge for instructor candidates. Enrollment is first-come, first-served. Dates and locations are:

– Friday, April 27, through Sunday, April 29, at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon. The deadline to apply for this academy is Friday, April 20.

– Friday, June 8, through Sunday, June 10, at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba. The deadline to apply for this academy is Friday, June 1.

Anyone interested in becoming a certified ORV instructor must:

– Be at least 18 years of age.

– Be a high school graduate or possess a graduate equivalency diploma.

– Possess a current, valid driver’s license.

– Have no felony convictions.

– Have no misdemeanor convictions within the past three years.

– Have no convictions that resulted in the revocation of ORV privileges within the last five years. Other convictions of natural resource law violations are subject to review and may result in the rejection of any application.

– Maintain a high moral, ethical and mental character.

Applications are available by calling 517-284-6055. A background check will be conducted once a completed application is submitted. Successful applicants then will be contacted to schedule their attendance at one of the mandatory instructor academies.