For purposes of qualifying for the position of wildlife officer with the wildlife resources agency, at least ten (10) years of full-time work experience in wildlife or fisheries management, wildlife biology, or other related work experience in this state or another state may be credited as equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in wildlife or fisheries management, wildlife biology, or other related acceptable field. This section shall apply to any person who submitted an application for the position of wildlife officer prior to, or on or after, May 20, 2016.