Police Officer
Police Officer
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Job Description
Protecting People. Preserving Nature.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is seeking dedicated and community-minded Police Officers to patrol our preserves enforce state laws and district ordinances and ensure the safety of visitors natural resources and facilities.
his is a unique opportunity to serve as a sworn peace officer while working in an outdoor setting and combining traditional law enforcement responsibilities with conservation focused public service.
What Youll Do
- Patrol District properties by vehicle bike boat ATV and on foot.
- Enforce state laws and District ordinances to protect visitors facilities and natural areas.
- Respond to emergencies serve as a first responder and administer first aid when necessary.
- Apprehend detain and arrest offenders; issue citations and complete criminal complaints search warrants and arrest warrants.
- Investigate incidents such as accidents injuries and criminal activity preparing thorough written reports.
- Provide educational outreach and engage with the public on safety regulations and responsible use of preserves.
- Support departmental policies and foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.
What Youll Need
- Associates degree in Criminal Justice Natural Resources or a related field and two (2) years of job-related experience (required) or Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice Natural Resources or related field (preferred).
- An applicants requirement for an Associates degree may be waived if they have served for 24 months or more in the U.S. military or served 180 days or more in combat duty in recognition of the U.S. Department of Defense and were not dishonorably discharged (copy of DD 124 to verify military status required).
- Valid drivers license (required).
- Ability to obtain and maintain:
- Certification as a Sworn Peace Officer (within six months through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board).
- CPR AED and First Aid certification.
- Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card.
- Familiarity with state laws local ordinances and land-use regulations.
- Strong interest in natural resources outdoor recreation and community engagement.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies.
- Ability to interact effectively with the public.
- Skilled in exercising good judgement reacting calmly and effectively in stressful situations.
- Capability to plan and supervise the work of assigned personnel.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects.
- Ability to handle situations firmly courteously tactfully and impartially. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Why Join Us
As a Forest Preserve Police Officer youll be part of a mission-driven team that safeguards both people and natural resources. This role offers the chance to:
- Serve and protect the public in a dynamic outdoor environment.
- Build meaningful connections with the community.
- Contribute to conservation and recreation efforts in one of the regions most valued forest preserve systems.
Schedule Pay & Benefits
- 40 hours a week schedule varies 7 days a week and holidays.
- We offer an outstanding and affordable benefit package including medical pension program and more. To find out more visit our website.
- New Officer Starting Rate: $33.03 - 35.78 per hour.
- Lateral Officer Starting Rate: $33.03 - 38.53 per hour.
Current displayed rates are for the 2025 calendar year.
The district may compensate newly hired Officers with no prior police experience at a starting salary up to and including Slot 3 on the wage scale ($35.78 per hour).
Applicants for lateral transfer Police Officer appointments must meet the following minimum qualifications and requirements at the time of application:
A newly hired officer shall be considered a Lateral Transfer or Lateral Hire if the applicant is at the time of employment offer a sworn full-time non-probationary officer for at least 2 continuous years. If not currently employed applicants must have left their most recent agency in good standing within 2 years of the lateral entry application process as a full-time sworn officer with at least 2 years of full-time sworn experience. Out-of-state or federal certified officers considered for a lateral position will need to meet the requirements of ILETSB within 6 months if appointed.
Lateral hires are eligible to be placed on the union wage scale up to and including slot 5 ($38.53 per hour) dependent on experience knowledge skills and ability.
Work Setting
- Based out of the Districts Facilities HQ office in Wheaton IL.
- Includes field-based work across various forest preserve sites throughout DuPage County.
Apply Today
Follow the link to apply directly and be considered for the position.
Additional information about the position and job duties can be found in the attached job description or on our website.
This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit. Candidates hired into this role will be subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the applicable union contract. To review the agreement please visit the Work for Us page on the Forest Preserve Districts website.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect integrity teamwork and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
Employment Type
Full-Time
