What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Officer - New Hire and Lateral Hires position at Forest Preserve District of DuPage County?
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 160 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.
The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure, and recreation of its citizens.
Come work for a department focusing on conservation and park-related law enforcement along with enforcing the state criminal and traffic code. Spend time outdoors protecting our patrons and natural resources on foot, bike, ATV, and watercraft. Benefits include possible take-home vehicle, no regular midnight shifts, uniforms and all related equipment provided, IMRF SLEP pension, and excellent insurance benefits.
Possible specialties after completing the probationary period include bike patrol officer, evidence technician, investigator, DuPage County MERIT (metropolitan emergency response and investigative task force) member, drone pilot, field training officer, firearms, and use of force instructor. You may also apply for our leadership development program.
Job Purpose
This position patrols District properties and preserves enforcing State laws and District ordinances; follows department policies and procedures; ensures the safety of preserve visitors, resources, and facilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Patrol District properties and preserves enforcing State laws and District ordinances to help ensure the safety of preserve visitors, resources, and facilities
- Apprehend, identify, detain and arrest offenders. Write citations, criminal complaints, and search and arrest warrants
- Respond to emergencies. Serve as a first responder for life-threatening injuries and provide first aid
- Patrol District property by ATV, bike, boat, foot, and vehicle
- Complete written reports including misdemeanor and felony incidents, sick or injured persons, and vehicle or boating accidents
- Conduct criminal investigations
- Follow department policies and procedures
- Provide education and engage the public on various District related activities, regulations, and law enforcement-related topics
- Perform other duties as required
Hours and Schedule: 40 hours a week, hours will vary and include nights, weekends, and holidays. Department operating hours are 6:00am - 12:00am, work schedule may be outside normal operating hours based on operational needs. Day shift works 5 eight-hour shifts (7:00am - 3:00pm) per work cycle while Night shift works 4 ten-hour shifts (2:00pm - 12:00am) per work cycle.
Education and Experience Required
Education/Related Experience: AA/AS in criminal justice/natural resources (or related field) and two (2) years of job-related experience (required), or BA/BS in criminal justice/natural resources or related field(preferred). An applicant's requirement for an Associate's 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).
Special training or other license, certification, etc.: A valid driver's license is required. Within six (6) months of employment obtain certification by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board as a Sworn Peace Officer and CPR, AED, and basic first aid certification. Ability to obtain a FOID card.
Knowledge Of: District property and facilities; State laws, District ordinances, policies and procedures; regulations pertaining to the use of District land. Applicants should have a strong interest in and passion related to natural resources and outdoor recreation.
Skills In: Interacting effectively with the public; exercising good judgment, reacting calmly and effectively in stressful situations; planning and supervising the work of assigned personnel; prioritizing and managing multiple tasks and projects; handling situations firmly, courteously, tactfully and impartially; communicating effectively, verbally and in writing.
New Officer Starting Rate: $33.03 - 35.78 per hour. $68,702.40 - 74,422.4 annualized.
Lateral Officer Starting Rate: $33.03 - 38.53 per hour. $68,702.40 - $80,142.40 annualized.
Current displayed rates are for 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.
Benefits Include: Medical (PPO and HMO plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield), Dental, Vision, Flex Spending, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, 12 paid Holidays, paid Vacation Days, paid personal days, paid sick leave, participation in the Sheriff's Law Enforcement Personnel Plan (SLEP) part of Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, initial uniform and equipment purchases (including firearm) provided with annual uniform allowance, possible take home squad car, non-probationary officers eligible for District resident guard housing dependent on availability.
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.
Salary : $33 - $39
