DOC Region 1 Special Operations Commander

State of Illinois; Crest Hill (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Corrections seeks a Region 1 Special Operations Commander to lead security training and statewide policy implementation across facilities. You will assist in coordinating tactical responses to critical incidents and work closely with internal investigators, wardens, and outside agencies.

You will oversee planning of training, unit development, and incident response while ensuring compliance with department procedures and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Requires four years of college with coursework in law enforcement or corrections.
• Three years of progressively responsible admin experience in law enforcement/criminal justice operations.
• Experience developing policies for security programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Region 1 Special Operations Commander.
• Plans and coordinates tactical training for Institutional units and ERTs.
• Develops and trains firearms range instructors and tactical teams.
• Responds to critical incidents and coordinates with internal/external agencies.
• Manages inventory and distribution of equipment as directed.

Skills

Region leadership

Tactical planning

Security training

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor's degree in law enforcement/corrections

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 59329Opening Date: 10/02/2026Closing Date: 10/19/2026Agency: Department of CorrectionsClass Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015Skill Option: Law Enforcement/CorrectionalBilingual Option: NoneSalary: Anticipated starting salary $9,000 - $11,000 monthlyJob Type: SalariedCategory: Full TimeNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code: NoneMerit Comp Code: Excluded from Collective Bargaining CoverageWork Hours: 8am - 4pm Mon-Fri; Sat/Sun offAnticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in officeHeadquarter Location: 16830 S Broadway St, Crest Hill, Illinois, 60403Work County: WillAgency Contact: [e-mail]

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position overview

The Illinois Department of Corrections is seeking to fill the position of Region 1 Special Operations Commander. In this role you will develop, recommend, and implement statewide policies and procedures within the Special Operations department that impact security training programs within department correctional facilities. Additionally, in this role you will assist the Special Operations Commander in the planning and coordination of tactical responses to critical incidents and coordinate with Internal Investigations, Wardens and outside support agencies during tactical operations or critical incident responses.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Region 1 Special Operations Commander
• Assists the Special Operations Commander in the planning and coordination of Tactical training that includes
• Develops and trains Institutional Tactical Units, Emergency Response Teams, and Firearms Range Instructors within their respective facilitie
• Responds to critical incidents
• At the direction of the Special Operations Commander, manages inventory and distribution of equipment
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college with course work in law enforcement and or corrections
• Requires three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in law enforcement or criminal justice operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience developing policies for security programs in a correctional center
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience in organizing high risk transfers, fugitive apprehension and escape response
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience developing and providing training to correctional security staff
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience supervising firearms range instructors and firearms classes
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience participating as a team member on a security team in a correctional setting
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience conducting critical incident drills for a correctional facility
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience in conducting critical incident reviews following an unusual incident for a correctional facility
• Prefers at least five (5) years of professional experience supervising correctional staff

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a valid, appropriate driver's license and the ability to travel statewide
• Requires the ability to be on-call
• Requires the ability to work overtime on as needed basis
• Requires the ability to carry a state cell phone
• Requires the incumbent to carry a gun while on duty, qualify with gun on an annual basis, and possess a valid, current Firearms Owner Identification (FOID) card
• Requires passing of Basic Tactical Unit Course
• Requires passing of Firearms Instructor Trainer Course
• Requires passing of Critical Incident Command Course
• Requires passing of Chemical Agent Instructor Course
• Requires Distraction Device and Impact Munitions Certification
• Requires Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) certified Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) course
• Requires passing of Instructional Methods or Train the Trainer
• Requires passing of the following National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses: 100, 200, 700, and 800
• Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings
• Required to utilize digital technology, tools, platforms, and processes in managing and supporting various digital enhancements for greater efficiency, productivity, and digital transformation efforts within the department
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description

Statement of Economic Interests: This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Corrections is a multicultural agency deeply committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment is at the forefront of our operations, hiring, policies and procedures, and training. We recognize the benefit of workplace empowerment, the importance of diversity and fully support an environment where ALL employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary to thrive and contribute to the agency’s success. IDOC genuinely values the differences of individuals in our custody and is committed to ensuring a healthy living environment where they feel valued, respected, and included. Through our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we shall establish and uphold agency policies and practices conducive to eliminating all forms of exclusion including, butn ot limited to, racism, ageism, ableism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, and religious oppression. The IDOC team works to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change in behavior of individuals in custody, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization. Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan and deferred compensation; state holidays and other benefit time off; and pre-tax benefit programs. The department also offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. The Illinois Department of Corrections is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employee Benefits

• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
• 12 week paid maternity/paternity leave
• Pension Plan – vesting at 10 years for Tier II
• Full 20-year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement.
• Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefits programs
• Paid state holidays 13-14 days annually
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Personal, sick, and vacation rates modified for 12-hour work schedules. (As applicable.)
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
• For more information about our benefits please follow this link: