Police Officer - New and Lateral Hires

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County; Wheaton (IL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and life insurance

Vacation, holidays, and leave benefits

IMRF pension

Deferred compensation

Flexible spending accounts

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is seeking a Police Officer to patrol District properties, enforce laws, and protect resources while engaging with the public to promote compliance and safety.

The role requires a focus on conservation, emergency response readiness, and strong judgment in diverse environments across DuPage County. Applicants should meet education and certification requirements and be prepared for a 24/7 shift pattern.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age or older at hire.
• Associate’s degree in criminal justice, natural resources, or related field; two years of relevant experience or equivalent combo; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing; field training may lead to take-home squad car per policy.
• Ability to obtain Illinois Peace Officer certification within six months.
• Ability to obtain FOID card upon hire and CPR/AED/First Aid certification within six months.

Responsibilities

• Patrols District property by ATV, bicycle, boat, foot, and vehicle to detect violations and protect resources.
• Enforces laws and ordinances; detains suspects; issues warnings and citations; professional interactions.
• Responds to emergencies 24/7; provides first aid and requests assistance.
• Investigates crimes and accidents; conducts follow-up; interviews victims and witnesses.
• Collects, preserves, and documents evidence; testifies in court.
• Directs traffic, manages crowds, assists motorists; monitors for missing persons and safety concerns.
• Ensures security of buildings and grounds; inspects for suspicious activity.
• Collaborates with other law enforcement for mutual aid on conservation matters.
• Educates the public on preservation, safety, and regulations.
• Maintains safety, follows procedures, and promotes a safe working environment.

Skills

Strong communication

Strong judgment

Organizational skills

Public safety focus

Leadership ability

Education

Associate’s degree in criminal justice / related field

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Job Summary

The Police Officer position is responsible for proactively patrolling District properties to ensure public safety, preserve natural resources, and protect District facilities. This role enforces applicable state laws and District ordinances in accordance with established departmental policies, procedures, and professional standards. Officers engage with the public to promote compliance, respond to emergencies and incidents, conduct investigations, and support community-oriented policing efforts. The position plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all visitors while upholding the District's conservation mission.

What You'll Do

• Patrols District property by ATV, bicycle, boat, foot, and vehicle to detect violations, ensure the safety of visitors, and protect resources and facilities.
• Enforces applicable local, state, and federal laws and ordinances through proactive and responsive patrol; identifies, detains, and arrests offenders; issues warnings and citations; and handles all interactions professionally and courteously.
• Responds to emergency calls on a 24-hour basis; serves as a first responder, provides first aid, and requests additional assistance as needed.
• Investigates crimes, accidents, and suspicious activity; conducts follow-up investigations; interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects; and monitors remote areas for illegal activity.
• Collects, preserves, and documents evidence; secures crime scenes; prepares reports, citations, warrants, and legal documents; and testifies in court to support prosecution.
• Addresses complaints, manages crowds, directs traffic, assists motorists, and remains alert for missing persons, stolen vehicles, and other public safety concerns.
• Ensures the security of District buildings and grounds by inspecting and investigating suspicious conditions or activities.
• Participates with other law enforcement agencies for mutual aid responses and support on conservation-related matters.
• Provides information and educates the public regarding preservation of land, facilities, programs, safety, District ordinances, rules and regulations.
• Demonstrates strong judgment, communication, and leadership skills; provides guidance to others; manages multiple priorities; and adapts to changing situations.
• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the District's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age or older at the time of hire.
• Associate's degree in criminal justice, natural resources, or a related field; two (2) years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree requirement may be waived with qualifying U.S. military service (DD-214 required) and honorable discharge. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Valid Driver's license in good standing. Upon successful completion of field training, officers may be eligible to take home an assigned squad car, in accordance with department policy.
• Demonstrated interest in the preservation of natural resources and demonstrate an ability to understand the role of police officer in the management of recreational areas.
• Must successfully pass a Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (P.O.W.E.R.), medical exam, psychological evaluation, and comprehensive background investigation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Illinois Peace Officer certification within six (6) months of hire.
• Must have an Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card or obtain upon hire.
• Individuals must maintain the minimum qualification standards set by the State of Illinois for firearms proficiency and all state mandated training courses.
• Ability to obtain CPR, AED, and First Aid certification within six (6) months of hire.
• Familiarity with DuPage County geography, with the ability to quickly and efficiently navigate to all District preserves and facilities.
• Must have and maintain Illinois Mandated Reporter certification or obtain upon hire.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws; District facilities, ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Must have basic computer skills and ability to use various software programs.
• Skilled in establishing and promoting effective working relationships and work environment; interacting effectively with the public; exercising good judgement, 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.
• Strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and data.

Schedule, Pay, & Benefits

• Full-time
• Starting salary: $33.94 - $39.59 per hour

  • New Officer Starting Rate: $33.94 - 36.77 per hour

  • Lateral Officer Starting Rate: $33.94 - 39.59 per hour

  • Current displayed rates are for 2026 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 ($36.77 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 ($39.59 per hour) dependent on experience, knowledge, skills, and ability.

• We offer an outstanding and affordable benefit package including:
  • Medical, dental, and life insurance
  • Vacation, paid holidays, paid leave, and sick leave
  • IMRF pension
  • Deferred compensation
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Optional term life insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee assistance program

Work Setting

• Based out of the district's headquarters location located in Wheaton, IL, with additional travel required throughout DuPage County.
• Includes working both indoors and outdoors in all-weather types throughout the district and forest preserve system. There is exposure to working on uneven terrain, in bodies of water, insects, wildlife, bloodborne pathogens. This role requires the ability to remain physically responsive and adaptive.
• 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 with Us" page on the Forest Preserve District's website.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is an equal opportunity employer.