Ranger Police Officer

Lake County Forest Preserve District; Lindenhurst (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform provided

On-site fitness room

Pension plan

Job summary

The Lake County Forest Preserve District is seeking a Ranger Police Officer to enforce Illinois law within the District and protect open lands, trails, lakes, and recreation areas. Officers operate under a Community-Oriented Policing philosophy to foster trust with the public and safety partners while serving a unique, scenic environment.

Officers patrol on foot, bike, or vehicle, prevent crime, investigate incidents, make arrests, and provide emergency assistance in a Division renowned for its

Qualifications

• Completion of basic police training approved by the state of Illinois and local law enforcement officer training board; a valid driver's license; and vision correctable to 20/20.

Responsibilities

• Patrol on foot, bike, or vehicle to deter crime and protect District lands.
• Investigate incidents and make arrests while enforcing laws and District regulations.
• Provide emergency assistance and coordinate with other public safety partners when needed.
• Engage with the community to build trust and promote safety in Lake County lands.

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

300000 Full Time Regular Lindenhurst, IL, US

Salary Range: $35.98 To $38.55 Hourly

SUMMARY

The Ranger Police Officer enforces the Illinois Compiled Statutes within Lake County, and enforces the District’s Rules & Regulations on District lands. Officers are entrusted with protecting both the public and natural resources while building strong community relationships. Members of the Lake County Forest Preserve District’s Police Department take pride in a Community-Oriented Policing philosophy, maintaining peace while engaging in proactive initiatives that foster trust and collaboration with the public and our other public safety partners.

This is a highly visible and rewarding position where officers patrol on foot, bike, or vehicles, prevent crime, ensure public safety, protect open lands, investigate incidents, make arrests, and provide emergency assistance. Officers gain the opportunity to serve in one of the most unique and scenic law enforcement environments in Illinois, with over 31,800 acres of protected land, trails, lakes, and recreation areas.

EXPERIENCE

Completion of basic police training approved by the state of Illinois and local law enforcement officer training board; a valid driver's license; and vision correctable to 20/20.

BENEFITS & WORK SCHEDULE

The District is committed to the well-being, career growth, and quality of life of every Ranger Police Officer who wears our patch. Here's what you can expect about our benefits:

Schedule & Work-Life Balance

• 5/2–5/3 rotation with 8.5-hour shifts — predictable time off, and a real life outside the uniform.
• No dedicated midnight shift— overnight coverage is handled through a voluntary on-call rotation, so you're not working graveyards.
• On-call pay that respects your time — a per-night stipend for being available, plus overtime if you're called out.
• Lateral transfers welcome—Experienced officers come in at a higher pay rate per our collective bargaining agreement — your service counts from day one.
• Specialty pay for Field Training Officers, Officers in Charge and bilingual-certified officers.
• Opportunities to specialize in dedicated units within the department and on regional multi-agency task forces.

Health, Retirement & Family

• SLEP pension (Sheriffs Law Enforcement Personnel) — one of the strongest retirement programs in Illinois law enforcement.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Generous paid time off: vacation, personal, holiday, sick leave and paid parental leave.

Gear, Facilities & Culture

• Full uniform and equipment package provided, including personal body armor. The only thing you must supply is your duty weapon.
• Free uniform laundry service
• On-site fitness room
• A team culture built on professionalism, camaraderie, and continuous training — the kind of department officers stay at for a career.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION — Lateral Transfer Wage Placement

* In accordance with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, the District reserves the right to place qualified lateral transfer candidates above entry-level wage during a lateral transfer recruitment.

Candidates with less than eighteen (18) months of full-time service shall be eligible to start at Step I. A candidate with more than eighteen (18) months and less than four (4) years of full-time service shall be eligible to start at Step I or II. A candidate with more than four (4) years of full-time service shall be eligible to start at Step I, II, or III.

Step I $35.98 per hour

Step II $37.23 per hour

Step III $38.55 per hour

Final step placement shall be determined by the District based on the candidate's verified experience and qualifications.