Police Officer – New and Lateral Hires
Company: Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Category: Professional Services
Wheaton
Type: Full Time
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is hiring for a Police Officer. 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.
Salary is $33.94 – $39.59 per hour. They offer an 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.
Responsibilities:
- 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.



