Position Details
The Forest Preserves of Cook County is a mission-driven organization, protecting and preserving diverse habitats across Cook County so that residents today and for generations to come can enjoy the many benefits and amenities available in nature.
Under the direction and supervision of the Chief of Police, First Deputy Chief of Police, Deputy Chief of Police, and Police Commander, performs high level supervisory, administrative and management functions relating to the day-to-day operations of the District Police Department and activities of its sworn and non-sworn police personnel. The goal of such activities is to protect the life and property of District visitors, employees, staff and facilities through proactive policing efforts and enforcement of applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Typical Duties:
- Creates and maintains an environment in which people are safe where laws, rules, and regulations are enforced in a friendly and consistent manner and that ensures their security and well-being.
- Provides adequate staffing, scheduling, and management of police personnel on daily to assure pro-active police services as required and needed.
- Acquires necessary resources and personnel to ensure the safety and security of visitors, employees, staff, and the property and facilities of the District always, including during a serious incident or catastrophic event.
- Provides supervision and management of day-to-day operations of the Department and its personnel.
- Ensures the consistent application of Department and County policies, rules and regulations and procedures by all personnel.
- Attends to personnel administrative matters involving personnel actions, including the evaluation, training, investigation, and discipline of employees in the Department.
- Implements emergency response and mutual aid plans.
- Serves in the capacity of Police Commander during his or her absence.
- Oversees programs and initiatives as directed.
- Performs other duties as assigned and making decisions necessary under the direction of the Police Commander.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must possess an associate degree or higher in law enforcement administration, criminal justice, police science, conservation law enforcement, or substantially similar area from an accredited college or university AND at least 8 years total of full-time work experience in a sworn law enforcement position; OR
- Possess a high school diploma or GED AND at least 15 years total full-time work experience in a sworn law enforcement position.
- Must possess at least 3 years of work experience of the total full-time work experience in a sworn law enforcement position at a rank of Sergeant or above.
- Must be certified by the State of Illinois as a Law Enforcement Officer.
- Must possess a valid Illinois driver's license at the time of application.
- Must possess a valid Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification Card at the time of application.
- Must possess a current mandatory annual firearms certification as required by Illinois Public Act 94-103 at the time of hire.
- Must possess a background free of convictions for any misdemeanor referenced in 50 ILCS 705/6.1(a) or felony.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelors' degree or higher in law enforcement administration, criminal justice, police science, conservation law enforcement or substantially similar area from an accredited college or university; OR
- Active-duty status in the U.S. Armed Forces or Army National Guards and eligible for or awarded honorable discharge—you must attach proof to your application in order to be considered; OR
- At least 1 year of work experience in the areas of forestry, conservation, restoration, ecology or other related natural sciences; OR
- At least 1 season of work experience on property of the FPCC with partners such as the Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago; OR
- Work experience with other partners such as, Friends of the Forest Preserves or the Student Conservation Association.
*Successful completion of all the steps outlined below under "DEPUTY COMMANDER HIRING PROCESS" is required for employment as a Deputy Commander with the Forest Preserve District Police Department.
DEPUTY COMMANDER HIRING PROCESS:
Please be advised that the following additional steps in the hiring process are required:
*Depending on the number of qualified applicants, applicants may be randomly selected to proceed with the hiring process during any part of the hiring process.
- Applicants will be required to email the Human Resources Department documentation confirming minimum qualifications, preferred qualifications (if applicable), and/or honorable Veteran's status.
- Eligible candidates will be required to interview. Candidates who fail the interview process will be deemed ineligible to move forward with the hiring process.
- Eligible candidates will be required to undergo a candidate assessment by a third party, professional assessment center to determine skills and abilities necessary to perform duties of the position according to law enforcement industry standards.
- Eligible candidates who have completed the above steps, their total scores will be calculated as follows: interview score shall constitute 40% of a total score and the average assessment score shall constitute 60% of a total score.
- Eligible candidates who pass the interview and assessment must successfully complete a background check and drug and medical testing.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:
- Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, local ordinances, including, but not limited to the Illinois Forest Preserve Act.
- Knowledge of law enforcement operation, policy and procedure, with specific knowledge of forest preserve law enforcement.
- Strong leadership, communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written reports.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to think clearly and decisively in stressful and challenging situations.
- Ability to promote the mission, programs, policies, and standard operating procedures of the Department through lawful operation and established standards.
- Ability to analyze situations and adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with and between employees, staff, the general public and other law enforcement organizations.
- Knowledge of evidentiary process and procedures.
- Able to work various shifts, days of the week and holidays.
- Physical coordination, strength, and ability sufficient to meet strenuous police duty requirements.
- Ability to adapt to changing field conditions including, but not limited to, exposure to extreme weather conditions, intense physical activity and safety hazards.
- Ability and skill to operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, including, but not limited to, police vehicles, during normal and emergency conditions and in a safe and cautious manner.
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.
Veteran's Preference:
When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time.
To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:
- Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
- Identify themselves as a Veteran on their employment application by answering Yes to the question "Are you a military veteran?"
- Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of your application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).
- Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.
General District Employment Requirements:
- PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.
The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.
