Position Details
Part-Time Park Police Officer
Lockport Township Park District Police Department
The Lockport Township Park District is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Part-Time Park Police Officer.
This position is responsible for providing law enforcement services, public safety, and positive community engagement throughout Park District parks, facilities, programs, and special events. The Part-Time Park Police Officer serves an important role in maintaining a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment for residents, visitors, staff, and patrons of the Lockport Township Park District. This position is ideal for a certified or waiver-eligible law enforcement officer who is interested in part-time police work in a community-based park district setting.
The Lockport Township Park District Police Department is committed to providing professional police services in support of the District's mission to maintain safe, accessible, and enjoyable parks, facilities, programs, and community events. Officers serve as both law enforcement professionals and public representatives of the Park District, with an emphasis on safety, service, visibility, and positive community engagement.
Position Summary:
- The Part-Time Park Police Officer is responsible for law enforcement activity, public relations, patron safety, and general police services within the Lockport Township Park District.
- Officers are expected to enforce applicable laws and ordinances, patrol parks and facilities, assist at District events, complete reports, attend court when required, and represent the District professionally.
- This is a part-time, non-exempt position requiring a minimum of 32 hours per month. Work may include nights, weekends, holidays, and special events, based on the needs of the District.
- The Part-Time Park Police Officer reports directly to the Chief of Park Police.
Primary Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Promote a safe and positive environment throughout District parks, facilities, programs, and events.
- Ensure the safety and security of District patrons, staff, property, and facilities.
- Patrol assigned parks, facilities, trails, parking areas, and special event locations.
- Attend and provide police services at District events, programs, and community activities as assigned.
- Enforce applicable federal, state, local, and Park District laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
- Use sound judgment, discretion, and problem-solving skills when handling calls for service, complaints, disturbances, ordinance violations, and public safety concerns.
- Provide professional public relations and positive community interaction with residents, patrons, staff, and visitors.
- Represent the Lockport Township Park District at community meetings, events, and programs when requested.
- Assist with the distribution of District publicity or informational materials when assigned.
- Complete all required reports, citations, warnings, incident documentation, and miscellaneous paperwork accurately and in a timely manner.
- Attend court proceedings as required.
- Assist other law enforcement agencies or emergency service agencies within the District when requested.
- Safely operate, inspect, and maintain assigned police vehicles and equipment.
- Maintain issued uniforms and equipment in a professional and serviceable condition.
- Attend required training, meetings, seminars, and departmental functions.
- Follow all Park District and Park Police Department policies, procedures, rules, and directives.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Minimum of three years of prior law enforcement experience.
- Must possess current State of Illinois Police Officer Certification or be eligible for a waiver of training through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.
- Must possess strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid Illinois driver's license.
- Must pass a criminal background check.
- Must pass a driver's abstract/background review.
- Must pass required drug and alcohol testing.
- Must have or obtain CPR certification.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and special events.
Desired Candidate Characteristics:
- The ideal candidate will be a professional, self-motivated law enforcement officer who understands the unique role of policing in a park district environment.
- Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong community policing skills.
- Excellent judgment and decision-making ability.
- The ability to communicate effectively with children, families, staff, patrons, and the general public.
- A calm and professional approach to conflict resolution.
- Initiative during both active and low-activity periods.
- The ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- A commitment to public service, officer safety, and patron safety.
- Professional appearance, dependability, and integrity.
How to Apply:
For application information, visit:
https://www.lockportpark.org/job-listings/
Qualified applicants should submit a completed application, resume, and any required supporting documentation to:
Lockport Township Park District
Attn: Chief Jeff Schenk
Applicants may be required to participate in an interview process, background investigation, drug and alcohol testing, driver's abstract review, and any other pre-employment screening required by the District.
The Lockport Township Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
