Ranger Police Officer

Join to apply for the Ranger Police Officer role at Lake County Forest Preserve District

4 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by Lake County Forest Preserve District. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$34.27/hr - $37.99/hr

Anticipated Hiring Rate Range: $34.27 - $37.99*

This is an excellent opportunity for fully sworn Illinois officers currently serving in a municipal police department to transition to a non-traditional policing agency that values your training and experience and enjoy the benefits of continuing your career while serving the community.

SUMMARY
. The Ranger Police Officer enforces the Illinois Compiled Statutes within Lake County and enforces the District 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 Public Safety 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 31,300 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

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and optical insurance
• Life insurance and SLEP (Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Personnel) pension program
• Paid time off including vacation, personal, holiday, and sick leave
• Specialty pay for on-call assignments and advanced skills such as Field Training Officer and second language certification.
• 5/2-5/3 schedule with 8.5‑hour shifts that provide a balanced work‑life rhythm
• No dedicated midnight shift, with coverage provided by assigned on-call officers (on call premium paid)
• On‑site fitness facility for health and wellness
• Uniforms and equipment provided (excluding duty weapon)
• Opportunities to serve in specialty units within the department and in regional multi‑agency task forces
• Strong team culture that values professionalism, camaraderie, and continuous training.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

* According to the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, during a lateral transfer recruitment opportunity, the District reserves the right to start a new employee at Step B ($36.71/hr) or Step C ($37.99) of the wage schedule if the new employee has at least eighteen (18) months of prior full‑time service as a sworn police officer and completed the certification requirements of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

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Full‑time

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