POLICE SERGEANT

Cook County•Chicago, IL

About The Position

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 general direction of the Command Staff, the Police Sergeant performs supervisory functions as a first line supervisor. Provides guidance to patrol officers, observes patrol officer’s response to calls for police service, routinely meets with patrol officers in the field to provide leadership and feedback. Creates and maintains an environment in which laws, rules and regulations are enforced in a friendly, consistent, and assured manner. Utilizes available resources to ensure the safety and security of visitors, employees, and staff of the District at all times. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Internal candidates must possess at least 3 years of full-time work experience as a sworn ILETSB-certified law enforcement officer.
External candidates must possess at least 3 years of full-time work experience as an ILETSB-certified Sergeant or higher rank at any local, county, or State of Illinois police agency.
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 at the time of hire.

Nice To Haves

Possess an associates’ degree or higher in Natural Resources, Law Enforcement or substantially similar areas 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 “SERGEANT HIRING PROCESS” is required.
Knowledge of natural sciences such as forestry, urban forestry, forest ecology, forest resource management, biology, ecology, wildlife management, natural resources, or environmental science.
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 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.
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.

Responsibilities

Supervises, evaluates, and provides guidance to sworn and non-sworn Department personnel on an assigned shift.
Reviews essential information and provides training and/or briefing sessions on special tasks or assignments during roll call.
Inspects Department personnel, equipment and vehicles for appearance, readiness, and preparation for duty.
Supervises and participates in all normal shift duties as assigned, including enforcement of local, state, and federal laws, issuing citations, making arrests, transporting offenders, and conducting crash scene and preliminary criminal investigations.
Responds to major crimes, crash scenes and emergencies; assumes initial on-scene command and acts as Incident Commander until relieved by a higher-ranking person who assumes command.
Analyzes reports prepared and submitted by Department personnel for accuracy, completeness, essential elements, fundamental soundness, and substantiation of action taken.
Provides administrative support to management staff; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate; prepares and presents staff reports and/or other necessary correspondence as required or requested.
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.
Manages Department personnel assigned to a shift to assure pro-active police services as required and needed.
Utilizes available resources to ensure the safety and security of visitors, employees, staff, and District property and facilities at all times, including during a serious incident or catastrophic event.
Ensures the consistent application of Department policy and procedure by subordinate personnel on an assigned shift.
Addresses personnel administrative matters involving personnel actions, including the evaluation, training, and investigation of employees in the Department.
Implements emergency response and mutual aid plans.
Serves with an enthusiasm and passion for nature, conservation and outdoor activities.
Performs other duties as assigned under the direction of the Deputy Commander.