Position Overview

The Contractor (Armed Site Security Officer) shall provide armed security services during peak evening hours of 7PM-9PM to deter crime and improve visitor safety. Ensure all visitors have vacated the site, premises are secure, and gates are locked at 8:30 PM. Specific park closing time may adjust; therefore, shift may change to begin 1.5 hours prior to closing and end 1/2 hour after closing, with the latest shift to end at 10:30 pm.

Job Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned area by foot or vehicle, serving as a visible deterrent to crime and remain alert to any problems in regard to the safety, security and protection of property, personnel and visitors at site; carries firearms and reports criminal activity to local law enforcement agencies, as necessary.
• Maintains peace and order on site property; provides general information and assistance to visitors and investigates suspicious activity and/or situations; notifies applicable law enforcement when circumstances require enforcement action such as apprehension of a subject or a search of a person or personal property.
• Approximately 30 minutes prior to closing, inform visitors of upcoming park closing and the need to vacate the premises prior to that time.
• Upon determining park has been vacated, lock gates for the evening at closing of 8:30pm (may be adjusted according to daylight savings time with latest lock time of 10:00 pm.)
• After locking gates, writes brief summary of events or incidents that occurred to be turned in daily to Site Superintendent.
• Prepares and submits thorough incident reports according to divisional procedures, when needed.

Minimum Requirements

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of high school.
• Requires one year current or past work experience as sworn, commissioned police officer or a state certified policy officer.
• Must be active or retired police officer with legal authority to carry firearm while off-duty in state park.

Preferred Qualifications

• Elementary knowledge of all applicable federal and state laws, county, and local ordinances.
• Elementary knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of law enforcement jurisdictions.
• Ability to work independently and to recognize and respond to emergency situations quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to use courtesy, firmness, and tact in relations with general public and employees working in the facilities.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to prepare complete accurate reports relevant to accidents, rule violations, and other pertinent police and security matters.
• Ability to testify in court accurately and succinctly.

Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting Illinois' natural resources, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands and oil wells, parks, historic sites - and everything in between. Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including health, vision and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs.

The Office of Land Management (OLM) oversees nearly 400 individual parcels of land and institutes a wide variety of programs and activities advocating outdoor recreation through sustainable use, conservation, and preservation. The Historic Sites Division of the Office of Land Management oversees 57 Historic Sites, Monuments, and Memorials. OLM facilitates activities from small group interpretive programming at Historical Sites, to hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, and camping.