Park Patrol Officer

Duties : In collaboration with and under the supervision of the Chief of Park Police, the Park Patrol Officer is responsible for:

- Conducting motorized and foot patrols of assigned park, facilities, buildings, trails, parking areas, and other Park District properties.

- Enforcing applicable municipal, county, state, and federal laws, as well as Park District rules, regulations, and ordinances, while addressing unsafe, disruptive, unlawful, or inappropriate conduct in a fair, respectful, and professional manner.

- Responds promptly and professionally to calls for service, complaints, emergencies, suspicious activity, ordinance violations, and requests for assistance.

- Investigating criminal complaints, ordinance violations, property damage, safety concerns, and other incidents occurring on Park District property, and preparing accurate, thorough, and timely criminal and non-criminal reports, incident reports, citations, warnings, and other required documentation.

- Providing professional, courteous, and responsive police and customer service to park patrons, employees, program participants, and community partners, including assistance with directions, Park District information, facility concerns, lost property, disabled vehicles, missing persons, and other service-related needs.

- Inspecting parks, facilities, playgrounds, parking areas, and other Park District properties and public spaces to identify safety hazards, security concerns, property damage, improper activity, and maintenance or operational issues, and promptly reporting concerns to the appropriate Park District division or supervisor.

- Supporting crowd management, traffic control, special events, recreational programs, and other Park District activities as assigned.

- Building and maintaining positive relationships with park visitors, neighborhood residents, youth, Park District employees, and community organizations while promoting the Park District's commitment to public service, hospitality, safety, accessibility, and community engagement.

- Following all safety procedures applicable to assigned duties and supporting all aspects of the Park District’s safety program.

- Properly operating and maintaining assigned vehicles, communications equipment, law-enforcement equipment, and other department-issued property.

- Maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information in accordance with department policy and applicable law.

- Providing testimony in court or administrative proceedings when required.

- Working cooperatively with other Park District divisions and local public-safety agencies.

- Performing other duties as assigned by the Chief of Park Police or designated supervisor.

Essential Functions :

- Physical and mental ability to perform law-enforcement and public-safety duties safely and effectively.

- Successful completion of required physical, medical, psychological, and physical-agility examinations.

- Vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes and the ability to mee applicable job-related vision and color-perception standards.

- The ability to sit, stand, walk, run, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, reach, and work outdoors for extended periods.

- The ability to lift, carry, push, or pull equipment, supplies, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

- The ability to respond effectively during emergencies, stressful situations, and rapidly changing conditions.

- The ability to work in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and other outdoor environments.

- The ability to work days, evenings, weekends, holidays, special events, and emergency assignments as needed.

Qualifications

Education : High school diploma or GED equivalent. Current certification by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) is preferred. Qualified applicants who are not certified may be considered for District-sponsored basic law enforcement academy training. An applicant sponsored by the Peoria Park District must successfully complete the academy, pass the state certification examination, and obtain ILETSB certification. Before sponsorship, the applicant must sign a separate training reimbursement agreement requiring 36 months of active service after certification. An officer who voluntarily leaves before completing that period may be required to repay a prorated share of the district's documented, unreimbursed academy costs, as specified in the agreement. Must successfully complete the comprehensive examination administered at the conclusion of mandatory basic law-enforcement training. Must successfully complete all required departmental field training, in-service training, and annual certification requirements.

Experience : Candidates must demonstrate an established history of positive, respectful, and professional interaction with members of the community through employment, education, volunteer service, public service, or comparable experience. Experience involving law enforcement, public safety, security, parks and recreation, hospitality, customer service, youth engagement, or community service is preferred.

Required Licenses and Certifications : Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, Basic Law Enforcement Officer Certification. Valid Illinois Driver's License with an acceptable driving record. Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain the required certifications within a timeframe established by the Department. Any additional certifications required by law, department policy, or assignment.

Knowledge and Ability :

- Working knowledge of applicable municipal, county, state, and federal laws, including Park District ordinances and regulations.

- Knowledge of accepted law-enforcement, public safety, emergency-response, and crime-prevention practices.

- Knowledge of workspace and public-safety procedures.

- An understanding of Peoria Park District goals, programs, facilities, policies, and performance standards.

- Strong customer-service and interpersonal communication skills.

- The ability to communicate clearly and professionally with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

- The ability to exercise sound judgment, remain calm, and make appropriate decisions during emergencies and stressful situations.

- The ability to prepare clear, complete, accurate, and timely written reports.

- The ability to follow written and verbal instructions, policies, procedures, and the lawful direction of supervisors.

- The ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication with supervisors, coworkers, dispatchers, and partner agencies.

- The ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with Park District employees, law-enforcement partners, and members of the public.

- The ability to provide emergency assistance and administer basic first aid.

- The ability to promote safety and provide appropriate safety instruction when necessary.

- Ability to demonstrate professionalism, respectful, accountability, innovation, safety awareness, and equitable treatment of internal and external customers.

- The ability to successfully complete required background, physical, medical, psychological, and other employment-related examinations.

Benefits and Perks :

- Paid sick days, vacation days, and holidays.

- Longevity bonus program and wellness program.

- Pension and retirement programs and Social Security participating.

- Exceptional health plan.

- Paid Life Insurance.

- Disability Insurance.

- Full-time employees and dependents enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.