Chief of Police

Chief of Police

The Forest Preserves of Cook County is seeking a forward-thinking leader to uphold and enforce all pertinent State of Illinois, Cook County, and Forest Preserve District laws and ordinances in order to serve and protect citizens visiting the Forest Preserve District and to protect the District’s property and natural resources.

The President of the Forest Preserves will appoint the Chief of Police.

About the Forest Preserves of Cook County

Cook County is the second most populous county in the United States and includes the City of Chicago. Within this diverse urban metropolis, the Forest Preserves of Cook County protects 70,000 acres of forests, prairies, wetlands, woodlands and other natural areas including rare habitats that offer plant and animal diversity on par with the rainforests of the world. Thanks to dedicated restoration and conservation efforts, native plants and wildlife—including North American river otters, blue spotted salamanders, native orchids, and birds such as bald eagles and bobolinks—continue to return to or flourish in the preserves. Each year, the Forest Preserves receives an estimated 62 million visits, as people use these lands and facilities to enjoy nature, bicycle, hike, fish, cross-country ski, picnic, canoe, or simply relax. Facilities located in the preserves include nature centers, boat rentals, equestrian stables, golf courses and driving ranges, and aquatic centers. Among the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County are the Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Botanic Garden, two world-class institutions located on the district’s land.

In 2022, Cook County voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum which increased the property tax limiting rate for the Forest Preserves by an additional one quarter of one tenth of 1%, providing the Forest Preserves with the long-term, sustainable resources it needs to meet the challenges it faces and achieve its long term goals to acquire and protect more land, restore the land to ecological health, and welcome all residents to the Forest Preserves.

The Forest Preserves of Cook County total budget for all funds for FY2026 is $194.1 Million. A breakdown of revenues and expenditures is presented in the 2026 FPDCC Executive Budget Recommendation

About the Department of Law Enforcement

The Chief of Police leads the Law Enforcement Department, which includes 139 employees. The patrol force is presently budgeted for 91 police officers, 18 sergeants, 7 Executive Protection Unit members, 12 civilian personnel and 11 command staff. The Law Enforcement Department is charged with protecting the natural lands of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, as well as buildings and structures situated on Forest Preserves property, and providing protection for Forest Preserves employees and the scores of people who visit the Preserves each year

The incoming Chief of Police will join an organization that is focused on ensuring that the overall mission of the Forest Preserve District is advanced through the plans, programs and activities of all departments.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $162,160-167,160 annually DOE/DOQ. The Forest Preserves of Cook County offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage; basic term life insurance; a pension plan and deferred compensation program; an employee assistance program; and paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.

Application Process and Recruitment Schedule

A full job description is presented on the following . To be considered, please submit your cover letter, resume, and a list of four professional references (who will not be contacted in the early stages of the recruitment) by 5 p.m. on June 30, 2026 to [email protected]. Resumes should reflect years and months of positions held, as well as the size and budget of the previous program or department you have managed or administered.

Resumes will be screened based on the criteria outlined in this brochure. Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to interview. The selected candidate will be subjected to an extensive reference and background check.

The Forest Preserves of Cook County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.

Pay: $162,160.00 - $167,160.00 per year

Benefits:

• 457(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person