ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Park Police Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Decatur Park District

Park Police Officer

Decatur, IL · On-site

$61K/yr

Park Police/Park Police Officer Date Posted: 8/15/2025 Location: Various Locations Closing Date: 02/01/2026 Decatur Park District Job Title: Park Police Officer Department: Park Police Department ...

Decatur Park District

Park Police Officer

Decatur, IL

$61K/yr

Park Police Officer Department: Park Police Department Reports To: Chief of Park Police FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Salary: $61,651.20 annual SUMMARY Under direct supervision of the Chief of Park Police ...

City of Stamford, CT

Park Police

Washington, CT · On-site

$45/hr

N/A JOB SUMMARY Under the general direction of the Police Chief is responsible for enforcing regulations, maintaining police security and public conduct in park areas, coordinates with Police ...

City of Stamford

Park Police

Stamford, CT · On-site

$45/hr

JOB SUMMARY Under the general direction of the Police Chief is responsible for enforcing regulations, maintaining police security and public conduct in park areas, coordinates with Police Department ...

JCPRD

Park Police Officer I

Shawnee Mission, KS

$28.78/hr

Park Police Officer I is an entry level law enforcement position. A Park Police Officer I performs uniformed patrol of JCPRD properties as assigned, protects and assists park visitors, safeguards ...

JCPRD

Park Police Officer I

Shawnee Mission, KS · On-site

$28.78/hr

Park Police Officer I is an entry level law enforcement position. A Park Police Officer I performs uniformed patrol of JCPRD properties as assigned, protects and assists park visitors, safeguards ...

JCPRD

Park Police Officer I

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$28.78/hr

Park Police Officer I is an entry level law enforcement position. A Park Police Officer I performs uniformed patrol of JCPRD properties as assigned, protects and assists park visitors, safeguards ...

City of Buena Park

Police Officer Lateral

Buena Park, CA

$104K - $137K/yr

The City of Buena Park Police Department is seeking Qualified Police Officer Lateral Applicants!*** THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CANDIDATES WHO HAVE A CALIFORNIA BASIC P.O.S.T CERTIFICATE AND ONE YEAR ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPark Police Jobs

Park Police information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do park police jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for park police in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Park Police Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Park Police Officer, you need a solid background in law enforcement, physical fitness, and knowledge of park regulations, typically supported by police academy training and relevant certifications. Familiarity with law enforcement tools such as radios, firearms, incident reporting software, and first aid equipment is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers effectively interact with the public and handle emergencies. These skills ensure the safety and security of visitors and park resources while promoting a positive community environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Park Police officers during their daily patrols?

Park Police officers often encounter unique challenges such as balancing law enforcement duties with community engagement, responding to emergencies in remote or difficult terrain, and addressing issues like vandalism or wildlife disturbances. Officers must also be adept at providing public assistance and information to park visitors while ensuring the safety of both people and natural resources. Adaptability, strong communication skills, and physical fitness are essential for meeting these daily demands effectively.

What are Park Police?

Park Police are law enforcement officers responsible for maintaining safety and enforcing laws within city, state, or national parks. Their duties include patrolling park grounds, protecting natural resources, assisting visitors, preventing crime, and responding to emergencies. Park Police often have specialized training in both law enforcement and resource protection, and they work closely with other agencies to ensure the safety of park visitors and wildlife.

What is the difference between Park Police vs Park Ranger?

AspectPark PolicePark Ranger
Required CredentialsPolice academy training, law enforcement certificationConservation, environmental, or natural resource degrees; sometimes law enforcement training
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement setting, patrolling parks, enforcing lawsNatural parks, visitor centers, educational roles, conservation work
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, law enforcementNational, state, or local parks, conservation agencies

Park Police primarily focus on law enforcement within parks, requiring police training and certifications. Park Rangers typically work in natural settings, focusing on conservation, visitor assistance, and education, with some law enforcement duties. Both roles serve public safety and park management but differ in training, responsibilities, and work environment.

More about Park Police jobs
What cities are hiring for Park Police jobs? Cities with the most Park Police job openings:
What states have the most Park Police jobs? States with the most job openings for Park Police jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Park Police jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Park Police jobs are:
Park Police jobs near you
Infographic showing various Park Police job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Park Police Officer

Park Police Officer

Decatur Park District

Decatur, IL • On-site

$61K/yr

Full-time, Other

Posted yesterday

Job description

Position Type:
Park Police/Park Police Officer
Date Posted:
8/15/2025
Location:
Various Locations
Closing Date:
02/01/2026Decatur Park District
Job Description
Job Title: Park Police Officer
Department: Park Police Department
Reports To: Chief of Park Police
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Salary: $61,651.20 annual
SUMMARY
Under direct supervision of the Chief of Park Police, patrols District properties to ensure the safety and security of the park patrons, employees, property and equipment, and to enforce park ordinances and state laws within the parks.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, and REQUIREMENTS
  • Conducts patrol and surveillance of the Park District system by vehicle, bicycle, and/or by foot patrol as directed by the Chief of Park Police. Observes activities and situations for violations of ordinances or state laws and takes required regulatory or preventative action.
  • Investigates complaints and disturbances, apprehends violators, issues summons, and makes arrests. Prepares required reports on incidents and activities related to Police duties.
  • Performs traffic and crowd control duties as assigned.
  • Inspects the total area of the facility to which assigned to ensure a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment for the park patrons; takes necessary action to correct unsafe and displeasing situations.
  • Is responsible to prepare and submit activity reports, operational reports, and various state mandated administrative reporting forms.
  • Reports hazards.
  • Renders first aid at accidents, and investigates causes and results of accidents.
  • Engages in proactive traffic enforcement efforts to help reduce accidents and deter IVC violations within the Park District's property.
  • Minimum availability of 25 hours per month for additional security at special events.
  • Must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
  • Every other weekend off, 5 day work weeks
  • Must be willing and available to work varying shifts including but not limited to first shift, second shift, swing shift.
  • All Park Police Officers are expected to share in the on-call duties as assigned which may include overnight calls for service.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES
This job has no supervisor responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
  • Minimum of two years law enforcement experience and training.
  • Must be able to meet the Illinois Law Enforcement physical fitness standards.
  • Must be actively certified as a State of Illinois Law Enforcement Officer and in good standing with the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variable in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Certificate in recognition of successful completion of the Basic Law Enforcement course.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and frequently lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
FULL TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
https://decatur-parks.org/blog/2025/08/21/decatur-park-district-benefits/
Decatur Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply