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Watch Commander Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Triton College, IL

Police Officer

River Grove, IL · On-site

$40K/yr

Under the direct supervision of the Patrol, Detective and Administrative Sergeants, Watch Commander, Deputy Chief, and Chief of Police. Qualifications Certification/Licensure:P.O.W.E.R. Certification ...

Loyola University Chicago

POLICE OFFICER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$32.53/hr

No Duties and Responsibilities Reporting to the Watch Commander, duties of this position include maintaining a safe environment for the University community by way of patrol (foot and vehicular) of ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Palos Hills, IL

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Chicago, IL

$18 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Cary, IL

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

US Navy

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)

Manhattan, IL

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Bedford Park, IL

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Roselle, IL

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Rockdale, IL

$17 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Joliet, IL

$17 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

US Navy

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)

Itasca, IL

$17 - $21.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Carpentersville, IL

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Lockport, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Forest Park, IL

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Glenview, IL

$17 - $21.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Cicero, IL

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Hickory Hills, IL

$18 - $22.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Chesterton, IN

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Steger, IL

$17.50 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Gary, IN

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. Work Environment Assignments at Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with ...

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All JobsWatch Commander JobsWatch Commander Jobs in Chicago, IL

Watch Commander information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do watch commander jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for watch commander in Chicago, IL is $13.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.91 and $15.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a watch commander?

A Watch Commander is a supervisory law enforcement officer who oversees police operations during a specific shift, often called a 'watch.' They are responsible for managing personnel, responding to major incidents, and making critical decisions to ensure public safety. Watch Commanders typically coordinate resources, provide guidance to officers, and serve as the highest-ranking official on duty during their shift. Their duties may vary depending on the size and structure of the police department, but they play a crucial role in maintaining order and effective communication within the team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a watch commander?

To thrive as a Watch Commander, you need extensive experience in law enforcement or security management, strong leadership abilities, and often supervisory certification or relevant training. Familiarity with incident command systems, radio communication equipment, and digital incident reporting tools is typically required. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating teams and responding to emergencies. These competencies ensure that critical situations are managed efficiently, team safety is upheld, and organizational protocols are consistently followed.

How does a watch commander typically interact with other departments during emergency situations?

A Watch Commander plays a pivotal role in coordinating responses during emergencies by acting as the central point of communication between different departments such as patrol units, detectives, fire services, and medical responders. They are responsible for assessing situations, allocating resources, and ensuring that all involved teams are informed and working cohesively. This often involves making quick decisions, prioritizing incidents, and facilitating clear, ongoing communication to resolve situations efficiently while maintaining public safety.

What is the difference between Watch Commander vs Security Supervisor?

AspectWatch CommanderSecurity Supervisor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Security Guard LicenseCPR, First Aid, Security Guard License
Work EnvironmentSecurity sites, patrols, emergency responseOverseeing security teams, site management
Employer & IndustrySecurity firms, private security, law enforcement supportSecurity companies, corporate security departments

Watch Commanders typically focus on overseeing security operations on-site, responding to incidents, and managing security personnel during shifts. Security Supervisors also manage security teams but often have broader responsibilities including administrative tasks and staff training. Both roles require similar certifications and are integral to security operations, but the Watch Commander is more operationally focused, while the Security Supervisor has a managerial oversight role.

How much do watch commanders make?

Watch commanders typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on the location, experience, and department size. They often work in law enforcement or security settings, requiring leadership skills and knowledge of protocols.

What are popular job titles related to Watch Commander jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Watch Commander jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Watch Commander jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Watch Commander jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Watch Commander jobs near you
Infographic showing various Watch Commander job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,259 per year, or $13.6 per hour.

Police Officer

Triton College, IL

River Grove, IL • On-site

$40K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Summary
Posting Number
S00423P
Position Title
Police Officer
Position Type
Police
Department
Police
Essential Function
The primary function of the Police Officer is to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff, and facilities of Triton College. In addition, shall be charged with the enforcement of all laws and ordinances, the preservation of peace, protection of life and property, the prevention of crimes, and the arrest and prosecution of violators, and other duties as assigned. The authority as a member of the Police Department shall be the conservators of peace and, as such, have all powers possessed by police offers in villages, cities, and towns along with the Sheriffs of Counties, including the power to make arrests on view or by warrants of violations of state statutes and county and local ordinances.
Under the direct supervision of the Patrol, Detective and Administrative Sergeants, Watch Commander, Deputy Chief, and Chief of Police.
Qualifications
Certification/Licensure:P.O.W.E.R. Certification Card (not older than 1 year from date of application); Valid Illinois Driver's License; Certified Police Officer through ILETSB preferred.
Education:Minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
Other: Citizen of the United States; minimum of 21 years of age; provide required references in the form of an attachment:
  • (a) Three professional references (supervisors and/or coworkers)
  • (b) Three personal references (family and/or friends)

Responsibilities
Patrol Functions:
  1. Drive a motor vehicle under emergency and non-emergency conditions
  2. Respond to all service calls assigned
  3. Patrol area in vehicle and on foot
  4. Search persons, vehicles and placed without violating constitutional rights
  5. Transport prisoners
  6. Administer first aid

Traffic Functions:
  1. Enforce traffic and parking laws and ordinances
  2. Investigate traffic accidents and aid the injured
  3. Control, regulate and direct traffic, vehicular and pedestrian
  4. Administer roadside sobriety tests

Arrest and Apprehension Functions:
  1. Identify and apprehend offenders
  2. Follow and adhere to Officer safety tactics
  3. Advise person in custody of Constitutional Rights
  4. Follow the use of Force Policy including the ability to use deadly force if necessary
  5. Pursue suspects on foot or in vehicle when applicable

Physical Functions:
  1. Walk up and down stairs
  2. Sit, stand and walk for long periods of time
  3. Negotiate obstacles while in foot pursuits with the possibilities of the need to run long distance
  4. Physically restrain, detain and apprehend offenders with the possibilities of needing to physically defend yourself and others

Investigative Functions:
  1. Investigate crimes against persons and/or property
  2. Investigate suspicious circumstances, persons or vehicles
  3. Investigate accidents
  4. Collect and preserve evidence
  5. Conduct surveillance of individuals or locations

Communication Functions:
  1. Use of radio and phones
  2. Effectively work with citizens
  3. Participate in meetings
  4. Provide accurate oral descriptions
  5. Conduct interview and explain complaints
  6. Mediate disputes

Community Functions:Citizen/Dignitary escorts
  1. Interact with students, staff, and administrators of the College

Court Functions:
  1. Testify in court for traffic at hearings and criminal/civil court
  2. Read and review reports and notes for court testimony

Planning, Organizing, and Administrative Functions:
  1. Write reports and memos and conduct record checks
  2. Assist in training new personnel and police officers
  3. Make judgments reference to arrest/release of suspects
  4. Serve subpoenas and search/arrest warrants

Posting Date
12/09/2024
Closing Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
1. Annual base salary of $40,000 with full benefits package
2. Official transcripts required prior to employment (if applicable)
3. Recommended candidate for hire will be subject to pre-employment screenings
4. Triton College is an EOE
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobopenings.triton.edu/postings/1945

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