DOC Special Operations Commander
Springfield, IL, US, 62702
Job Requisition ID: 59295
Opening Date: 10/05/2026
Closing Date: 10/19/2026
Agency: Department of Corrections
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)
Skill Option: Law Enforcement/Correctional
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated starting salary range: $10,500 - $12,500 per month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Agency
Work Hours: 8 am - 4 pm Mon-Fri; Sat/Sun
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location: 1000 E Converse Ave, Springfield, Illinois, 62702
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: Timothy.Riech2@illinois.gov
A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.
Why Work for Illinois?
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
Position overview
The Illinois Department of Corrections is seeking to fill the position of Special Operations Commander. In this position, our candidate will serve as a full-line supervisor in the statewide Special Operations unit. In this role you will serve as a statewide policy formulating administrator, Supervise the Statewide Range Master in the management of the Department Firearms Training Program, and serve as Tactical Coordinator during critical or unusual incidents in a command post. Additionally in this role you will responsible for ordering of all department ammunition, firearms, ballistic vests, and Tactical Response Team uniforms and equipment. We invite all qualified applicants to apply.
Essential Functions
- Serves as the Special Operations Commander
- Plans and coordinates tactical training, in coordination with Regional Special Operations
- Serves as a full-line supervisor
- Supervises the Statewide Range Master in the management of the Department Firearms Training Program
- Responds to critical incidents
- Manages and facilitates repairs and inventory of firearms and other equipment
- Coordinates with Training Academy Manager to ensure curriculum taught by Special Operations is relevant, in compliance with department policy, and meets or exceeds any applicable standards set by the Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with courses in law enforcement, criminology, penology, or a related field.
- Requires four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a law enforcement public or private organization, a correctional facility, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prefers at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement public or private organization, a correctional facility, or related field.
- Prefers a Bachelor's Degree or higher in law enforcement, criminology, social or behavioral sciences, penology or a related field.
- Prefers at least three (3) years of experience developing policies for security programs in a correctional center.
- Prefers at least three (3) years of experience in organizing high risk transfers, fugitive apprehension and escape response
- Prefers at least three (3) years of experience developing and providing training to correctional security staff
- Prefers at least four (4) years of experience supervising firearms range instructors and firearms classes
- Prefers at least four (4) years of experience participating as a team member on a security team in a correctional setting
- Prefers at least three (3) years of experience conducting critical incident drills for a correctional facility
- Prefers at least two (2) years of experience in conducting critical incident reviews following an unusual incident for a correctional facility
- Prefers at least seven (7) years of professional experience supervising correctional staff.
Conditions of Employment
- Requires possession of a valid, appropriate driver's license and the ability to travel statewide
- Requires the incumbent to carry a gun while on duty, qualify with gun on an annual basis, and possess a valid, current Firearms Owner Identification (FOID) card
- Requires passing of Basic Tactical Unit Course
- Requires passing of Firearms Instructor Trainer Course
- Requires passing of Critical Incident Command Course
- Requires passing of Chemical Agent Instructor Course
- Requires a Distraction Device and Impact Munitions Certification
- Requires Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) certified Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) course
- Requires passing of the Instructional Methods or Train the Trainer
- Requires passing of the following National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses: 100, 200, 700, and 800
- Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check
- Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited
- Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non- State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non- State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine
- This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings
- Required to utilize digital technology, tools, platforms, and processes in managing and supporting various digital enhancements for greater efficiency, productivity, and digital transformation efforts within the department
- The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description
Revolving Door:
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.
Statement of Economic Interests:
This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
About the Agency: The Illinois Department of Corrections is a multicultural agency deeply committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment is at the forefront of our operations, hiring, policies and procedures, and training. We recognize the benefit of workplace empowerment, the importance of diversity and fully support an environment where ALL employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary to thrive and contribute to the agency’s success. IDOC genuinely values the differences of individuals in our custody and is committed to ensuring a healthy living environment where they feel valued, respected, and included. Through our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we shall establish and uphold agency policies and practices conducive to eliminating all forms of exclusion including, butn ot limited to, racism, ageism, ableism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, and religious oppression. The IDOC team works to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change in behavior of individuals in custody, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization. Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan and deferred compensation; state holidays and other benefit time off; and pre-tax benefit programs. The department also offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. The Illinois Department of Corrections is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
As an IDOC employee, you are entitled to a robust benefits package that includes:
· Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
· 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
· Pension Plan – vesting at 10 years for Tier II
· Full 20‐year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement.
· Deferred compensation and other pre‐tax benefits programs
· Paid state holidays 13‐14 days annually
· 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
· 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
· 10‐25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually ‐ (10 days in year one of employment)
· Personal, sick, and vacation rates modified for 12‐hour work schedules. (As applicable.)
· Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
· For more information about our benefits please follow this link: State Employee Benefits https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
Nearest Major Market: Springfield