Firefighter/paramedic-Des Plaines City Of

City of Des Plaines Fire Division
1420 Miner Street
Des Plaines, Illinois 60016
847-391-5651

Updated: September 10, 2024

Job Classification: Firefighter/Paramedic (Entry Level)
Application Deadline: October 4, 2024

Examination Process:
The City of Des Plaines has partnered with the National Testing Network (NTN) to conduct the Firefighter/Paramedic Eligibility Test. Applicants must complete the exam through NTN before October 4, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Late exams will not be considered. Candidates must adhere to all testing guidelines established by NTN.

Application Instructions:
Applications can be completed directly on the City’s website. No written or emailed applications will be accepted. In addition to the online application, applicants must submit the following documents:

Copy of high school diploma or GED
Copy of a valid driver’s license (both sides)
Proof of citizenship or residency (birth record)
Valid IDPH Paramedic License or proof of enrollment in a paramedic program with expected completion date
Valid CPAT and Ladder Climb Certificate (dated between 10/4/2023 and 10/4/2024)
All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by October 4, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.

Salary and Benefits:
2024 Step 1 Salary: $79,919
Health Insurance: Generous health, dental, and vision insurance packages with employee premium shares
Tuition Reimbursement: For career-related degrees (up to two classes per semester, reimbursement based on grades)
Work Schedule: 24 hours on shift, 48 hours off shift
Paid Time Off: Includes vacation, sick leave, and personal leave accruals
Retirement Options: Retirement Health Savings Plan, 457b, and Roth IRA options
Pension: Fire pension plan
Specialty Opportunities: HazMat, Dive, Technical Rescue, and ongoing training opportunities
Department Overview:
The Des Plaines Fire Department provides firefighting, rescue, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, water/ice rescue, vehicle accident extrication, and technical rescue services. The department also engages in regional readiness and mutual-aid agreements and supports emergency management for Homeland Security.

Additional Services:

Administration and Support Services: Manages personnel, budgets, procurement, and maintenance of fire stations and equipment.
Fire Prevention: Reviews building plans for safety compliance, inspects public and business properties, investigates fire causes, and prosecutes arson in conjunction with the police department.
Emergency Management: Prepares and coordinates disaster management efforts involving first responders, city departments, elected officials, and private sector resources.
Minimum Qualifications:
U.S. Resident
High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Valid driver’s license (must have an Illinois driver’s license by hire date)
Age 20 to under 35 at the time of the written exam; must be 21 before appointment
No felony convictions
Illinois residency by hire date
Valid CPAT and Ladder Climb Certificate (dated 10/4/2023 – 10/4/2024)
A non-refundable membership fee to NTN ($55) and/or $12 for City of Des Plaines testing participation
Hiring Process:
Complete the online application.
Take the examination through the National Testing Network (NTN).
Preliminary eligibility list is established by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners (BFPC).
Preference points are awarded.
Final eligibility list is established by BFPC.
Background checks begin, including:Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)
Fingerprint background check
Polygraph examination
Background investigation interview with BFPC.
Conditional offer is made if the background investigation is passed.
Psychological interview and physical examination.
Start date is established.
Eligibility List: All eligibility lists can be found on the BFPC website.