Firefighter-Paramedic

City of Des Plaines • Des Plaines, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Working for the City of Des Plaines is more than just a job, it's a chance to build a meaningful career in public service, making a difference not only in your life but also in the lives of those in our community. The City of Des Plaines employs over 360 dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to serve our residents every day. As one of the largest and most desirable suburbs in the Chicago area, Des Plaines is a vibrant and diverse community just under 60,000 people are proud to call home. Our employees in Public Works & Engineering, Police, Fire, Finance, Community & Economic Development, Information Technology, Media Services, Human Resources and more take pride in delivering exceptional service to our residents. Join the City of Des Plaines and become part of a committed team that’s building a great community for today and for generations to come. We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a real impact in their communities!

Requirements

• If not already a member, a $55 non-refundable membership fee to National Testing Network (NTN), and/or $12 to participate in City of Des Plaines examination testing
• U.S. Resident
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Valid IDPH Paramedic License or proof of current enrollment in a paramedic program with your anticipated completion date.
• Valid driver’s license (valid Illinois driver’s license by date of hire)
• 20 to under 35 years of age as of the date of the written exam, but must be 21 prior to appointment, unless otherwise provided by the Rules and Regulations and/or Illinois Statute (e.g., exception for attaining age 35 during military service, exception for certain previous full-time police officer employment)
• No felony convictions
• Residency in Illinois by date of hire
• Valid CPAT and Ladder Climb Certificate dated 6/26/2025 – 6/26/2026
• Complete this online application with the required documentation.
• Take the examination through the National Testing Network
• Both must be completed on or before June 26, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
• Signed Consent and Release Forms
• Copy of your high school diploma (or GED)
• Copy of valid driver’s license (both sides)
• Copy of birth record as proof of citizenship or residency
• Copy of a valid IDPH Paramedic License or proof of current enrollment in a paramedic program with your anticipated completion date.
• Copy of a valid CPAT and Ladder Climb Certificate dated 6/26/2025 – 6/26/2026
• All applications and materials must be submitted by June 26, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

Nice To Haves

• Skills: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
• Abilities: The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
• The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
• The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
• The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
• The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
• The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Responsibilities

• Positions and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures.
• Creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using ax, chisel, crowbar, electric saw, or core cutter.
• Selects hose nozzle, depending on type of fire, and directs stream of water or chemicals onto fire.
• Protects property from water and smoke, using waterproof salvage covers, smoke ejectors, and deodorants.
• Administers first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons and those overcome by fire and smoke.
• Responds to fire alarms and other emergency calls.
• Assesses fire and situation, reports to superior, and receives instructions, using two-way radio.
• Establishes fire lines to prevent unauthorized persons from entering area.
• Drives and operates fire fighting vehicles and equipment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED