Job Information

NORTH CHICAGO FIRE, CITY OF
1850 LEWIS AVE
NORTH CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60064-2050
847-596-8780

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Updated: June 24, 2026

Position Title: Firefighter/Paramedic
Salary Information: $77,456.00 - $104,206.00 by end of 2027 contract

Now offering State of Illinois Basic Fire Operations Training

Immediate Openings

Application period; June 24,2026 - July 31,2026

Testing scores accepted; June 24, 2025 - July 31, 2026

Benefit Information:

Firefighter/Paramedic works a 24-hour shift followed by 48-hours off duty
Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic receives 2 paid personal days during first year with the option of cashing out at full rate of pay.
13 Kelly days per year / one day off every 10th shift
Vacation accrual dependent on years of service
4 Holidays per year
Paid sick leave for 24 hour shift employees accrues on a monthly basis at a rate of 12 hours per month
Sick leave good attendance incentive program / cash payout for non or minimal usage
Longevity pay upon completion of 20 years / $2500.00 annually
Part-time employment permitted
NCFD offers a comprehensive health care benefit plans (Blue Cross Blue Shield).
Free single HMO BCBS for employees
Dental, life and Vision insurance
Illinois downstate pension plan
Deferred compensation plans
City paid Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)
Visible tattoos permitted within parameters of NCFD policy & discretion (no head, face tattoos)

Candidate Contact Person:
John Umek
Fire Chief
(847) 596-8780
Umek@northchicago.org

Department Overview

It is the mission of the North Chicago Fire Department to preserve life,
property and promote public safety for the citizens of North Chicago.
When called upon we will provide a prompt and professional response to
emergencies showing care and compassion to all those we serve.
We are dedicated to being a community-focused fire department
working as a team to ensure a safe and secure environment for all those
entrusted to our care. Building a great work environment where people
are inspired to be life-long learners, ensuring they are the best they can
be, remaining mindful of our overall customer service responsibilities.

City/County/Area Information

The North Chicago Fire Department is a full-time career fire department
that provides fire, EMS, technical rescue, fire prevention and education
services to a population of approximately 32,574 residents in an area of 8
square miles. In calendar year 2025, the department responded to 3,143
calls of which approximately one-quarter were fire and three-quarter
were EMS based including rescue calls, car accidents and specialized
rescues.

Job Requirements

Age: Applicants must be 21 years of age at time of hire. Applicants must be under the age of 35 at the day of testing unless exempt by State Statute 65 IL 5/10-2. 1-6 which provides, in part, that the age limitation does not apply to any person previously employed as a certified full-time firefighter in a regularly constituted fire department or fire protection district located in the State of Illinois. Proof of date of birth is required.
US Citizen: Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident of the U.S.
High School Grad/GED: Yes
Valid State Driver’s License: Yes
Ability to Read/Speak English: Yes
Vision (i.e. 20/20): Corrected to a minimum of 20/20 and free of color blindness
College: No
Academy Certification: Paramedic Certification by time of hire, CPAT completion with ladder climb
Necessary Certifications:

An Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) EMT-P in good standing by the State of Illinois pursuant to applicable statutes and regulations at the time of application or National certification with the ability to test into the Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital System during the first 6 months of employment.
Candidates must show proof of successful completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) which includes the required State of Illinois "ladder climb" portion from an approved agency no more than 12 months prior to taking the written examination.

Additional Requirements Residency: Employees must live within 40 air miles of the city (Wisconsin included). Probationary employees will receive 18 months to comply with residency requirements.

Hiring Process:

ELIGIBILITY LIST PROCESS:

Initial Eligibility List established based on the following:
- Candidate’s score on the FireTeam examination
- Proof of valid CPAT + ladder climb certificate demonstrating physical ability component from an approved agency no more than 12 months prior to taking the written examination
- Oral interview with the North Chicago Fire & Police Commission

Preference Points

Military – 5 points. Awarded to applicants who were engaged in the military service of the United States for period of at least one year of active duty and who were honorably discharged there from, or who are now or who have been members on inactive or reserve duty in such military or naval service.
Paramedic Preference – 5 points. Awarded to candidates with a valid State of Illinois Paramedic certificate
Experience Preference – 5 points. Up to 5 points awarded for paid -on-call experience with the North Chicago Fire Department or full-time experience with another department in accordance with Illinois Law.

Final Eligibility List – posted after application of preference points.
Candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully pass post-offer screenings including but not limited to a background investigation; and medical examination, including vision and drug screen.

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