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DOWNERS GROVE, VILLAGE OF 850 CURTISS STREET DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS 60515 630-434-5538
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Updated: May 02, 2025
Position Title: Firefighter/Paramedic
Salary Information: Starting salary of $84,299 advancing to $117,731 after 6 years
Accepting applications through 11:59 pm on June 1, 2025, for the next eligibility list.
Should a candidate successfully pass the written exam by June 1, the next step in the testing process is an NTN Video Interview, which is due by 11:59 p.m. on June 15, 2025.
Benefit Information:
● Health, dental, and vision insurance, with low-cost premium share
● $100,000 of life insurance coverage (Village paid)
● Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care (FSA & DCFSA)
● Tax-deferred retirement savings program
● $4,500 annual tuition reimbursement
● 120 hours of vacation
● 120 holiday hours
● 12 training hours
● 144.04 sick hours
● Annual clothing allowance
Department OverviewThe Downers Grove Fire Department is an ISO Class 1-rated department, officially founded in 1898. Today, the Fire Department is a full-service organization staffed by 83 fire service professionals. The Fire Department provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, and other fire-related services to approximately 50,000 residents. The daytime population swells to approximately 125,000 due to the wide variety of commercial, industrial, and residential occupancies over an area of 14 square miles. On-duty staffing is provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week by a total of 77 sworn members operating out of four fire stations located throughout the Village. The response area is divided into several “still” districts. Station 102 is located in the center of the response area and is the fire department headquarters station. A tower ladder truck staffed by a minimum of three members responds from this station along with the shift commander. Station 101 is staffed with a three-member squad company. Stations 103 and 105 are each staffed with three-member engine companies that are advanced life support (ALS) equipped. ALS ambulances, each staffed with two firefighter/paramedics, are also located at Stations 102,103, and 105.
Village InformationDowners Grove is located 22 miles west of Chicago. Convenient access to Chicago via rail and several major expressways makes Downers Grove a prime location to live, work, and do business. Downers Grove is home to many corporate and regional headquarters, including Advocate Aurora Health Care, Dover Corporation, and Pepperidge Farm. Highly ranked schools were a top factor in Downers Grove being named one of the Top 10 Livable Cities for kids by Livability.com. Downers Grove has also been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Friendliest Towns.
Population: nearly 50,000
Job Requirements
Age: 21 years of age at the time of initial list, but less than 35 years of age at the time of application.
The age requirement does not apply to any person currently employed as a full-time firefighter in a regularly constituted fire department of any municipality or fire protection district located in Illinois; or a fire protection district whose obligations were assumed by a municipality; or any person who has served a municipality as a regularly enrolled volunteer, paid- on-call, or part-time firefighter for the five (5) years immediately preceding the time that the municipality begins to use full-time Firefighters to provide all or part of its fire protection services.US Citizen: Must be a US CitizenHigh School Grad/GED: Must be a high school graduate or possess a GEDValid State Driver’s License: Must possess a valid driver’s license
Proof of Physical Fitness: Candidate Physical Ability Test ("CPAT") with ladder climb exercise
Special Qualifications: Basic Operations Firefighter or Firefighter II Certification from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
Necessary Certifications at time of Conditional Offer: Paramedic License by the Illinois Department of Public Health
Additional Requirements: Meet the mental, medical, physical, and psychological standards established by the Board and be able to successfully complete such screening examinations as required by the Board.
Required Documentation, due at time of application:
● Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)
● Applicant Statement and Release
● Certified copy of birth certificate
● Certified copy of high school diploma or GED
● A copy of a valid Driver’s License
● A copy of the applicant’s Basic Operations Firefighter or Firefighter II certification from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall
● Proof that the applicant is pursuing a paramedic license that will be issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health
● When applicable, a certified copy of military service record and discharge papers (DD214)
Hiring Process: The Downers Grove Firefighter Paramedic recruitment process includes:1. Submission of Application (Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ), with Supporting Documents)2. Written Exam3. Subjective Assessment (Video Interview)4. Initial Eligibility List5. Preference Points6. Final Eligibility List7. Polygraph Test8. Psychological Evaluation9. Background Investigation10. Interview with the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners11. Medical Examination 12. Acceptance into the Good Samaritan Hospital Emergency Medical Services System
Preference Points (noncumulative)Veteran: Candidates engaged in the military service of the United States for a period of at least one (1) year of active duty and who were honorably discharged therefrom, or who are now or have been members on inactive or reserve duty shall receive five (5) preference points added to their Initial Eligibility List score.
Educational: Candidates who have successfully obtained an Associate’s Degree in the field of Fire Service or Emergency Medical Services from an accredited college or university shall receive two (2) preference points added to their Initial Eligibility List score. Candidates who have successfully obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in the field of Fire Service or Emergency Medical Services from an accredited college or university shall receive four (4) preference points added to their Initial Eligibility List score.
The Village of Downers Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
