Crash-Rescue and Security Specialist

About the role

Under direct supervision form a designated supervisor, perform crash-rescue operations, combat aircraft and structural fires, maintain and operate crash-rescue fire equipment, reset alarm system, test sprinkler system, perform fire prevention and security, perform wildlife hazard management, and safety duties.

Responsibilities

• Perform crash-rescue operations involving aircraft.
• Perform fire prevention duties as assigned.
• Attend training sessions as required.
• Performs required FAA and TSA training for airport personnel.
• Prepare required reports.
• Act as a security guard throughout the airport areas, monitoring the computer controlled access system at the Terminal Building, monitoring the CCTV system, and taking necessary corrective action based on given authority.
• Carry out airfield inspections and issue NOTAMs.
• Perform fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance as required.
• Perform fire safety inspection on the airport property, buildings, grounds and equipment.
• Takes necessary action based on given authority and reporting any unusual circumstances as directed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Takes necessary action based on given authority and reporting any unusual circumstances as directed.
• Be responsible for the custodial maintenance of the airport Security Crash-Rescue and Fire Department Headquarters.
• Combat fires resulting from aircraft crashes or other operational accidents, or incidents resulting from the storage or handling of gasoline and special fuels and other hazardous materials related to the operations and/or use of aircraft.
• Combat structural fires.
• Maintain and operate all crash-rescue fire equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance on sprinkler and alarm system.
• Perform Wildlife Hazard Management practices as required by the FAA.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• The possibility of working under adverse and hazardous conditions exists.
• Forcible entry into aircraft or buildings and extrication of victims require strength and stamina.
• In firefighting the person may be exposed to the dangers of high heat, possible explosions, toxic smoke and fumes, exposure to the elements, and forced to operate at an accelerated pace.
• In the course of performing security duties, the position runs the risk of having to deal with belligerent and possibly dangerous individuals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Any one from the following categories:
  • Certified in Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF).
  • Or applicable certification from INTERNATIONAL FIRE SERVICE ACCREDITATION CONGRESS(IFSAC) or NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS SYSTEM (NPQS) or Illinois State Fire Marshal
• Three (3) years (36 months) of work experience as a firefighter and certification as a Basic Operations Firefighter (BOF)/Firefighter II with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
• Possession of a valid State of Illinois driver’s license. (Must provide proof with application material.)

Preferred Qualifications

• EMT-B/EMT Certification in the State of Illinois or NREMT (National Registry Emergency Medical Technician) with the ability to obtain Illinois slate license.
• Three or more years of aircraft crash-rescue and firefighting experience.
• Be certified by the State Fire Marshal's Office as a Certified Fire Instructor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the classes of fire, be able to identify the stages and phases of burning.
• Knowledge of the various firefighting agents being used and the proper application of those agents.
• Ability to operate various types of firefighting-rescue apparatus and hand and power firefighting rescue tools.
• Ability to use communication equipment property.
• Knowledge of first aid and hazardous materials incidents.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 3288 - Crash-Rescue and Security Specialist position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The collective bargaining agreement sets a wage of $25.50/hour.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 11, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact kvogelba@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.