Entry-Level Firefighter

About the role

The City of Champaign is seeking entry-level firefighters. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legally authorized to work in the United States, hold a valid driver's license, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also meet certain medical, physical, and psychological standards, and pass a criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency calls and provide fire suppression services.
• Assist with rescue operations and other emergency responses.
• Operate firefighting equipment and vehicles.
• Participate in training programs and drills.
• Maintain equipment and facilities.

Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age by the date of hire.
• Must meet I-9 requirements.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Qualifications

• Medical, physical, and psychological examinations and a criminal background check are required.
• Starting annual salary is $75,867 plus an excellent fringe benefits package; $83,593 after one year.

Skills

• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Physical fitness and stamina.

Benefits

• PPO Select Network plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.
• Voluntary supplemental life insurance available.
• Dental and vision insurance available.
• Term life insurance through The Hartford.
• Deferred compensation plan offered.

Pay

• Starting annual salary is $75,867 plus an excellent fringe benefits package; $83,593 after one year.

Schedule

• 24-hour per day schedule from July 1 to October 31.
• 40-hour per week schedule from November 1 to February 29.
• 12-hour per day schedule from March 1 to June 30.
• 8-hour per day schedule from July 1 to October 31.
• 16-hour per day schedule from November 1 to February 29.
• 8-hour per day schedule from March 1 to June 30.

Health Insurance

• PPO Select Network plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.
• $500 individual and $1,000 family deductible.
• Nearly 98% of providers and facilities across the State of Illinois are covered.
• Access to providers nationwide through Blue Cross Blue Shield.
• Employee pays $35 of the employee health insurance premium per month and 50 percent of the premium for dependent(s).
• Premiums for employee only and dependent coverages may be made on a pre-tax basis, through the City's Section 125 plan.

Dental and Vision Insurance

• Employees may purchase dental and/or vision insurance through payroll deduction.
• Employees pay 100 percent of the monthly premium for this coverage.
• Premiums for dental and vision insurance may be made on a pre-tax basis, through the City’s Section 125 plan.

Lifetime Insurance

• The City provides a $10,000 term life insurance policy through The Hartford.
• Premiums are paid by the City.

Pension

• Fire Fighters are covered by the Fire Pension Fund.
• Employee contributions to the Pension Fund are 9.455 percent of salary; additional contributions are paid by the City.

Personal Leave

• IAFF members are credited with either 36 hours (52-hour work week) or 32 hours (40-hour work week) of personal leave at the beginning of each fiscal year.
• Personal leave may not be accumulated and carried over into the next fiscal year.
• Personal leave during the first year of employment varies based on the date of employment.

Vacation

• Vacation accrual rates are based on years of service.
• Maximum accumulations are 360 hours for 52-hour week officers and 272 hours for 40-hour week officers.

Sick Leave

• Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of 5.17 hours per pay period (52-hour week officers) and 3.69 hours per pay period (40-hour week officers).

Longevity Pay

• Based upon their years of continuous employment with the City.
• Longevity Pay is an addition to the employees' base wage rate, as follows:

Deferred Compensation Plan

• The City of Champaign offers employees the opportunity to participate in a tax-deferred annuity plan and/or Roth plan of the Mission Square Retirement Corporation through payroll deduction.
• This is an optional plan with no City contributions.

Union Dues

• The IAFF union establishes regularly monthly dues which are collected by the City through payroll deduction on behalf of the union.
• Dues are currently 1.25% of the members’ base pay, inclusive of longevity (hourly rate), per month.

Contract

View the current City of Champaign International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Bargaining Unit contract at champaignil.gov/hr/jobs/bargaining-units.