Part-Time Firefighter/Firefighter-Paramedic

As a member of the fire department, and under the general supervision of an officer, you will respond to medical emergencies, fires, and other emergency incidents to provide fire suppression and emergency medical service; operate and maintain a variety of rescue and firefighting apparatus and equipment; participate in firefighting, hazardous materials, and other special teams incidents; and engage in fire prevention and training activities.

This position involves working both assigned shifts (paid on premise) and responding off-duty (paid on call). On recommendation of the Fire Chief, this position is appointed by the Board of Trustees and is a part-time, non-commissioned, non-pensioned, at-will employee of the District.

Newly hired part-time Firefighters who do not possess First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, and Basic Operations Firefighter certifications will be sent by the MTFPD to those courses at McHenry County College. As part of an Initial Training Agreement, individuals are responsible for the cost of course tuition and textbooks for these courses and will then be reimbursed over a defined period of time by the MTFPD. Complete and detailed information will be provided at the candidate orientation session.

All Firefighters are required to become licensed Paramedics through the Illinois Department of Public Health within five years of their date of hire. Individuals are responsible for the cost of course tuition and textbooks for these courses and will then be reimbursed over a defined period of time by the MTFPD.

Responsibilities

• Respond to medical emergencies, fires, and other emergency incidents
• Provide fire suppression and emergency medical services
• Operate and maintain rescue and firefighting apparatus and equipment
• Participate in firefighting, hazardous materials, and other special teams incidents
• Engage in fire prevention and training activities

Requirements

• High school diploma, G.E.D. certificate, or equivalent
• Legal resident of the United States of America
• Be 21 years of age or older, or between 18 and 21 years of age with one of the following:
  • Membership in a cadet program
  • Minimum of one (1) semester completed and actively enrolled in good standing in an accredited college program working towards an associate's degree in Fire Science (official, sealed college transcripts required at the time of application)
• Successfully complete all phases of the testing and hiring process
• Possess a valid State Driver’s License (Illinois or Wisconsin equivalent for Wisconsin residents if applicable)
• Be capable of reading, speaking, and writing in the English language
• Meet knowledge, health, and physical qualifications established by the District
• Pass a background investigation, pre-employment medical exam, and drug test
• Exhibit good moral character, temperate personal habits, and evidence of an industrious work ethic
• At the time of application, have completed the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), including the optional ladder climb, with an attainment date no earlier than one (1) year prior to the application deadline

Qualifications

• First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, and Basic Operations Firefighter certifications (or willingness to obtain through MTFPD-sponsored courses at McHenry County College with reimbursement)
• Licensed Paramedic through the Illinois Department of Public Health (required within five years of hire; tuition and textbook costs reimbursed by MTFPD)

Application Requirements

• Review the minimum qualifications to ensure eligibility
• Complete FireTeam testing through the National Testing Network (NTN) at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com for the McHenry Township Fire Protection District. Minimum scores required:
  • Human Relations: 70%
  • Mechanical Ability: 60%
  • Math: 70%
  • Reading: 80%
• Complete a valid CPAT test, including the optional ladder climb, within one (1) year of the application deadline. Testing can be done through:
  • Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy
  • Naperville FD
  • Huntley FPD
  • MABAS Division 24
  • Central Illinois Fire Chiefs Association
• Submit a completed Employment Application and all required documentation by the deadline set by the MTFPD

Questions regarding the NTN testing process should be directed to NTN at 1-866-563-3882. Questions about the McHenry Township Fire Protection District can be directed to Deputy Chief Karen Bush at bushkaren@fire.mtfpd.org.