Evanston Fire Department

THE CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS FIRE DEPARTMENT 

The City of Evanston is now accepting applications for the position of firefighter/paramedic with the Evanston Fire Department. Please read these application requirements carefully, paying particular attention to deadlines and required documents.

Base Salary Range: $71,470.27 - $119,175.98

Population: 75,570

Sworn Personnel: 114 (budgeted for 115)

Mandatory Processes: 

• Passing score on the On-line Written Exam to be administered between 9 AM on August 13, 2024 through August 15, 2024 at 4:00 PM.
• Passing score on the subjective component/interview (date TBD).
• Chosen candidates will be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including polygraph, psychological evaluation, medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.
• Certification by the Evanston Public Safety Civil Service Commission.  

Firefighter/Paramedic Minimum Requirements:

• Pay a $45.00 non-refundable application fee. (The $45 non-refundable application fee will be waived for applicants with a financial hardship. Please complete and submit the Fee Waiver Form in the Payment section of the application to qualify);
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent US Resident;
• Must possess a high school diploma or GED;

• Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record Must be willing and able to obtain a Class A Non-Commercial Driver’s License (specific license type requirement may vary based on the state of residency) within 18 months of employment and must be able to maintain it as a condition of employment;

• Must possess a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card and Ladder Climb certification issued within one year of August 12, 2024.  NOTE: The City of Evanston will accept any certification (card or letter) which says that the applicant passed a CPAT and Ladder Climb from any vendor taken before August 12, 2024, but no earlier than August 12, 2023. These can include  MABAS, Naperville, NIPSTA, or similar organizations. It must be a "CPAT" and not some other type of physical ability test.  The CPAT card must be submitted by noon on Monday, August 12, 2024;
• Must be between 21 and 34 years of age at the time of employment. If 35 years of age or over, must have previous experience as a Firefighter/Paramedic. If between the ages of 35 and 40, must have turned 35 while serving in reserve duty or active duty (with honorable discharge) in the military;
• Must not possess any misdemeanor or felony convictions in accordance with 65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6.3(i);
• Must be willing and able to obtain a Hazardous Material Operations Certification within 18 months of employment and maintain it as a condition of employment;
• Must be willing and able to obtain a Paramedic License within 24 months of employment and maintain it as a condition of employment;
• Must be able to successfully complete all requirements for a State of Illinois Firefighter II certification.  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Resident of Evanston, Illinois at the time of application;
• Completion of the Evanston Fire Department's Fire Explorer Program or another fire department's explorer or fire cadet program;
• Possession of a valid paramedic license;
• Graduation from a State Fire Marshal fire academy;
• Experience as a Lifeguard for the Evanston Fire Department (2023 or later); and/or
• One or more years of active duty service and honorable discharge from the US Armed Forces.

Required Documents (to be submitted at time of application):

• $45.00 non-refundable application fee;
• COPY of U.S. citizenship (acceptable documentation may include a birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport or naturalization papers); 
• COPY of your valid driver’s license (if your license was renewed with a sticker, copies of the front -AND- back are required);
• COPY of high school diploma or GED certificate (acceptable documentation may include copy of high school diploma, high school transcript with graduation date, dated GED, college transcript showing high school and high school graduation date, or signed letter on high school letterhead). 
• COPY of CPAT and Ladder Climb certification with an issue date within one (1) year of August 12, 2024.  
• Failure to include all of the required documents will render your application incomplete and will disqualify you.  

Preferred Required Documents:

• COPY of Military Discharge Form DD-214 (if applicable);
• COPY of current driver's license or State ID showing residence in Evanston, IL;
• COPY of valid paramedic license; 
• Proof of completion of fire explorer or cadet program;
• Proof of graduation from a State Fire Marshal fire academy. 

Applicants must submit all supporting documents online
by 4:00 PM (CST) on Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Important Disclaimer for Potential Applicants:

As part of this application form, you will be required to submit various documents, records and/or additional forms. Be sure to allow sufficient time to gather this documentation and fully complete the application before the deadline. In other words, do not wait until one day before the deadline to collect and submit additional required documentation. In order for your application to be accepted, all materials must be submitted as outlined above and received prior to the deadline.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity.