Firefighter/Paramedic

The Blue Line; Palos Heights (IL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

7 shift days paid time off first year

Job summary

Palos Heights Fire Protection District is accepting applications for the position of firefighter/paramedic in Palos Heights, Illinois. Applicants must meet minimum requirements including age, work eligibility, educational credentials, paramedic licensure, and CPAT certification.

Selected candidates may assume duties within 50 miles of the district HQ. The district emphasizes equal opportunity employment and offers clear career progression from starter salary to higher levels over five years.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age by November 10, 2026 written exam date
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States
• High school diploma or GED
• Licensed paramedic in Illinois (EMT-P) or nationally registered paramedic, or EMT-B enrolled in paramedic program
• OSFM Firefighter II or Basic Operations Firefighter certificate
• Valid Illinois driver's license
• Current CPAT card with ladder climb certification within 12 months of deadline
• Must live within 50 miles of Palos Heights within 1 year of hire

Job description

• 7 shift days paid time off the first year, maximum of 26 days upon full seniority

Palos Heights Fire Protection District

Contact Information

Address

Palos Heights Fire Protection District

12300 S. Harlem Avenue

Palos Heights, IL 60463

Phone

• 708-448-4272

Email

• [e-mail]

Position Information

Application Deadline

• 10/30/26
• @ 4:00 PM (CST)

Salary

• Starting: $80,730


• 
  
  
  
  • $86,112.00 after first year
  
  
  • $120,000 estimated after 5 years
  
  
  
  

Benefits

• 7 shift days paid time off the first year, maximum of 26 days upon full seniority

Sworn

• 21

Population

• 11,819

Position Details

Palos Heights Fire Protection District

Palos Heights, Illinois

The Palos Heights Fire Protection District is accepting applications to the position of firefighter/paramedic.

All Applicants Must Meet the Following Minimum Requirements established by the Palos Heights Fire Protection District:

• Must be 21 years of age by the written exam date of (November 10, 2026), and less than 35 years of age at the time of hire, unless previously employed as a full-time firefighter paramedic; as provided for in Illinois Statutes;


• Must must be able to legally work in the United States;


• Must have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent;


• Must be licensed as a paramedic in Illinois (EMT-P) -OR- a nationally registered paramedic (if applying from outside of Illinois) -OR- an EMT-B currently enrolled in a paramedic program, (proof of enrollment required). Must be a Licensed Paramedic, in Illinois, by date of hire;


• Possess an OSFM Certificate Firefighter II -OR- Basic Operations Firefighter Certificate (at time of application);


• Must have, and maintain, an Illinois Driver's license or equivalent;


• Must have a current CPAT card with ladder climb certification, issued within 12 months of the application deadline date (October 30, 2026);


• All firefighters must live within 50 miles of Palos Heights Fire District Headquarters, by 1 year from the date of hire

Preference Points will be awarded by the Palos Heights Fire Protection District for any one of the following:

• Military Experience: Applicants with a minimum of (1) year of active duty U.S. military service with an Honorable Discharge. Military Form DD-214 (indicating status of discharge) must be submitted with application to qualify;


• Fire Service Experience: Applicants who have at least two (2) years full-time (career) firefighting employment. A copy of all payroll stubs for the last two (2) year period -OR- letter from current, and any previous employers must be submitted with application to qualify;


• Education: Possess an Associate’s Degree in the field of Fire Service or Emergency Medical Services from an accredited community or junior college -OR- a Bachelor’s Degree in any field from an accredited college or university. A copy of the diploma or unofficial transcripts must be submitted with application to qualify;


• Residency: Applicants who are currently residents within the Palos Heights Fire Protection District at the time of application. Copy of mortgage/rental lease agreement, tax documents, or current utility bill indicating the applicant's name and current address must be submitted at time of application to qualify.

The Palos Heights Fire Protection District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.