Village of New Lenox, Illinois

Known as the "Home of Proud Americans," the Village of New Lenox is a thriving, family-oriented community located approximately 36 miles southwest of downtown Chicago in central Will County. Combining small-town charm with modern suburban amenities, New Lenox features exceptional public schools, expansive park districts, high-quality housing, and a bustling commercial corridor anchored by top-tier healthcare facilities, including Silver Cross Hospital.

With a growing population of nearly 29,000 residents, New Lenox offers an exceptional quality of life supported by active community engagement, vibrant seasonal events at the Commons, and convenient transit links via major interstates (I-80 and I-355) and Metra commuter rail lines.

The Village of New Lenox is a rapidly growing community with approximately 2,400 homes to be added over the next four years as well as other community development projects that will further attract commercial businesses and critical infrastructure. 

The New Lenox Fire Protection District was founded in 1941 and over the course of our 85 year history, has made monumental progress in being one of the premier fire districts within Will County. The Fire District covers approximately 36 square miles and protects the Village of New Lenox, New Lenox Township (Mokena, Manhattan, Homer, and Joliet). The Fire District has 4 fire stations that are strategically located throughout the fire district and operates 3 ALS engine companies, 1 ALS tower ladder, 4 ambulances and 1 Battalion Chief. Our staff works a 24/48 shift schedule and is part of MABAS Division 19. 

Our department has a robust training program and encourages our members to receive additional training to better serve our community. Currently, we offer the following specialty teams: Technical Rescue, Water Rescue, Hazardous Materials, Fire/Arson Investigations, and Drone team. Additionally, we have two specialty K-9's ( Search and Rescue - Facilities comfort). The fire district is very active within our public and private schools; providing early education programs and have a large involvement within our senior population. 

The fire district serves a dynamic mix of residential developments, commercial areas, and critical infrastructure. Our staff takes immense pride in delivering high-quality fire suppression, advanced life support (ALS) EMS, and community safety programs to a welcoming and supportive public. 

113.1: NATURE AND SCOPE

The Firefighter/Paramedic position requires skilled emergency firefighting and emergency medical services work. Work involves responsibility for participating in the provision of emergency medical services, performance of rescue and fire suppression, and prevention, as well as all duties delegated by law, ordinance, rule or regulation, or practice or procedures. Work involves the operation of fire and emergency medical services equipment, and the maintenance of equipment, apparatus, and quarters. Employees are required to participate in the operation of apparatus and perform hazardous tasks and skilled medical procedures under emergency conditions which may involve strenuous exertion under such adverse conditions as fire, heat, smoke, darkness, and cramped surroundings.

Although firefighting and emergency medical services work are the essential and most difficult and critical areas of activity, a substantial portion of time is spent training and studying methods, techniques, and procedures, and maintaining department property and equipment. Work is usually performed in accordance with general instructions and well-defined procedures, under the command of a superior officer. Work is reviewed through observation, inspections, and reports for results obtained.

113.1.1: DEFINITIONS

Command Staff -Exempt ranks that include the ranks of Deputy Chief and Fire Chief

Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) -The local union labor contract.

113.2: ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Firefighter / Paramedics shall meet the following requirements:

1. Be equal in rank to other Firefighter / Paramedics and subordinate in rank to Lieutenant, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, and Fire Chief.
2. Command in accordance with general rules of conduct pertaining to their rank, enforce within their command specific rules applicable by reason of their assignment, and assure the maintenance of proper discipline within their staff.
3. Assign and supervise the daily work schedule. Supervise the application of policy, rules and regulations, practices and procedures of the District and be responsible for the morale, efficiency, and distribution of personnel within their command.
4. Respond to special alarms and calls when dispatched. Assume command and deploy apparatus and personnel in the most advantageous manner for the control and extinguishment of fire and preservation of life and property and apprise the officers who relieve them of command concerning the situation as it exists at that time. Keep immediate supervisor fully informed about the operations being performed at the emergency scene until relieved by command.
5. Keep such records as are necessary to ensure efficient operations of their command.
6. Instruct shift members and paid on call firefighters in assigned duties. Conduct training conferences for all immediate subordinates at least once a month and at other times, when necessary.
7. Visit each supervised group at frequent intervals. Perform inspections as necessary to determine the condition of all District property. Notify his or her commanding officers immediately when apparatus requires repair or replacement.
8. Witness drills, make investigations, heed evidence of negligence or inefficiency, and take necessary action to correct any deficiencies in his or her commands, as required.
9. Assure the safekeeping and maintenance, as well as cleanliness, of all apparatus, buildings, furniture, fixtures, and equipment, and prohibit use of any apparatus, uniform, tool, appliance, implement, or equipment are checked each day and cleaned as needed.
10. Supervise an inspection of reported hazardous conditions of more than minor importance that are found in areas of their command with the person reporting hazardous conditions.
11. Designate members or paid on call firefighters to act as officers in the absence of the regular officers of such group.
12. Forward any recommendations which would more effectively control the fire or address other emergency incidents to his or her immediate supervisor.
13. Assure that shift members receive proper relief at an emergency so they remain in the most effective condition possible.
14. Immediately report to his or her immediate supervisor all accidents or injuries involving District equipment or personnel, and promptly forward to him/her the names and addresses of all witnesses.
15. Assure that visitors are restricted from interfering with the proper operation or administration of the District.
16. Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings and other meetings as required.

113.3: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Station and Apparatus Maintenance

1. Responsible for the cleanliness and proper operating condition of assigned apparatus, including maintenance and minor mechanical repair.
2. Responsible to his or her shift officer for the proper care, working condition, and appearance of fire engines, trucks, squads, and ambulances to which he or she is assigned.
3. Responsible for the cleanliness and proper maintenance of the buildings and grounds to which he or she is assigned.
4. Responsible for and particularly observant of the operating efficiency of apparatus or vehicle assigned to his or her care and promptly informs his or her shift officer of any difficulties or irregularities which may affect operation or immediate response.
5. Responsible for a daily inventory check to ensure an adequate supply of all tools, appliances, and supplies on the apparatus assigned to his or her station.

Fire Suppression

1. Reacts and responds to orders during medical, fire, and other emergency calls in accordance with Departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
2. Directs and/or supervises others at the scene of an emergency when directed.
3. Engages in rescue, fire control and extinguishment, and property conservation, including the use of fire hoses, ladders, and other fire suppression and rescue equipment.
4. Operates fire apparatus, rescue and other emergency equipment under adverse emergency circumstances.
5. Becomes and remains familiar with pre-plans, geographic locations, target and special hazards within the response area.
6. Becomes and remains familiar with the standard operating procedures of fire ground operations, high rise operations, and elevator operations.

Emergency Medical Services

1. Becomes and remains familiar with the policy and procedures manual of the emergency medical services system.
2. Becomes and remains familiar with the standard operating procedures of the emergency medical services system.
3. Conducts inspections and inventory of ambulances on a scheduled basis.
4. Collects patient information and acts upon it.
5. Prepares written Emergency Medical Service reports and supplemental reports as needed.
6. Provides emergency medical care to those in need or when called upon under the direction of the resource hospital.
7. Develops and remains familiar with the skills of gaining access to and disentangling victims of entrapment.
8. Communicates patient status to physician by radio or telemetry.
9. Stabilizes patients and transports them to emergency facilities.

Organizational Support

1. Conducts and/or attends continuing educational programs of training and instruction, including attendance at scheduled drills and classes, as assigned. Participates in company fire inspections and in pre-fire surveys.
2. Develops and maintains required skills and certifications associated with areas of special instruction and expertise such as:
   1. Certified Firefighter Basic
   2. Hazardous Materials Operations
   3. Emergency Medical Technician B and/or P
   4. Fire Apparatus Engineer
3. Prepares clear, accurate, and complete reports, logs, and documents on any and all activities performed.
4. Becomes and remains familiar with the use of the computer and data entry.
5. May perform desk duties (telephone, computer terminal, and radio) and assist with data processing and filing.

Risk Care Management

1. Develops and maintains required skills in the operation and use of respiratory equipment and apparatus.
2. Develops and maintains a required knowledge of safety with regard to the operation of small tools.
3. Corrects or reports all unsafe conditions or hazards to his or her supervisor.
4. Develops and maintains knowledge of nationally recognized safety standards and Illinois Department of Labor Standards.
5. Develops and maintains a required skill of all safety procedures of the New Lenox Fire Protection District.

Fire Prevention and Education

1. Conducts fire education seminars and classes and promotes good public relations by participating in community activities.
2. Makes presentations to groups and individuals on subjects related to safety, fire prevention, and education.
3. May conduct housekeeping inspections.
4. Conducts pre-plan surveys of buildings and other locations

Technical

1. Develops and maintains the required skill to operate a 1,250 gallon per minute pumper and calculates the flow quantity of water required through each length of hose being applied.
2. Develops and maintains the required skills to operate aerial ladders during critical operations.

The above list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all inclusive. The District reserves the right to assign additional duties and responsibilities it deems necessary or desirable, as well as remove any duties and responsibilities at its discretion.

Equipment

The position requires the ability to operate the following equipment:

1. Fire apparatus and ambulances reasonably and safely during routine and emergency conditions, sometimes for lengthy periods of time.
2. Basic office equipment including but not limited to computer, telephones, printers, fax machines, copiers machines, etc.
3. Basic fire and rescue tools and equipment necessary to perform job tasks and functions including but not limited to axes, pike poles, hydraulic rescue tools, ladders, forcible entry tools, hose appliances, mechanical ventilation tools, portable hydraulic tools, chain and circular power saws, O2 and CO2 detectors.
4. Basic ambulance equipment necessary to perform job tasks and functions including but not limited to EKG monitor, O2 kit, trauma kit, child-birth kit, hare traction splint, stretcher operations, and telemetry radio.

Environmental and Working Conditions

The essential functions of the position are performed in and affected by the following environmental factors:

1. Operates as part of a team and independently at incidents of uncertain duration.
2. Spends extensive time outdoors exposed to the elements.
3. Tolerates extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing duties. Must perform physically demanding work in hot, humid (up to 100%) environments while wearing equipment which significantly impairs body cooling mechanisms.
4. Experiences frequent transitions from hot to cold and from humid to dry elements.
5. Works in wet, icy, or muddy areas.
6. Performs a variety of tasks on slippery, hazardous surfaces such as roof tops or ladders.
7. Works in areas where sustaining traumatic or thermal injury is possible.
8. Faces possible exposure to carcinogenic dusts such as asbestos, toxic substances such as hydrogen cyanide, acids, carbon monoxide, or organic solvents either through inhalation or skin contact.
9. Wears personal protective equipment that weighs approximately fifty (50) pounds while performing the above listed tasks.
10. Performs physically demanding work while wearing positive pressure breathing equipment with 1.5 inches of water column resistance to exhalation at a flow of forty (40) liters per minute.
11. Performs complex tasks during life-threatening emergencies.
12. Works for long periods of time requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
13. Faces life or death decisions during emergency conditions.
14. Makes rapid transitions from rest to near maximum exertion without warming-up periods.
15. Operates in environments of high noise, poor visibility, and limited mobility, as well as heights and enclosed or confined spaces.
16. Relies on the senses of sight, hearing, smell, and touch to determine the nature of the emergency and maintain personal safety. Makes critical decisions in a confused, chaotic, and potentially life-threatening environment for the duration of the operation.
17. Raises, climbs, and works from ground and aerial ladders without work inhibiting fears of heights.
18. Rescues by carrying or dragging a victim from a burning structure or other dangerous situation.
19. Operates hand and power tools, in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
20. Drags hoses, both charged and uncharged, limited distances, both horizontally and vertically.
21. Connects hose couplings.
22. Understands and carries out oral and written orders and assignments, in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
23. Assimilates, retains, and effectively uses geographic knowledge concerning the District and surrounding vicinity.
24. Faces exposure to grotesque sights and smells associated with illness, major trauma, burn victims, and death.
25. Faces possible exposure to infectious agents such as hepatitis B or HIV.
26. Lifts and carries a stretcher up or down flights of stairs with a minimum of one person to assist.

Scheduling

1. Must be able to meet attendance requirements of the shift schedule that requires working on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
2. This position involves regular and irregular shift work depending on fill-in needs and mandatory call backs.
3. Work shifts are normally 24 hours in duration or daily assignments, and may be extended in the event of emergency, disaster, personnel shortage, work load, or work-in-progress.

113.4: QUALIFICATIONS

1. Completion of a standard high school education or GED, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
2. Certification by of the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a certified a Basic Operation Firefighter and maintenance of same pursuant to District policy.
3. Certification by the Illinois Department of Public Health as a Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic and maintenance of same pursuant to District policy.
4. Certification by of the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a certified a the Hazardous Materials Operation level and maintenance of same pursuant to District policy.
5. Certification by of the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a certified a Fire Apparatus Engineer within one (1) year and maintenance of same pursuant to District policy.

New Lenox Fire Protection District - Firefighter/Paramedic/EMT has 3 vacancies.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is December 04, 2026.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is December 04, 2026.

Current starting salary for 2026 - $76,800

2027 starting salary - $79,488

* With MEDIC License, top out salary after 5 years' service is $107,803.

• Paid personal, Vacation, Sick, and Bereavement Time 
• Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and District paid HRA
• Post Employment Health Plan 
• Holiday Pay 
• Education allowance of $1,750 per year for fire service courses and college tuition assistance
• Longevity Pay 
• Drivers Pay