The Village of Niles is proudly built upon friendly, multi-cultural neighborhoods, with best-in-class services, low taxes and efficient multi-modal transportation for all its residents—urban professionals, young families and senior citizens alike. Bordering Chicago, Niles is safe, clean and conveniently located, with good schools, and a community which embraces ethnic diversity and comes together to enjoy events, festivals and cultures. Niles is truly easy to do business with and is home to several major corporations and signature businesses.

"it's possible here"

If you can imagine it—you can create it, build and make it here in the Village of Niles. Enjoy: a brand new start, a new home outside the city, more services for your life, a different kind of festival, a bold new business, a happy content, safe community. Your success is our success —as a community and a prospering Village.

The Niles Fire Department is an all-hazards agency tasked with responding to a wide variety of emergency incidents. ln addition to emergency response, the NFD provides Community Risk Reduction, Public Education and Outreach, School Visits, and offers a variety of services and programs to the community. The Department operates out of two stations containing two ALS Fire Engines, one ALS Tower Ladder, and two ALS Ambulances at all times. ln 2025, NFD Companies responded to 7,964 calls for service. Furthermore, the Niles Fire Department is a member of Division 3 of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) which is comprised of 17 area departments who provide mutual aid, specialized response, unique resources, and assistance to one another.

The Niles Fire Department is a member of MABAS Division 3 which is comprised of 17 area Fire Departments bounded by Highland Park on the north, Evanston and Skokie on the south, Des Plaines and Prospect Heights on the west, and Lake Michigan on the east. MABAS Division 3 Fire Departments collaborate to provide cost-effective specialized teams for hazardous materials response, underwater rescue and recovery, technical rescue such as structural collapse or high-angle rescue, and fire and arson investigation.

VILLAGE OF NILES Job Description 

POSITION: Firefighter/Paramedic

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION Fire/Operations 

SALARY RANGE: 14A - 16FF

UPDATED: May 2026

FLSA CODE: Non-Exempt

UNION Teamsters Local 700 

POSITION SUMMARY

Skilled emergency firefighting and emergency medical services work. Work involves responsibility for participating in the provision of emergency medical services and performance of rescue and fire suppression and prevention, as well as all duties delegated by law, ordinance, rule or regulation, or practice or procedure. 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, 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.

Responds to and interacts with residents, employees, and/or others within and outside the organization in a courteous, professional, and effective manner.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Fire Suppression

· Fights fires which include- Containing and extinguishing flames, performing rescues, salvage, overhaul, use of ground ladders, receiving and relaying fire calls and alarms, operating radio, and other communication equipment, correctly handling hazardous materials, driving fire apparatus, operating aerial devices, operating pumps and related equipment and laying hose.

· Reacts and responds to orders during medical, fire, and other emergency calls in accordance with guidelines, policies, and procedures.

· Directs and/or supervises others at the scene of an emergency when directed.

· Engages in rescue, fire control and extinguishment, and property conservation, including the use of fire hoses, ladders, and other fire suppression and rescue equipment.

· Becomes and remains familiar with pre-plans, geographical locations, targets, and special hazards within the response area.

· Becomes and remains familiar with the standard operating procedures of fire ground, high-rise, elevator operations, and special operations.

· Operates and properly maintains all tools and equipment needed to perform the essential job functions and responsibilities listed above while adhering to all safety rules and practices.

Emergency Medical Services

· Gives advanced life support emergency medical care and performs rescue operations.

· Becomes and remains familiar with the policy and procedures manual of the emergency medical services system.

· Becomes and remains familiar with the standard operating procedures of the emergency medical services system.

· Conducts inspections and inventory of ambulances on a scheduled basis.

· Collects patient information and acts upon it.

· Prepare written or electronic EMS reports and supplemental reports as needed.

· Provides emergency medical care to those in need or when called upon under the direction of the resource hospital.

· Develops and remains familiar with the skills of gaining access, extrication, and disentanglement of victims from entrapment.

· Communicates patient status to medical control by radio, cell phone, or telemetry.

· Stabilizes patients and transports them to the proper facilities.

Station and Apparatus Maintenance 

· Responsible for cleanliness and proper operating condition of assigned apparatus, including maintenance and minor mechanical repair.

· Responsible to the officer for the proper care, working conditions, and appearance of fire engines, trucks, squads, and ambulance to which they are assigned.

· Responsible for the cleanliness and proper maintenance of the buildings and grounds to which he/she is assigned.

· Particularly observant of the operating efficiency of apparatus or vehicle assigned to their care and promptly inform the officer of any difficulties or irregularities which may affect operation or immediate response.

· Maintenance of a daily inventory check and adequate supply of all tools, appliances, and supplies on the apparatus in his/her assigned station.

Organizational Support

· Conducts and/or attends continuing educational programs of training and instruction, including attendance at scheduled drills and classes, as assigned.

· Participants in pre-fire surveys.

· Develops and maintains required skills and certifications associated with areas of special instruction and expertise (as required by departmental administrative standards) such as:

- Basic Operation Firefighter (Firefighter II)

- Advanced Firefighter (Firefighter III)

- Hazardous Material Awareness/Operations (included in BOF)

- Paramedic

- Fire Service Vehicle Operator

- NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800

- Fire Apparatus Engineer

- Driver’s License Class B

· Prepares clear, accurate and complete reports logs and documents on any and all activities engaged in.

· Becomes and remains familiar with the use of the computer and data entry.

· May perform desk duties (telephone, computer terminal, and radio), assisting with data processing and filing.

Risk Management

· Develops and maintains required skills in the operation and use of respiratory equipment and apparatus.

· Develops and maintains the required knowledge of safety about small tools during operations.

· Corrects or reports all non-safe conditions or hazards to their supervisor.

· Develops and maintains a knowledge of NFPA Safety Standards Illinois Department of Labor, and OSHA Standards. Develops and maintains the required skill level for all safety policies and procedures of the Niles Fire Department and the Village of Niles.

Fire Prevention and Education

· Conducts fire education and good public relations by participating in community and fire department activities.

· Makes presentations to groups and individuals on subjects related to safety, fire prevention, medical, and education.

· Conducts pre-plan surveys of buildings and other locations.

Technical

· Develops and maintains the required skill to operate the fire department apparatus pumps and calculates the flow and the needed quantity of water through each length of hose being applied.

· Develops and maintains the required skill to operate the fire department aerial ladder and related tools and equipment.

· Able to recognize hazardous materials, evaluate the risks and participate in the tactical objectives to safely mitigate an incident.

· The above list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all inclusive.

· The department reserves the right to assign additional duties and responsibilities it deems necessary or desirable, as well as take away any duties and responsibilities at its discretion.

Equipment

The position requires the ability to operate the following equipment:

· Fire apparatus and ambulances reasonably and safely under routine and emergency conditions, sometimes for lengthy periods of time.

· Office equipment including but not limited to telephones, computers, printers, copier machines, etc.

· Fire and rescue tools and equipment necessary to perform job task and functions including but not limited to axes, pike poles, extrication tools, ladders, forcible entry tools, hose appliances, mechanical ventilation tools, portable hydraulic tools, chain and circular power saws, and atmospheric condition monitors.

· Ambulance equipment necessary to perform job tasks and functions including but not limited to EKG monitor, O² kit, trauma kit, child-birth kit, splint, stretcher operations, and telemetry radio.

· The ability to complete and pass job performance requirements including but not limited to job classifications, equipment, and apparatus.

Other Related Duties

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

· Operates both as a member of a team and independently at incidents of uncertain duration.

· Ability to adapt to several different situations that could all happen at the same time.

· Spend extensive time outside exposed to the elements.

· Tolerates extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing duties. Must perform physically demanding work in hot (up to 400° F), humid (up to 100%) environments while wearing equipment which significantly impairs body cooling mechanisms.

· Experiences frequent transitions from hot to cold and from humid to dry elements.

· Able to work in wet, icy, or muddy areas.

· Performs a variety of tasks on slippery, hazardous surfaces such as on roof tops or from ladders.

· Works in areas where sustaining traumatic or thermal injury is possible.

· Faces possible exposure to carcinogenic dusts such as asbestos and toxic substances such as hydrogen cyanide, acids, carbon monoxide, or organic solvents, either through inhalation or skin contact.

· Wear personal protective equipment that weighs approximately 50 pounds while performing these tasks.

· Performs physically demanding work while wearing positive pressure breathing equipment with 1.5 inches of water column resistance to exhalation at a flow of 40 liters per minute.

· Performs complex tasks during life threatening emergencies.

· Works for long periods of time requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.

· Faces life or death decisions during emergency conditions.

· Makes rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertion without warm-up periods.

· Operates in environments of high noise, poor visibility, limited mobility, at heights and in enclosed or confined spaces.

· Uses manual and power tools in the performance of duties.

· Rely on senses of sight, hearing, smell, and touch to help determine the nature of the emergency, maintain personal safety, make critical decisions in a confused, chaotic, and potentially life-threatening environment throughout the duration of the operation.

· Raises, climbs, and works from ground and aerial ladders without work inhibiting fears of heights and to work well below grade in dark, confined spaces.

· Rescues by carrying or dragging an adult from a burning structure or other dangerous situation.

· Operates hand and power tools, in both emergency and non-emergency situations.

· Drags hose up to five inches in diameter, both charged and uncharged, limited distances, both horizontally and vertically.

· Ability to connect and disconnect hose couplings, easily and quickly.

· Understands and carries out oral and written orders and assignments, in both emergency and non-emergency situations and must be able to demonstrate understandable English-speaking skills.

· Assimilates, retains, and effectively uses geographic knowledge concerning the response area and surrounding vicinity.

· Exposure to Illness, major trauma and burn victims.

· Faces possible exposure to infectious diseases agents.

· Lifts and carry a stretcher, with an adult patient weighing at least 150 pounds, up or down flights of stairs with a minimum of one person to assist.

SCHEDULING

Must be able to meet attendance requirements of the shift schedule that requires working on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. This position involves regular and irregular shift work depending on fill-in needs and call backs. Work shifts are normally 24 hours in duration, but may be extended in the event of emergency, disaster, personnel shortage, workload, or work-in-progress. Additionally, it may be required to work a day shift (40 hours/week - 0830 to 1700, 5 days a week) or and other type of work schedule, pursuant to FLSA guidelines, that the Village prescribes, based on department needs.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

· Completion of a standard high school course (or equivalent GED), preferably supplemented by some additional college level course work in a fire science, meeting the physical requirements prescribed by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners at the time of examination and possession of a valid driver's license.

· Ability to read English and be able to demonstrate twelfth grade level reading skills.

· Ability to use writing instruments or computer skill and be able to demonstrate adequate English writing skills.

· Must be able to learn the skills and duties of the job at minimally acceptable levels within reasonable training time frames.

· Must be appropriately motivated and disciplined to learn complex job knowledge within reasonable training times frames.

· Must be free of significant personality limitations (e.g. inflexibility, rigidity, etc.,) that will interfere with learning the job in reasonable training time frames.

· Understand and respond quickly and accurately to written and oral directions, instructions, inquiries, and requests.

· Accept constructive criticism in a mature fashion.

· Effectively communicate and interact positively with fellow employees and citizens.

· Adequate interpersonal skills to integrate within the fire station environment for lengthy periods of time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following are the current requirements to test for entry-level firefighter positions:

· Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age, but not older than thirty-five (35) years of age by the date of the written exam except as otherwise provided by statute.

· United States citizenship or provide proof they are eligible to work in the United States.

· A High School Diploma (or its equivalent)

· Vision minimum corrected to 20-40 and cannot have monochromatic vision (NFPA 1582).

· Minimum non-corrected hearing ability to perform as a firefighter.

· The ability to speak, read, write, and understand the English language.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE 

· Act quickly, calmly, and decisively in emergencies and under stress. Handle situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and impartially.

· Successful completion of the State requirements and obtain Basic Operation Firefighter (Firefighter II) including HAZMAT Awareness/Operations, and NIMS 100, 200, 700, and 800.

· Successful completion of the Illinois Department of Public Health requirements to obtain Emergency Medical Technician License

· Successful completion of the Illinois Department of Public Health requirements to obtain Paramedic License.

· Successful completion of the State requirements to obtain:

- Fire Service Vehicle Operator

- Advanced Firefighter (Firefighter III)

- Fire Apparatus Engineer

- Driver’s License Class B

· Maintain confidentiality in the performance of duties.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The required competencies listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for successful job performance.

· Apply standard techniques of firefighting, emergency aid, and fire prevention; handle hazardous materials.

· Exert peak physical effort during emergency or training activities at extreme heights for prolonged periods of time under conditions of intense heat, cold, smoke, vibration, flying debris, fumes, or chemicals.

· Use sound judgment and take verbal and physical control in hazardous or life-threatening situations, which may involve instantaneous decision-making.

· Evaluate situations, draw conclusions, and make decisions.

· Remain alert, calm and composed under pressure.

· Communicate effectively orally and in writing using the English language.

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other departments, and the public.

· Follow verbal and written instructions.

· Learn the Village's geography.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employeeencounters while performing the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Niles Fire Department - Firefighter/Paramedic has 6 vacancies.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is July 31, 2026.

The Niles Fire Department currently has three firefighter/paramedic vacancies due to retirements, and the Village of Niles has authorized three additional firefighter/paramedic positions.

Base Salary Range- $80,586.57 - $116,228.92 (Currently in negotiations for updated pay schedule for 2025 and 2026)

Stipend- $1,000

Holiday Pay - 80 hours at the overtime rate annually

Shoe Allowance

• Fourteen floaters (work reduction) days
• Paid vacation and personal day
• Health insurance
• Illinois Downstate Firefighters Pension
• 457b retirement plans
• Niles Family Fitness Center membership and wellness program
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities