Firefighter Position

North Palos Fire Protection District - Firefighter/Paramedic

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PROFILE DISCLAIMER

The information herein is provided by the respective agency and is only as accurate and as up-to-date as the agency representative(s) update this information. PST is not responsible for the veracity of this data as it is provided directly from the agency. It is ultimately the applicant's responsibility to verify any information about the agency with the agency.

North Palos Fire Protection District - Firefighter/Paramedic

Last updated on May 04, 2026
PST Partner Agency since April 13, 2026

Vacancies: 3

Testing Deadline: July 20, 2026.

Important Information

Thank you for your interest in the North Palos Fire Protection District.  Following the deadline of the exam, eligible candidates will be contacted by the Fire Chief to submit preference points.

Department Information

The North Palos Fire District provides fire and emergency medical services for the City of Palos Hills, Village of Worth, portions of the Cities of Hickory Hills and Palos Heights as well as a large portion of the Palos Division within the Cook County Forest Preserve District. The Fire District covers these 14 square miles with three fire stations and serves a population of approximately 30,000 residents.

The Fire District operates with a Fire Company and ALS Ambulance at each station.  Each shift includes 4 members at each station and a Battalion Chief at station 1.  The Fire District responded to 6,887 incidents in 2025.

Job Description

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, regulation, general order, policy, 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, 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.

Area Information

County: Cook
Population: 30,000
# of Staff: 35 Full Time

Hiring Status

North Palos Fire Protection District - Firefighter/Paramedic has 3 vacancies.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is July 20, 2026.

Currently, there are 3 vacancies that will be filled immediately. Candidates chosen to move forward in the hiring process are required to complete a background check, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, and medical/physical examination prior to appointment.

Salary Information

Starting Base Salary: $86,416

Any candidate who is a full-time commissioned Firefighter/Paramedic may start at a higher wage of up to $112,228 based on years of service.

Salary with guaranteed benefits:

*Year 1 - $95,000  *Year 3 - $125,000

*Includes Holiday, FLSA, PIC pay

Benefit Information

  • 14 PTO Days (flexible scheduling time off)
  • Longevity/Education Incentives
  • Plentiful Overtime Opportunities
  • Annual Holiday Bonus $4,000
  • 457b and VEBA plans
  • BCBS of IL PPO / No Co-Pays
  • Retiree Health Ins (75% Dist. Paid)
  • Illinois Downstate Pension
  • 5% Stipend for Acting Engineer
  • 7% Stipend for Acting Officer
  • $48 per day Paramedic Stipend
  • Engineer Rank 5% raise (eligible after 3 years)

North Palos Fire Protection District - Firefighter/Paramedic Requirements

Category Requirement Required at time of...
    Test Hire
Written Examination Yes, required
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Yes, required as described below
Minimum Age

18 to take exam

21 at time of hire
Maximum Age

Unless exempt under 5/10-2.1-6, chapter 65, of the Illinois Compiled Statutes.

Citizenship US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
High School Grad/ GED Yes
Driver's License Required Yes
Felony Conviction(s) as an Adult No adult felony convictions at any time.
College Requirement No
Veterans Preference Points Yes
Other Preference Points

1. Experience Preference Points (maximum 5 points)

Any applicant who has been a paid-on-call or a part-time certified Firefighter II, Firefighter III, EMT-B, or EMT-P for the North Palos Fire Protection District shall be awarded one point for each 6 months of successful service, up to a maximum of five (5) points at the time of the posting of the initial eligibility register.

Any applicants from outside the North Palos Fire Protection District who were employed as full-time certified firefighters or paramedics for at least two (2) years at another fire protection district or municipality shall be awarded one (1) point for each year up to a maximum of five (5) points.No experience preference points will be awarded to applicants for service with a private employer who had a contract for fire or ambulance service with another fire protection district or municipality.

Proof of such service must include submission of copies of applicable certificates and a sworn affidavit signed by the applicant. Note that proof of paid-on-call or full-time service may be verified by the District. Also note that an applicant may not receive experience preference points for a certificate if the amount of points awarded would place the applicant before a veteran on the eligibility register. Finally, no person shall be awarded more than the maximum of five (5) points for experience.


2. Veteran’s Preference Points (maximum 5 points)

Applicants who served in the United States military actively for at least one (1) year and who were honorably discharged or are now on inactive or reserve duty shall receive five (5) points. Proof of prior service must include a copy of Military Form DD-214 (long form) as proof of active service, evidence of the honorable discharge, and a sworn affidavit signed by the applicant. Proof of current inactive or reserve service must include the applicant’s most recent Leave and Earnings Statement (LES).

3. Educational Preference Points (maximum 2.5 points)

Applicants who have successfully obtained an associate’s degree in the field of fire service or emergency medical services, or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university shall receive two and a half (2.5) points. A certified transcript must be included with the request for preference points as proof of the attainment of degree.

4. Residency Preference Points (70 ILCS 705/16.06b(h)(6)) (Max. 2.5 Points)

Applicants who have maintained their principal personal residence within the boundaries of the North Palos Fire Protection District for the 24 months preceding the time of application shall receive two and a half (2.5) preference points. Proof of residency must be shown in order to obtain the points.
Firefighter 2 Certification Candidates that meet all other requirments including Paramedic will be sent to a Fire Academy to obtain Basic Operations Firefighter Certification through the Office of the State Fire Marshall
Paramedic Certification Yes
CPAT CPAT is required at time of Hire

Document Requirements

Document Description Example Files Optional Preference Points
High School Diploma Upload a clear copy of your high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED certificate). This document must show your name, the school or program, and the date you graduated or completed the program. None
College Transcripts/Diploma Upload your college diploma and/or official or unofficial college transcripts. These should show the name of the school, your name, your degree or program, and your graduation date (if applicable). None
Drivers License Upload a clear, readable copy of your current driver’s license (front, and back if needed). Make sure the name, photo, license number, and expiration date are visible. None
Proof of Citizenship or legal eligibility to work in the US Upload documentation that shows you are a U.S. citizen or are legally authorized to work in the United States. Examples include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, Permanent Resident Card, or other work authorization documents. None
CPAT Certification For Firefighter (FF) positions only: upload a copy of your Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certificate. The certificate must be valid (not expired) and clearly show your name and the test date. None
DD214 If you have prior military service, upload a copy of your DD214. Please include the Member-4 copy (or equivalent) that lists your character of service and discharge status. None
Certifications/licenses Upload copies of any relevant professional certifications or licenses you hold (for example: EMT/Paramedic, nursing, law enforcement certificates, fire service certifications, or other job-related credentials). Make sure each document clearly shows your name, the type of certification or license, and the issue/expiration dates if applicable. None
EMT Certification None
Paramedic Certification None

Contact Information

North Palos Fire Protection District - Firefighter/Paramedic

10629 S Roberts Rd
Palos Hills, IL 60465 Cook County
708-974-4474

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Agency Test Requirements
Written Examination: Yes, required
CPAT: Yes, required as described below