Firefighter Position

Oak Park Fire Department - Firefighter/Paramedic

 

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.

Oak Park Fire Department - Firefighter/Paramedic

Last updated on March 04, 2026
PST Partner Agency since February 27, 2026

Vacancies: 6

Important Information

The Village of Oak Park Fire Department continuously accepts Public Safety Testing (PST) test scores for the position of Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic. To apply to be a Village of Oak Park Firefighter/Paramedic follow these important steps:

Essential steps in the process:

Step One -Select Village of Oak Park and pass the PST Written Exam with a grade of 70% or higher. Then submit a complete and up to date Personal History Statement (PHS). The written test must be passed and your scores released to the Village of Oak Park in order for us to receive them.

Step Two -Verify that you do not meet any of the Automatic Disqualifying Behavior requirements. To avoid a delay in the application process with our agency, you must complete an up to date, specific and detailed personal history statement (PHS) with Public Safety Testing (PST).

Step Three - Submit current physical ability test (CPAT) card or CPAT certificate and Ladder Climb from an authorized CPAT testing entity due by time of hire

Community Information

Located just west of downtown Chicago, Oak Park offers a distinctive urban/suburban lifestyle in a thriving, multi-cultural community. Well-known for progressive values, tree-lined streets and bustling business districts, this is an ideal place to live, work and play. The Village boasts convenient access to local and regional transit, high-quality public schools, and arts and cultural attractions.

Oak Park, Illinois was officially incorporated as a village under Illinois law on Jan. 25, 1902.

Today, Oak Park is a thriving community of about 54,500 people. Within its 4.7 square miles live one of the region's most diverse mixes of cultures, races, ethnicities, professions, lifestyles, religions, ages and incomes.

Department Information

The Oak Park Fire Department provides emergency services including fire suppression, basic and advanced life support, hazardous materials mitigation and special rescues. Non-emergency activities include alarm registration, public education and CPR/AED classes, station tours, pre-fire planning, as well as annual fire inspections of every commercial and public building in the Village.

Job Description

Union: IAFF

FLSA: Non-exempt

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To respond to fire alarms, medical emergency and other calls to protect life and property; to participate in fire prevention and training; and to maintain the station and firefighting and/or paramedic

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from higher level supervisory staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential duties and responsibilities

1. Respond to emergency medical incidents; analyze patient needs and establish priorities for treatment; administer lifesaving procedures immediately.

2. Respond to fire alarms, rescue calls and other emergency incidents; perform the full range of fire suppression duties including laying and connecting hose; maintaining fire apparatus; directing water and chemical streams to suppress fire; raising and climbing ladders; ventilating burning structures; and entering buildings to evacuate occupants.

3. Provide Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support treatment as required by standing protocol or E.R. orders; may administer EKG monitoring, IV fluids, defibrillation, intubation, extrication, bleeding control, oxygen, splinting and other treatment as required.

4. Administer first aid; assist other paramedics at medical emergencies; apply techniques for the control of bleeding; utilize immobilization techniques to stabilize patient.

5. Respond to a variety of general emergency rescue calls including auto accidents, gas system leaks and trapped or injured persons.

6. Operate all types of fire suppression and rescue equipment including portable fire extinguishers, pike poles, hand lines, smoke ejectors, salvage covers, forcible entry tools, aerial ladder equipment and emergency medical equipment.

7. Clean apparatus and equipment at fire stations; maintain quarters, buildings, equipment, grounds and hydrants.

8. Maintain inventory and equipment in emergency apparatus; stock supplies as needed; maintain the cleanliness and order of the truck.

9. Participate in salvage and cleanup operations.

10. Other important responsibilities and duties

11. Inspect building structures for compliance with fire codes; prepare reports and citations; explain City fire codes and fire prevention policies and procedures to the public.

12. Respond to hazardous materials incidents; secure hazardous material scenes and identify spilled chemicals and other materials posing danger to the public; participate in hazardous materials clean-up activities.

13. Participate in fire drills; attend training sessions on firefighting techniques, emergency medical care and the proper use of all equipment and related tools.

14. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

· Advanced life support and basic life support procedures and techniques. Human anatomy and body functions.

· Principles, practices and procedures of modern firefighting.

· Operation of fire apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, facilities and their proper use. Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Building Code.

· Advanced first aid, C.P.R. and other medical assistance techniques. Hazardous materials.

· Layout of the City's streets and districts.

· Ability to:

· Administer emergency medical treatment.

· Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies.

· Meet the first aid requirement as prescribed by the State of Illinois and to administer first aid. Demonstrate mechanical aptitude as required in the operation of firefighting      equipment.

· Demonstrate physical aptitude.

· Retain presence of mind in emergency situations.

· Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.

· Analyze medical and fire emergency situations and adopt effective courses of action.

· Operate and maintain voice radio equipment. Perform heavy lifting and physical maneuvering. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

· Maintain physical condition to perform essential duties as specified by firefighter certification.

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

Performing life threatening firefighting activities in an emergency situation

Running, walking, crouching or crawling during emergency operations

Moving equipment and injured/deceased persons

Climbing stairs/ladders

Performing life-saving and rescue procedures

Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time

Operating assigned equipment and vehicles.

Effectively deal with personal danger which may include exposure to:

Fire encompassed surroundings

Dangerous persons

Dangerous animals

Hazards of emergency driving

Hazards associated with traffic control and working in and near traffic

Natural and man-made disasters.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

Making observations

Communicating with others

Reading and writing

Operating assigned equipment and vehicles

Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of:

Exercising sound judgment and rational thinking under dangerous circumstances

Evaluating various options and alternatives and choose an appropriate and reasonable course of action.

Demonstrating intellectual capabilities during training and testing processes.


Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience: One year of firefighting experience.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level coursework in fire science, fire administration or a related field.

License or Certificate:


Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license and Emergency Vehicle Driving Endorsement at the end of the probationary period.

· Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid State of Illinois Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic License.

· Possession of or ability to obtain approval to function as a Paramedic within the Fire Department’s Emergency Medical System.

· Possession of, or ability to obtain, an Illinois State Fire Marshal Basic Operations Firefighter /Fire Fighter II Certificate, National Incident Management IMS 100, 200 & 700 Certifications and National Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician Certificate within one year.

WORKING CONDITIONS


Work in an emergency firefighting environment; work in intense life-threatening conditions; exposure to fire, smoke, bodily fluids and noise; running, walking, crawling, climbing, stooping and lifting; work in inclement weather conditions.

Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement

The Village of Oak Park commits itself to diversity, equity and inclusion by recognizing that creating a mutually respectful, multicultural and equitable environment does not happen on its own, it must be intentional. This includes providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, military or veteran status or any other characteristics.

Area Information

County: Cook
Population: 54,583
# of Staff: 401

Hiring Status

Oak Park Fire Department - Firefighter/Paramedic has 6 vacancies.

Currently we have 6 vacancies we anticipate filling in 2026. Candidates chosen to move forward in the hiring process following interviews will be required to successfully complete a drug screening, psychological evaluation, and medical/physical examination prior to appointment.

Salary Information

$80,944.20 for entry level

Benefit Information

  • Holiday pay
  • Time off for professional development
  • 12 Kelly days
  • 9 Vacation days
  • Top pay in 5 years
  • Longevity/educational pay

Oak Park Fire Department - Firefighter/Paramedic Requirements

Category Requirement Required at time of...
    Test Hire
Written Examination Yes, required

Please upload CPAT certification to the documents section of your PST account. 

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Yes, required as described below
PST Personal History Statement Yes, required within 7 days of passing required exam(s)  
Minimum Age

Minimum of 21 years of age (as of application deadline) and under 35 years of age by date of hire, unless otherwise exempt by state statute

Citizenship US Citizen
High School Grad/ GED Yes
Driver's License Required Yes
Felony Conviction(s) as an Adult No adult felony convictions at any time.
Felony Conviction(s) as a Juvenile Will be carefully reviewed
Ability to Read, Speak & Write the English Language Yes
Vision Requirements Correctable to 20/20
Paramedic Certification Yes
Body Decorations Tattoos are prohibited on the face, head, neck, hands, and any excessive conspicuous tattooing, such as "full sleeve" tattoos. 
CPAT

Oak Park Fire Department - Firefighter/Paramedic Disqualifiers

The following are automatic and potential disqualifiers. Applicants should not apply to our agency if they indicate any of the automatic disqualifiers. Potential disqualifiers will be considered on a case by case basis.

Category Disqualifier
Driving
Automatic 1 or more traffic crime convictions in last 5 years (DWI, Suspended, Reckless, etc.).
Automatic Suspension of driver's license within past 3 years.
Drug Usage
Automatic Illegal use of illegal drugs in the last 5 years.
Automatic Illegal use of ANY controlled substance while employed in a criminal justice capacity.
Criminal Activity
Automatic Any adult felony conviction.
Potential Adult misdemeanor convictions will be carefully reviewed.
Potential Juvenile felony conviction will be carefully reviewed.

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 Citzenship 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

Oak Park Fire Department - Firefighter/Paramedic

123 Madison Street
Oak Park, IL 60302 Cook County
708-358-5650

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

PST Personal History Statement: Yes, required within 7 days of passing required exam(s)


Other Village of Oak Park positions

Entry-Level Patrol Officer