Located just north of Chicago, the Village of Skokie is a diverse and progressive community of 10.6 square miles and approximately 68,000 residents known for its strong public services, vibrant neighborhoods, nationally recognized schools, extensive park system, and thriving retail and business districts. The Skokie Fire Department is a highly respected, full-service fire and EMS agency committed to professionalism, innovation, and customer service, providing advanced life support transport, fire suppression, technical rescue, dive/swiftwater rescue, and hazardous materials response. The department combines a strong tradition of service with a forward-thinking approach to training, technology, and data-driven decision making, offering members the opportunity to work in a busy, progressive environment dedicated to operational excellence and continuous professional development. The department is also proud to hold a Class 1 ISO Public Protection Classification rating, recognizing the highest level of excellence in fire protection and emergency service delivery. In 2025, the Department responded to 11,033 calls for service.

The Skokie Fire Department is a fully career fire department staffed by 81 Firefighter/Paramedics, 18 Lieutenants, 3 Captains, 5 Division Chiefs, 2 Deputy Chiefs, and a Fire Chief. One Division Chief oversees the Training Division and coordinates department training, professional development, and operational readiness, while another Division Chief oversees a highly active Fire Prevention Bureau staffed by full-time and part-time civilian personnel focused on fire prevention, inspections, and community risk reduction initiatives. The Department is also supported by a full-time civilian administrative assistant and management analyst who assist with daily operations and organizational initiatives.

Operating from three fire stations, the department works a 24/48 schedule with 36 members assigned to each shift and a daily minimum staffing level of 28 members. Frontline apparatus staffing includes three engines, two tower ladders, one squad, one rescue, three ambulances, and 1 command vehicle providing comprehensive fire suppression, EMS, technical rescue, HAZMAT, investigations, and a multitude of other emergency response services to the community. Beginning in June 2026, the Department will staff a fourth ambulance three days per week for 10 hours each day to support department wide training participation while continuing to maintain service delivery to the community.

As an active member of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), the Department participates in a regional response network that provides specialized resources and coordinated mutual aid throughout the region. Department members have the ability to serve on MABAS Technical Rescue, Hazardous Materials, Dive/Swiftwater, and Fire Investigation teams, providing personnel with opportunities to train and respond in these specialized disciplines.

JOB PURPOSE

Skilled emergency firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS) work. Work involves responsibility for participating in the provision of emergency medical services and performance of rescue, fire suppression, hazardous materials mitigation and prevention, as well as all duties delegated by law, ordinance, rule, regulation, practice, or procedure. Work involves the operation of fire and emergency medical services equipment and the maintenance of equipment, apparatus and fire stations. Employees are required to participate in the operation of apparatus, 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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Reacts and responds to orders during EMS, fire, and other emergency and non-emergency calls in accordance with the Department Standard Operating Guidelines.
• Directs and supervises others at the scene of emergency and non-emergency incidents when directed.
• Engages in rescue, extinguishment, and property conservation, including the use of fire hoses, ladders, and other fire suppression and rescue equipment.
• Operates fire apparatus, rescue, and other emergency equipment under adverse emergency circumstances.
• 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 Guidelines of fire ground, high-rise, elevator, and special operations.

-Emergency Medical Services

• 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.
• Prepares written and computer-generated 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 and disentaglement of victims from entrapment.
• Communicates patient status to appropriate hospital staff by radio, telephone, or in person.
• Stabilizes patients and transports them to the appropriate emergency facilities.
• Station and Apparatus Maintenance
• Responsible for the cleanliness and proper operating condition of assigned apparatus, including maintenance and minor mechanical repair.
• Responsible to their shift officer for the proper care, working conditions, and appearance of Fire Department vehicles to which he/she is 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 shift officer of any difficulties or irregularities which may affect operation or immediate response.
• Maintenance of daily inventory check and adequate supply of all tools, appliances, and supplies of the apparatus in their assigned station.

-Organizational Support

• 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, pre-fire plans, fire flow tests, and public education.
• Develops and maintains required skills and certifications associated with areas of special instruction and expertise (as required by departmental administrative standards).
• 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, and radio), assisting with data processing and filing.

-Risk Management

• Develops and maintains required skills in the operation and use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• Develops and maintains required knowledge of safety with regard to small tools during operations.
• Corrects or reports all non-safe conditions or hazards to their supervisor.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of NFPA Safety Standards, Illinois Department of Labor, and OSHA Standards.
• Develops and maintains a required skill level for all safety procedures of the Skokie Fire Department.

-Fire Prevention and Education

• Assists in and 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, prevention, and education.
• Assists in performing fire safety building inspections.
• Assists in pre-plan inspections of buildings and other locations.

-Technical

• Develops and maintains the required skill to operate the Fire Department pumpers 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 devices and related tools and equipment.
• Develops and maintains the required skills to operate special tools and equipment related to firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials, and EMS.
• Able to recognize hazardous materials, evaluate the risks, and participate in the tactical objectives to safely mitigate an incident.
• Able to recognize special rescue situations, evaluate the risk, and participate in the tactical objectives to safely mitigate an incident (i.e., trench, confined space, high angle, building collapse).
• 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.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operates both as a member of a team and independently at incidents of uncertain duration.
• Works in areas where sustaining traumatic or thermal injury is possible.
• 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.
• Uses manual and power tools in the performance of duties.
• Rescues by carrying or dragging a person from a burning structure or other dangerous situation.
• Operates hand and power tools in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Drags hoses up to five inches in diameter, both charged and uncharged, both horizontally and vertically.
• May work in the Print Shop, preparing various Village printed materials.
• Assimilates, retains, and effectively uses geographic knowledge concerning the response area and the surrounding vicinity.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• The position of Firefighter/Paramedic is filled through a competitive examination process in accordance with Illinois State Statutes and in accordance with the Village of Skokie Board of Fire and Police Commission.
• Ability to read English and be able to demonstrate twelfth-grade-level reading skills.
• Ability to use writing instruments 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 time frames.
• Must be free of significant personality limitations (i.e. inflexibility, rigidity, etc.) that will interfere with learning the job in reasonable training time frames.
• Ability to adapt to a number of different situations that could all happen at the same time.
• Ability to understand and respond quickly and accurately to written and oral directions, instructions, inquiries, and requests.
• Ability to accept constructive criticism in a mature fashion.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact positively with fellow employees and citizens. Must have adequate interpersonal skills to integrate within the fire station environment for lengthy periods of time.
• Ability to operate fire apparatus and ambulances reasonably and safely under routine and emergency conditions, sometimes for lengthy periods of time.
• Ability to operate office equipment, including but not limited to telephones, computers, printers, copy machines, etc.
• Ability to operate fire and rescue tools and equipment necessary to perform job tasks 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.
• Ability to operate all ambulance equipment necessary to perform job tasks and functions.
• Ability to connect and disconnect hose couplings easily and quickly.
• Ability to act quickly, calmly, and decisively in emergencies and under stress.
• Ability to handle situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and impartially.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in the performance of duties.
• Ability to follow all safety rules and regulations of the Village.
• Ability to meet attendance requirements of a rotating shift schedule within a 24/7 environment, typically up to 24 hours, but at times may be extended due to various reasons.
• Ability to effectively perform physically demanding required job functions.

EDUCATION / TRAINING / EXPERIENCE

• Must have a High school diploma or equivalent high school education.
• Must meet the educational requirements of the Village of Skokie Board of Fire and Police Commissioners at the time of application.
• Must meet the physical standards established by the Village of Skokie Board of Fire and Police Commissioners at the time of application.
• Must successfully obtain and maintain an Illinois Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic Licensure within the time frame prescribed by the Department.
• Must successfully complete the requirements to obtain the Illinois Office of State Fire Marshall - Hazardous Materials Operations Certification within the time frame prescribed by the Department.
• Must successfully complete other requirements as defined by law, standards, or the Department within the time frame prescribed by the Department.

OTHER NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS / LICENSES

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• The work functions of this position are representative of heavy work exerting up to 50pounds of force frequently, and/or 20 pounds of force regularly, to push, pull, or lift objects. Occasionally, an employee may exert up to 100 pounds of force to push, pull, or lift objects. Employees should seek outside assistance when carrying out duties requiring the exertion of 50 or greater pounds of force. Physical activities may include sitting, talking, walking, standing or driving, frequent reaching, stooping, kneeling, climbing or crawling or crouching in confined spaces. Must have adequate hearing in order to communicate with co-workers, residents, and the public and perceive warning alarms such as back-up signals on vehicles. As critical elements of the job performance must have good visual acuity with ability to distinguish colors. The work consists of tasks performed in both an inside and outside environment, outside tasks being subject to year-round climate conditions.
• The essential functions of the position are performed and affected by the following physical and environmental factors:
• Extensive time is spent out-of-doors exposed to the elements.
• Extreme fluctuations in temperature must be tolerated while performing duties. Must perform physically demanding work in hot (up to 400ºF), humid (up to 100%) environments while wearing equipment which significantly impairs body cooling mechanisms.
• Frequent transitions from hot to cold and from humid to dry elements.
• Often works in wet, icy, or muddy areas.
• Performs a variety of tasks on slippery, hazardous surfaces, such as on rooftops or from ladders.
• 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.
• Wears personal protective equipment that may weigh in excess of 50 pounds while performing physically and mentally demanding 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.
• Raises, climbs, and works from ground and aerial ladders without work-inhibiting fear of heights and works well below grade in dark, confined spaces.
• 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.
• Relies on senses of sight, hearing, smell, and touch to help determine the nature of the emergency, maintain personal safety, and make critical decisions in a confused, chaotic, and potentially life-threatening environment throughout the duration of the operation.
• Faces exposure to grotesque sights and smells associated with illness, major trauma, and burn victims.
• Faces possible exposure to infectious diseases such as influenza, tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV, and others.
• Moves a patient weighing at least 150 pounds, up or down flights of stairs with a minimum of one person to assist.

Skokie Fire Department - Firefighter/Paramedic has 5 vacancies.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is September 25, 2026.

Due to the size of the Skokie Fire Department and ongoing retirements, the Department regularly creates opportunities for new firefighters to join the organization throughout the year. In recent years, the department has averaged hiring 5+ firefighters annually, and as many as 10,  providing applicants with strong opportunities for career advancement and long-term growth.

As of 5/1/26

$87,124 - Starting Salary with no experience.

$91,289 - Starting salary with 1 year of experience as an Illinois Office of State Fire Marshall Basic Operations Firefighter or Firefighter II.

$94,941 - Starting salary with 1 year of experience as a licensed Illinois Department of Public Health paramedic or National Registered Paramedic.

$98,739 - Starting salary with 1 year of experience as an Illinois Office of State Fire Marshal Basic Operations Firefighter or Firefighter II, and 1 year of experience as a licensed Illinois Department of Public Health paramedic or National Registered Paramedic.

$127,131 Top pay Firefighter/Paramedic with available stipends.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Spousal Medical Insurance Coverage Out-of-Pocket Reimbursement
• Illinois Firefighter Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Investment Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Mental Health Assistance
• 11 paid days off earned at an initial rate of 11 shifts annually, up to 20 shifts based on longevity
• 6/7 Kelly Days (every 18th day)
• Sick Time
• Tuition Reimbursement