Firefighter Position

Village of South Holland - 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.

Village of South Holland - Firefighter/Paramedic

Last updated on April 10, 2026
PST Partner Agency since March 04, 2026

Vacancies: 4

Testing Deadline: May 15, 2026.

Important Information

Equal Opportunity Employer

The South Holland Fire Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Village of South Holland is firmly committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity in all aspects of recruitment, hiring, career development, and other personnel practices. All job-related experience and qualifications will be evaluated without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or physical or mental disability.

Any information provided during the application process will be treated with strict confidentiality and used solely to ensure the most effective placement of your skills and abilities should you become part of our team.

Community Information

Welcome to the Village of South Holland!

It is our intention to make your experience in South Holland secure, convenient and rewarding.

Our Village was founded by early Dutch settlers in 1847. Our rich history has included a heritage of faith in God with an important emphasis on unity in the family. This heritage has outlined and defined who we are as a community. As we have grown into a diverse community we have retained and nurtured this traditional value system, which continues to provide a strong foundation for us as a Village.

Our mission as a Board and Administration is to create an atmosphere where each resident feels the acceptance of their neighbor and community. We desire to increase communication and to build strong new relationships with each other. We want to progressively move toward the goal of becoming a “Model Community” that will set the standard to which all cities, towns and villages will aspire. We will work side by side with our churches, businesses, schools, service organizations and residential leadership to accomplish this goal.

I am confident that you will find our Village to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family. If I, the Village Board or Administration can be of any assistance to you, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Don A. De Graff, Village President


Coming Together

In 2023, the Village of South Holland launched its new strategic plan, Coming Together 2030. The purpose of Coming Together 2030 is to unite, support and empower the five key groups that make up the community of South Holland. By coming together, we will strengthen our village, break down barriers, and enhance the life and vitality of South Holland.

The five key groups mentioned above are:
1. Churches
2. Schools
3. Businesses
4. Service Organizations
5. Neighborhood Groups/Residents

Over the coming decade, the Village Board, Administration and staff will work closely alongside those groups to strengthen them, form valuable partnerships, and provide resources accordingly. Initiatives include efforts such as connecting churches with service opportunities to minister to those in need, working with the schools to develop internship and apprenticeship programs throughout the village, reigniting our neighborhood groups and block parties, and connecting residents with the many businesses throughout our community.

There are three major themes of the new plan:
-Serving
-Connecting
-Enhancing

The powerful combination of these themes leads to a community that gives back, has strong relationships with one another, and embraces progress and development. This ties in closely with South Holland’s long-standing motto of Faith, Family, Future.

Coming Together 2030 Updates
Every quarter, the Village sends an email called the CT Connect, which shares the ways the five key groups above are working together and for the community


Department Information

About the Village & Fire Department

The Village of South Holland is a vibrant and growing community rooted in Faith, Family, and Future. Our workforce is defined by high ethical standards, responsiveness, and a continuous drive for improvement.

We are currently establishing an eligibility list for the position of Career Firefighter/Paramedic. The South Holland Fire Department provides comprehensive fire suppression and emergency medical services to approximately 23,000 residents across an 11-square-mile area. We are proud to maintain an ISO rating of 2, reflecting our strong commitment to excellence in fire protection and emergency response.

The South Holland Fire Department is staffed by 27 full-time firefighter/paramedics, 3 Lieutenants, 1 Fire Prevention Specialist, 15 part-time personnel, Department Chaplain, an Executive Assistant, a Deputy Chief, and a Fire Chief. Operations are conducted on three 24-hour shifts, with 10 personnel assigned per shift, including nine firefighters and one Lieutenant. Minimum daily staffing consists of eight full-time personnel, supplemented by up to three part-time positions when staffed.

Station 43 operates two ALS ambulances and an ALS Engine/Tower Ladder jump company, while Station 44 operates an ALS Ambulance and an Engine jump company. Together, the department responds to approximately 6,000 calls annually, including auto and mutual aid responses.

This is your opportunity to join a dynamic and professional team that values integrity, professionalism, self-discipline, and respect, and is dedicated to serving the community with pride.

Additional YouTube Videos: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD94y4qBahs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0qNvt1NKC4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZHwJoI94uw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MKNkl3eEHo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P05gCWh_nIU

https://youtu.be/57uOp6pt1Cs?si=QwrYTTnMGY7ZU8IW

Area Information

County: Cook
Population: 23,000
# of Staff: 33 Full-Time / 15 Part-Time

Hiring Status

Village of South Holland - Firefighter/Paramedic has 4 vacancies.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is May 15, 2026.

Currently, we have four vacancies that we anticipate filling in 2026. At the time a candidate accepts a conditional offer of employment, he or she will be subject to a background investigation that includes an oral interview, written integrity test, NFPA 1582 physical examination, comprehensive drug screening,  psychological and polygraph evaluations.

Salary Information

Starting 2025 Pay for FF/EMT-B - $64,249

Starting 2024 Pay for FF/Paramedic - $78,481

$109,127.35 after 6 years with incentives

Benefit Information

Compensation & Benefits

The Village of South Holland offers a comprehensive benefits package, including participation in the Firemen’s Pension Fund as prescribed under Chapter 5, Section 4 of the Statutes of the State of Illinois. Additional benefits include:

  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

  • Optional supplemental benefit programs

  • Investment and retirement plans, including 457(b) deferred compensation and Roth IRA options

  • Paid leave, including bereavement leave

  • Paid holidays and one annual bonus day

  • Membership access to ACME Credit Union

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Discounted membership to the South Holland Community Center Fitness Center

Work Schedule

Firefighters work a 24-hour shift followed by 48 hours off duty. A Kelly Day is scheduled off every ninth duty day for employees assigned to a 24-hour shift schedule.

Village of South Holland - 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

Proof of CPAT certification is due at the time of a conditional offer of employment. The CPAT must have been completed no more than one (1) year prior to the date of the conditional offer.

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

Applicants must be 21 years of age at the date of the written test.

Maximum Age

No person who is 35 years of age or older shall be eligible to take the written test unless exempted per state statute (65 IL5/10-2.1.7.1). Exemptions to exceed the maximum age limit are allowed for military service and volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time, and full-time firefighters meeting certain conditions.

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship or authorization to work in the U.S. (Must meet I-9 requirements)

High School Grad/ GED

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)

Driver's License Required

Valid Driver’s License due at time of appointment

Felony Conviction(s) as an Adult No adult felony convictions at any time.
Felony Conviction(s) as a Juvenile Will be carefully reviewed on a case by case basis
Ability to Read, Speak & Write the English Language Yes
Vision Requirements Correctable to 20/20
College Requirement No
Prior Experience Requirement Yes
Veterans Preference Points

Preference Point Information

Once the Initial Eligibility List is established, candidates will have the opportunity to claim applicable preference points by submitting a claim form along with any required documentation.

Education and experience preference point claim forms must be submitted at the time of application. Veteran’s preference points may be claimed within ten (10) days following the posting of the Final Eligibility List.

Applicants may claim the following preference points:

  • Veteran’s Preference – 5 Points
    Applicants who served actively in the U.S. military for at least one (1) year and were honorably discharged, or who are currently serving on inactive or reserve duty, are eligible to receive five (5) preference points.
    A DD-214 is required as documentation.

EMT Certification Yes
Other Preference Points

Preference Points

  1. Education – 3 Points
    Applicants who have obtained an associate’s degree in Fire Science or Emergency Medical Services, or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, will receive three (3) preference points.

  2. Experience – Up to 2 Points
    Applicants who have been employed as a full-time certified Basic Firefighter for at least two (2) years with another fire department or fire protection district will receive one-half (½) point for each year of service, up to a maximum of two (2) points.

  3. South Holland Fire Department Part-Time/Paid-on-Call Status – 3 Points
    Applicants currently serving or who have served in a part-time or paid-on-call capacity with the South Holland Fire Department will receive three (3) points.

  4. National or Illinois Certified Paramedic – 10 Points
    Applicants who hold National Registry or Illinois Paramedic certification will receive ten (10) preference points.

Firefighter 1 Certification No
Firefighter 2 Certification No
Paramedic Certification

Candidates must be enrolled in a certified paramedic training program at the time of application and must obtain their EMT-P (Paramedic) license by the conclusion of their two (2) year probationary period. While not required at the time of application, possession of a Paramedic license at the time of hire is preferred.

All candidates must also successfully test into the Illinois Region 7 EMS System.

Prior FF Experience Required No
Prior EMT Experience Required

Current Illinois or National Registry EMT-B License due at the application deadline.

Body Decorations No neck or facial tatoos 
CPAT

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Requirement

Candidates must successfully complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), including Ladder Climb Certification, conducted by a licensed agency. Proof of CPAT certification is due at the time of a conditional offer of employment. The CPAT must have been completed no more than one (1) year prior to the date of the conditional offer.

Candidates must register for the CPAT at one of the following approved locations, or at another certified CPAT testing facility:

Request/Access Scores On an as-needed basis as vacancies occur

Village of South Holland - 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
Potential 4 or more traffic crime convictions in last 1 year (DWI, Suspended, Reckless, etc.).
Drug Usage
Automatic No illegal sale of ANY drug, including marijuana.
Potential Illegal drug substance usage or exposure within past 5 year(s).
Potential Illegal use of illegal drugs in the last 5 year(s).
Potential Other drug use outside these standards will be considered on case by case basis.
Criminal Activity
Automatic Any adult felony conviction.
Potential Adult misdemeanor convictions will be carefully reviewed.
Potential Juvenile felony conviction will be carefully reviewed.
Potential Been convicted of any crime under a domestic violence statue.
Automatic Unlawful sexual misconduct.
Employment
Potential Been dishonorably discharged from the United States armed forces.
Automatic Lied during any stage of the hiring process.
Automatic Falsified his or her application, personal history questionnaire, or any other forms during hiring process.
Financial
Potential Failure to pay income tax or child support.
Potential Current credit accounts, or unresolved accounts in collection 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
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
Village of South Holland Affirmative Action Affirmative Action - Voluntary Information Example
Village of South Holland Background Check Authorization to conduct background check Example
Village of South Holland Residency Residency Acknowledgment Example
Village of South Holland Preference Points Claim Form Preference Points Example
South Holland Fire Department Training Reimbursement Agreement Training and Educational Reimbursement Agreement Example

Contact Information

Village of South Holland - Firefighter/Paramedic

16230 Wausau Avenue
South Holland, IL 60473 Cook County
7083313123

Website
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Contact a Recruiter
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)