The Village of Winnetka is an affluent community of approximately 12,500 residents located on the north shore of Lake Michigan and is located approximately sixteen miles from downtown Chicago. While it’s a quiet, primarily-residential community, public safety careers in Winnetka offer ample training and leadership opportunities. It is regarded by many as a great place to pursue a career while offering work-life balance and great benefits. Candidates who are motivated by serving an appreciative community and team-oriented creative problem-solving will thrive in a Winnetka public safety career. Residents are friendly, supportive, and proud of their police and fire departments, often inviting them to present in schools and appear at Village events and local celebrations.

The Village has three public and four private elementary schools, one public middle school, one public high school and one private high school. There is one fire station, a public library, and twelve places of worship in the Village. Recreational facilities include four public beaches and a boat launch, numerous parks, an indoor tennis club, ice rink, public golf course and forest preserve areas. The community is served by the Endeavor Health system, including Evanston, Skokie, Highland Park, and Glenbrook hospitals. Three Chicago and Northwestern Railway (METRA) train stations and PACE bus systems provide public transportation. The proximity to north and northwest suburbs, as well as the City of Chicago, makes Winnetka attractive to prospective employees, and the fact that it is a scenically beautiful Village adds to the appeal.

The Winnetka Fire Department is comprised of 24 sworn members, four part-time fire inspectors, and one civilian employee. The department’s fundamental mission is to maintain an outstanding level of customer service through preparedness; achieved by a high level of training, consistent supervision, and a commitment to the organization, emphasizing the values of strong leadership, being accountable for your actions, being mindful of others’ values/beliefs, being respectful, leading by example, and upholding Department standards.

The Department operates on a 24/48 schedule with three shifts comprised of seven total members. Each shift includes a Captain (Shift Commander), Lieutenant (Company Officer), and five Firefighter/Paramedics (Firemedics), maintaining a daily shift staffing of six members.

Contracted by the Village of Kenilworth and portions of unincorporated Cook County to provide fire suppression and EMS services, the Department’s primary response jurisdiction covers approximately five square miles, serving a population of over 16,000. As a member of Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Division 3, the Department also responds to the surrounding communities through automatic and mutual aid .

As an all-hazards department, personnel are trained across various disciplines and have the opportunity to join a variety of special teams including:

· Dive/Water Rescue Team

o Diver

o Rescue Swimmer

o Boat Operator

· Technical Rescue Team (TRT)

· Hazmat Team

· Fire Investigations Team

· Drone Team

Bordering Lake Michigan, part of the department’s water response capabilities includes a fireboat, jointly operated by the Winnetka, Wilmette, and Evanston Fire Departments. Additional capabilities include a shared Public Safety Drone, jointly operated with members of the Winnetka Police Department.

The Firefighter/paramedic (Firemedic) provides skilled emergency medical rescue, engages in fire suppression, fire prevention, and public education services. This position also maintains Fire Department apparatus, equipment, and facilities in condition for immediate and effective use.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

• Perform firefighting activities including driving fire apparatus, operating pumps and related equipment, laying hose, applying water and chemicals onto fires, climbing ladders to gain access of upper levels of buildings, and creating openings in buildings for ventilation.
• Protect property from damage by applying salvage covers to protect from water and smoke damage, setting up smoke ejectors to remove smoke from buildings, and applying processes to remove the odor of smoke.
• Respond to emergency medical calls and treat persons with medical problems with the appropriate use of drugs, intravenous therapy, respiratory therapy, and other treatment under the direction of hospital medical personnel via contact with telephone or telemetry equipment and transfer to the hospital for further treatment.
• Collect patient information, communicate patient status to hospital personnel, and prepare emergency medical reports. Treat medical and confidential information appropriately.
• Maintain Fire Department apparatus, tools, equipment, and facilities.
• Participate in drills and attend continuing education classes on subjects including but not limited to: hydraulics, pump operations, emergency medical techniques, firefighting techniques, hazardous materials, and equipment and apparatus operations.
• Conduct home safety surveys, pre-plan surveys, hydrant inspections, and public safety education presentations.
• Prepare complete and accurate reports, both oral and written.
• Perform preventative and regular maintenance repairs to apparatus, equipment, building and grounds and inform shift supervisor of any difficulties with or irregularities in or on equipment, building or grounds.
• Direct and coordinate specialized programs based on the Department’s needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is August 17, 2026.

The Winnetka Fire Department offers a competitive salary and benefits package designed to attract and retain high-quality police firefighter/paramedics. The 2026 salary range is $91, 201-$124,511 and is dictated by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) collective bargaining agreement. 

The Village provides department-issued uniforms and equipment along with an annual uniform allowance and fitness and paramedic incentives. With the support of Village Council and the community, the department is well-funded and equipped, and the department continually invests in employee training, wellness, and development to ensure all department members have the tools and support needed to serve the community.

The Village of Winnetka offers a superior benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance and Village-paid life insurance valued at one-times an employee's annual salary. Firefighter/paramedics also participate in the Winnetka Firefighters’ Pension Fund. Supplemental life and health benefits are also available. Employees receive generous vacation, holiday, FLSA, and sick leave accruals; fitness and paramedic incentives; and Village-provided equipment and uniforms.