Part-Time Firefighter​/Firefighter-Paramedic

The Position

As a member of the fire department, under the supervision of an officer, responds to medical emergencies, fires, and other emergency incidents to provide fire suppression and emergency medical service; operates and maintains a variety of rescue and firefighting apparatus and equipment; participates in firefighting, hazardous materials and other special teams incidents; fire prevention and training activities. This position involves working both assigned shifts (paid on premise) and responding off-duty (paid on call).

On recommendation of the Fire Chief, this position is appointed by the Board of Trustees and is a part-time, non-commissioned, non-pensioned, at-will employee of the District.

Newly hired part-time Firefighters who do not possess First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, and Basic Operations Firefighter certifications will be sent to those courses. As part of an Initial Training Agreement, individuals are responsible for the cost of course tuition and textbooks for these courses and will then be reimbursed over a defined period of time by the MTFPD. Complete and detailed information will be provided at the candidate orientation session.

All Firefighters are required to become licensed Paramedics through the Illinois Department of Public Health within five years of their date of hire. Individuals are responsible for the cost of course tuition and textbooks for these courses and will then be reimbursed over a defined period of time by the MTFPD.

• High school diploma, G.E.D. certificate, or equivalent.
• Legal resident of the United States of America.
• Be 21 years of age or older, or between 18 and 21 years of age, and have been a member of a cadet program, or have a minimum of one semester completed, and be actively enrolled in good standing in an accredited college program and working towards attainment of an associate's degree in Fire Science. Official, sealed college transcripts will be required at the time of application.
• There are no residency requirements.
• Successfully complete all phases of the testing and hiring process.
• Possess a valid State Driver's License, Illinois or Wisconsin equivalent (for Wisconsin residents if applicable).
• Be capable of reading, speaking, and writing in the English language.
• Meet knowledge, health, and physical qualifications established by the District.
• Pass a background investigation, pre-employment medical exam, and drug test.
• Exhibit good moral character, temperate personal habits, and show evidence of an industrious work ethic.

The application process requires that at the time of application, the individual has previously completed the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), including the optional ladder climb, with attainment date no earlier than one year prior to the Final date to receive applications. Testing can be done through NTN or at any other facility that is licensed to conduct the CPAT.

Other agencies that conduct CPAT testing include:
Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (nipsta.org);
Naperville Fire Department;
Huntley Fire Protection District; MABAS Division 24;
Central Illinois Fire Chiefs Association; or by searching CPAT on the internet.

Prospective applicants should note that the registration deadline for the CPAT may be several weeks prior to the event.

Questions regarding NTN testing should be directed to NTN at  Questions regarding the McHenry Township Fire Protection District can be directed to Deputy Chief Karen Bush