Job Information
DOWNERS GROVE, VILLAGE OF
850 CURTISS STREET
DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS 60515
630-434-5538
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Updated: June 17, 2025
Position Title: Firefighter/Paramedic
Salary Information: Starting salary of $84,299 advancing to $117,731 after 6 years
Candidate applications are currently under review. Candidates will be notified regarding their application status by email.
Benefit Information:
● Health, dental, and vision insurance, with low-cost premium share
● $100,000 of life insurance coverage (Village paid)
● Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care (FSA & DCFSA)
● Tax-deferred retirement savings program
● $4,500 annual tuition reimbursement
● 120 hours of vacation
● 120 holiday hours
● 12 training hours
● 144.04 sick hours
● Annual clothing allowance
Department Overview
The Downers Grove Fire Department is an ISO Class 1-rated department, officially founded in 1898. Today, the Fire Department is a full-service organization staffed by 83 fire service professionals. The Fire Department provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, and other fire-related services to approximately 50,000 residents. The daytime population swells to approximately 125,000 due to the wide variety of commercial, industrial, and residential occupancies over an area of 14 square miles. On-duty staffing is provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week by a total of 77 sworn members operating out of four fire stations located throughout the Village. The response area is divided into several “still” districts. Station 102 is located in the center of the response area and is the fire department headquarters station. A tower ladder truck staffed by a minimum of three members responds from this station along with the shift commander. Station 101 is staffed with a three-member squad company. Stations 103 and 105 are each staffed with three-member engine companies that are advanced life support (ALS) equipped. ALS ambulances, each staffed with two firefighter/paramedics, are also located at Stations 102,103, and 105.
Village Information
Downers Grove is located 22 miles west of Chicago. Convenient access to Chicago via rail and several major expressways makes Downers Grove a prime location to live, work, and do business. Downers Grove is home to many corporate and regional headquarters, including Advocate Aurora Health Care, Dover Corporation, and Pepperidge Farm. Highly ranked schools were a top factor in Downers Grove being named one of the Top 10 Livable Cities for kids by Livability.com. Downers Grove has also been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Friendliest Towns.
Population: nearly 50,000
Job Requirements
Age: 21 years of age at the time of initial list, but less than 35 years of age at the time of application.
The age requirement does not apply to any person currently employed as a full-time firefighter in a regularly constituted fire department of any municipality or fire protection district located in Illinois; or a fire protection district whose obligations were assumed by a municipality; or any person who has served a municipality as a regularly enrolled volunteer, paid- on-call, or part-time firefighter for the five (5) years immediately preceding the time that the municipality begins to use full-time Firefighters to provide all or part of its fire protection services.
US Citizen: Must be a US Citizen
High School Grad/GED: Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED
Valid State Driver’s License: Must possess a valid driver’s license
Proof of Physical Fitness: Candidate Physical Ability Test ("CPAT") with ladder climb exercise
Special Qualifications: Basic Operations Firefighter or Firefighter II Certification from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
Necessary Certifications at time of Conditional Offer: Paramedic License by the Illinois Department of Public Health
Additional Requirements: Meet the mental, medical, physical, and psychological standards established by the Board and be able to successfully complete such screening examinations as required by the Board.
Required Documentation, due at time of application:
● Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)
● Applicant Statement and Release
● Certified copy of birth certificate
● Certified copy of high school diploma or GED
● A copy of a valid Driver’s License
● A copy of the applicant’s Basic Operations Firefighter or Firefighter II certification from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall
● Proof that the applicant is pursuing a paramedic license that will be issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health
● When applicable, a certified copy of military service record and discharge papers (DD214)
Hiring Process: The Downers Grove Firefighter Paramedic recruitment process includes:
1. Submission of Application (Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ), with Supporting Documents)
2. Written Exam
3. Subjective Assessment (Video Interview)
4. Initial Eligibility List
5. Preference Points
6. Final Eligibility List
7. Polygraph Test
8. Psychological Evaluation
9. Background Investigation
10. Interview with the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
11. Medical Examination
12. Acceptance into the Good Samaritan Hospital Emergency Medical Services System
Preference Points (noncumulative)
Veteran: Candidates engaged in the military service of the United States for a period of at least one (1) year of active duty and who were honorably discharged therefrom, or who are now or have been members on inactive or reserve duty shall receive five (5) preference points added to their Initial Eligibility List score.
Educational: Candidates who have successfully obtained an Associate’s Degree in the field of Fire Service or Emergency Medical Services from an accredited college or university shall receive two (2) preference points added to their Initial Eligibility List score. Candidates who have successfully obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in the field of Fire Service or Emergency Medical Services from an accredited college or university shall receive four (4) preference points added to their Initial Eligibility List score.
The Village of Downers Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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