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CHAMPAIGN FIRE DEPARTMENT 307 SOUTH RANDOLPH STREET CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS 61820 (217)403-7200 https://champaignil.gov/fire/firefighter-recruitment/
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Bookmark: http://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/fullJobDetails.cfm?agencyjobid=2146&jobid=2&agentid=536
Updated: November 12, 2024
Welcome to the Champaign Fire Department 2024 Entry Level Fire Fighter Testing process! To be considered, applicants must complete the online application and upload all required documents by the deadlines identified throughout this packet. Important application requirements, preference point information, required CPAT and ladder certifications/testing locations, and eligibility list creation are included below. I wish you all the best during this process!
- Andy Quarnstrom, Champaign Fire Chief
The City of Champaign is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
The City of Champaign Fire Department Hiring Process Packet is located here.
Candidates for testing and for appointment as a Probationary Firefighter must:
Candidates that meet these qualifications can proceed through the testing and selection process outlined below:
STEP 1 – Application and Required Documents: Through National Testing Network by September 13, 2024Persons interested in learning more about the Champaign Fire Department, the position of firefighter, and thetesting process are encouraged to attend a virtual recruitment information session on:
Read important information in the City of Champaign Fire Department Firefighter Hiring Process, here.
STEP 2 – Virtual Recruitment Informational Session: July 9, 2024, 5:30 PM CSTThe recorded session can be viewed later here.Register for the Champaign Fire Department process through National Testing Network (nationaltestingnetwork.com) and upload the required documents listed below by September 13, 2024.
STEP 4 – Oral Board Interviews: October 15 and 16, 2024LOCATION: ILEAS (IL Law Enforcement Alarm System) 1701 E. Main St., Urbana, ILCandidates who pass the written examination will be assigned an interview date and time. Interviews will be recorded to ensure social distancing between candidates and assessors. Interviews will consist of a series of questions presented by video. No prior fire service experience is necessary to answer the questions.Professional attire is recommended for the interview. The interviews are conducted under the supervision of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. The approximate length of each interview is fifteen (15) minutes.Recorded interviews will be reviewed remotely by a panel of assessors. Candidates must bring a valid driver’s license or other form of photo identification to their interview. Please note that it is essential that you arrive and begin your oral interview at your scheduled time. It is your responsibility to account for unusual circumstances which may prevent you from arriving on time, such asweather and traffic conditions, location of the facility, etc.
STEP 5 – Placement on Preliminary Eligibility List: October 28, 2024Placement on the preliminary eligibility list is determined by the candidate’s written and oral exam score, in compliance with applicable law.
STEP 6 – Preference Points: October 29, 2024 - November 15, 2024Candidates will have the ability to claim preference points after the initial eligibility list by submitting a claim form and all required documents. A maximum of ten (10) preference points may be awarded as defined below.VETERAN PREFERENCE POINTS: Those candidates who engaged in the military services for the United States for a period of at least one year of active duty and who were honorably discharged therefrom, or who are now or have been members on inactive or reserve duty in such military or naval service, shall be awarded five (5) veteran’s preference points.EDUCATION PREFERENCE POINTS:Three (3) preference points for an Associate Degree or 60 college credit hours from an accredited college oruniversity-OR-Five (5) preference points for any Bachelor’s Degree or Associate Degree in Fire ScienceRESIDENCY PREFERENCE POINTS: Those candidates who live within Champaign city limits and provide: valid driver’s license or government issued ID AND voter’s registration card, current lease agreement, Champaign Public Library card, or real estate tax bill with homestead exemption shall be awarded five (5) preferencepoints.PARAMEDIC PREFERENCE POINTS: Candidates who have a current valid paramedic’s license shall be awarded three (3) preference points.EXPLORER POST PREFERENCE POINTS: Candidates who have been an active charter member of the Champaign Explorer Post for two (2) consecutive years shall be awarded two (2) preference points.ADULT EXPLORER PROGRAM PREFERENCE POINTS: Candidates who completed all mandatory sessions of the Champaign Adult Explorer Pilot Program shall be awarded five (5) preference points.
Candidates will have ten (10) days to submit all required documentation. Preference point instructions will be provided to qualifying candidates prior to the beginning of the 10-day window.
STEP 7 – Submit CPAT and Ladder Climb Certification: by November 29, 2024Proof of completion of the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) including Ladder Climb Test with anylicensed agency issued no more than 12 months prior to November 29, 2024, must be uploaded to thecandidate’s NTN application by November 29, 2024
NOTE: candidates must register for the CPAT separately at one of the following locations or another approved CPAT testing facility: Central Illinois Fire Chiefs in Decatur, IL, Northeastern Illinois Public SafetyTraining Academy in Glenview, IL, NTN's MABAS site in Homewood, IL.For more information, click here: CPAT registration and testing facilities information.
STEP 7 – Placement on Initial Eligibility List: December 17, 2024Placement on the initial eligibility list is determined by the candidate’s written, oral exam score, and successful passing of the CPAT and Ladder Climb.
STEP 9 - Final Eligibility List Approved by Board: January 27, 2025Placement on the final eligibility list is determined by scores from the written examination, oral interview, CPAT and Ladder completion, and with preference points added. The 2025-2027 Firefighter Eligibility List will be effective February 28, 2025.
The Firefighter eligibility list is in effect for two (2) years. A candidate’s position on the eligibility list does not necessarily result in appointment as a Firefighter. The posting of an eligibility list does not guarantee vacancies in the Fire Department during that two-year period. The current list expires February 27, 2025.
STEP 10 – Background InvestigationPrior to final consideration for hire by the City of Champaign, a background investigation will be conducted. The investigation pertains to past employment, personal references, reputation, driving record, education, training, and criminal history.
STEP 11 – Fire Chief’s InterviewsCandidates will participate in a structured interview with a panel comprised of the Fire Chief, Fire Department command staff, and a community member.
STEP 12 – Fire Chief Recommendation for Appointment
The Fire Chief will recommend for appointment the candidate(s) that he believes would make the best Probationary Firefighter(s), in compliance with applicable law. This recommendation is made after careful examination of the results of all of the above steps for each candidate under consideration.
STEP 13 – Appointment by the Hiring AuthorityThe hiring authority of Fire and Police Commissioners approves the probationary appointment; appointment is contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of a medical examination, drug screen, andpsychological examination.
STEP 14 – Medical, Physical, and Psychological ExaminationsThe medical examination is completed by a local physician after the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners has approved the candidate's appointment. The medical evaluation will include a drug screening, and the physical exam will include a strength assessment. A psychological evaluation is completed by a localpsychologist.
Community InformationFor further information about the City of Champaign, visit the City’s website at www.champaignil.gov.TOURISM INFORMATION: Contact the Champaign County Convention and Visitors Bureau, ,www.visitchampaigncounty.org. This agency can provide you with information on restaurants, hotels, area activities, and shopping.
The City of Champaign is an outstanding community in which to live. Along with the City of Urbana, it is home to the flagship campus of the University of Illinois. With over 40,000 students, the University brings cultural diversity to the community that is typically only found in cities much larger than Champaign. Thisallows residents of Champaign to enjoy many of the amenities provided in a larger city yet still enjoy the advantages of living in a smaller community.Living in Champaign is also quite affordable and there are a variety of neighborhood options. Whether it’s a new condominium in Champaign’s thriving downtown, an older home in a turn-of-the-century neighborhood, or a large home in a newly developing area of the City, residents truly have a choice inwhere they desire to live. In addition to being home to a world-class university, Champaign is strategically located close to major metropolitan areas such as Chicago (2.5 hours), Indianapolis (2 hours), and St. Louis (3 hours). Although Champaign is located on major interstates, the community is also a stop for Amtrak’s direct service to Chicago with three routes per day.
POPULATION:Champaign 90,124Urbana 38,468Champaign County 235,608
Age:Be less than 35 years old by the date of the written examination, unless otherwise exempt by state statute, and at least 21 years old by date of hireCitizenship Required:YesHigh School Grad / GED:YesDriver's License:YesOther Disqualifiers:Some convictions, misdemeanors or serious traffic offenses may disqualify applicants from further consideration if there is a substantial relationship between the criminal history and the position of Probationary Fire Fighter.
