Part-Time Firefighter/Firefighter-Paramedic

Regular Hiring (No Experience Necessary)

The McHenry Township Fire Protection District is located approximately 60 miles northwest of Chicago in the northeastern portion of McHenry County and covers a 56 square mile area including the communities of Bull Valley, Johnsburg, Lakemoor, McCullom Lake, McHenry, Ringwood, and portions of Island Lake and unincorporated McHenry county. The MTFPD responds to almost 6,000 emergency calls per year from five strategically located fire stations. Each station is staffed by part-time/paid on premise personnel that primarily work 12 hour shifts. There are approximately 55,000 year-around residents within the district.

The Position

As a member of the fire department, and under the general supervision of an officer, responds to medical emergencies, fires, and other emergency incidents to provide fire suppression and emergency medical service; operate and maintain a variety of rescue and firefighting apparatus and equipment; participate 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. All part-time Firefighters are required to participate in the assigned shift (12 or 24 hour rotational schedule) program, based on shift availability.

Newly hired part-time Firefighters who do not possess First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, and Basic Operations Firefighter certifications will be sent by the MTFPD to those courses at McHenry County College. 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 or a defined period of time by the MTFPD.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 a minimum of one (1) semester completed and be actively enrolled and 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 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 the application is submitted, the individual has previously completed the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), including the optional ladder climb, with attainment date no earlier than one (1) year prior to the application deadline. 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 website - Testing
• Naperville FD website -
• Huntley FPD website -
• MABAS Division 24 website -
• 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.

Application Requirements

1. Carefully review the minimum qualifications, residency requirements, and other information to ensure that you are qualified to test for the department.
2. Go to National Testing Network (NTN) at and choose McHenry Township Fire Protection District.
3. Successfully complete FireTeam testing through NTN. Scores from candidates that previously completed the test through NTN within one (1) year of the deadline established by the MTFPD will be accepted. Successful completion of the NTN test requires the following minimum scoring: Human Relations 70%, Mechanical Ability 60%, Math 70%, Reading 80%. Candidates must attain the minimum score in each area to be considered further.
4. Complete a valid CPAT test, including the optional ladder climb within one (1) year of the deadline established by the MTFPD.
5. As needed, the MTFPD will contact individuals from the pool of candidates. Candidates will then be required to submit a completed Employment Application and all required documentation by the deadline set by the MTFPD.
6. Candidates will be contacted regarding the remaining steps in the testing and hiring process.

Questions regarding the NTN testing process should be directed to NTN at 1-.

Questions regarding the McHenry Township Fire Protection District can be directed to Deputy Chief Steven Spraker at or email: d.org