The Village of Hoffman Estates is located 30 miles northwest of Chicago and has been a thriving community since its incorporation in 1959. With a population of about 52,000, it spans 21.3 square miles and continues to grow steadily. The village offers a high quality of life with affordable housing, top-rated schools, excellent public services, and easy access to major highways, rail lines, and O’Hare International Airport.

Hoffman Estates is home to several notable businesses, including Sears Holdings, the Sears Centre Arena, Siemens Healthcare, Claire’s Boutiques, and Cabela’s. The area also features three forest preserves with over 4,000 acres of open space, making it an ideal place for outdoor activities.

The Department

Founded in 1959, the Hoffman Estates Fire Department is known for its professionalism, dedication, and commitment to excellence. It provides essential fire protection and emergency medical services to the community. The department currently includes one Fire Chief, one Deputy Chief, one Assistant Chief, three Battalion Chiefs, four Captains, 11 Lieutenants, 72 firefighter/paramedics, and two additional staff members in the Administration/Fire Prevention Bureau.

The department responds to around 5,400 calls annually from four stations. It also operates specialized units such as hazardous materials, technical rescue, dive operations, fire investigation, public education, and emergency management. As a founding member of M.A.B.A.S., the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, the department has played a key role in advancing fire service practices in Illinois.

The starting salary for a firefighter/paramedic is currently $61,043 per year.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for employment, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen;
• Hold a valid driver’s license that allows driving in Illinois;
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Have corrected vision of 20-20 and no color blindness;
• Have normal hearing without correction;
• Be able to speak, read, write, and understand English;
• Provide proof of a valid EMT-P license from the Illinois Department of Public Health;
• Submit proof of a CPAT and Ladder Climb card from a licensed agency before July 12, 2014 (dated between July 12, 2013, and July 12, 2014);
• Be between 21 and 35 years old unless previously employed as a full-time firefighter in Illinois.

Firefighter Preference Points

Under state law, preference points can be awarded for veterans' status, educational background, and prior firefighting experience. These points may impact your ranking on the eligibility list.

Application Process

Applications are managed by Selection Works. A non-refundable fee of $40 is required to apply. Applications were available from May 7, 2014, to June 13, 2014, with all documents due by 2:00 p.m. on June 13, 2014, or you will be considered ineligible.

After purchasing the application, you’ll receive instructions on how to complete and submit the form. The application will be delivered as a PDF, which you should save for ease of use.

Testing Process

The testing process includes a written exam and a situational judgment test. Both will be administered on Saturday, July 12, 2014, at Hoffman Estates High School. You must arrive by 9:00 a.m. for sign-in and orientation.

Following the exams, candidates will proceed through physical tests, polygraphs, background checks, interviews, and medical evaluations. Successful applicants will then go through a 12-month probationary period before becoming permanent employees.

Currently, there are at least five (5) immediate openings for firefighters in Hoffman Estates.

Thanks, Dan