Hoffman Estates is a vibrant community located 30 miles northwest of Chicago, known for its strong sense of safety, great schools, and convenient access to major highways. Incorporated in 1959, the village has grown steadily over the years and now has a population of around 52,000 people. It spans approximately 21.3 square miles and offers a wide range of housing options, parks, and recreational spaces.

The village is home to several major employers, including Sears Holdings, the Sears Centre Arena, Siemens Healthcare, Claire’s, and Cabela’s. It's also close to three large forest preserves, offering over 4,000 acres of open space and trails. With easy access to O’Hare International Airport and public transit, Hoffman Estates is a great place to live and work.

The Department

The Hoffman Estates Fire Department has been serving the community since 1959. Committed to excellence, it provides top-quality fire protection and emergency medical services. The department consists of one Fire Chief, one Deputy Chief, one Assistant Chief, three Battalion Chiefs, 4 Captains, 11 Lieutenants, 72 firefighter/paramedics, and two administrative personnel. They respond to about 5,400 calls annually from four fire stations across the village.

Specialty teams include hazardous materials, technical rescue, dive, fire investigation, public education, and emergency management. The department was also a founding member of M.A.B.A.S., the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, and one of the first in Illinois to integrate paramedics into fire service.

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

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen;
• Have a valid driver’s license and be eligible to drive in Illinois;
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Have corrected vision of 20-20 with no color blindness;
• Have normal hearing without correction;
• Be able to speak, read, write, and understand English;
• Provide proof of an Illinois EMT-P license;
• Submit a CPAT and Ladder Climb card from a licensed agency 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

Preference points are awarded for veterans, education, and experience. Candidates can earn up to five points for each of these categories. Other categories do not qualify for preference points.

Applications

Applications are managed by Selection Works. The application fee is $40 and is non-refundable. Applications will be available from May 7, 2014, through June 13, 2014. All documents must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. on June 13, 2014, or you will be considered ineligible.

You can purchase the application online and complete it using Adobe Reader. A PDF version will be sent to your email. Make sure to save it and fill it out carefully before the deadline.

Testing Process

The testing includes a written exam and a situational judgment test. Both are paper-based. The written exams will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2014, at Hoffman Estates High School. You must arrive by 9:00 a.m. for check-in.

After passing the written tests, candidates will move on to physical tests, background checks, interviews, and medical evaluations. Successful applicants will go through a 12-month probation period before being officially sworn in.

Currently, there are at least five (5) openings in the department, possibly up to seven.

Thanks Dan