Fire Department · Career
Evanston Fire Department
Evanston, IL · Cook County
115 sworn firefighter/paramedics and 3 civilian staff (118 total); fleet includes 5 engines, 2 trucks, 3 ambulances, a water rescue boat, and 2 wave runners (roughly 35 vehicles and specialized units total).
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Evanston Fire Department traces its roots to May 25, 1875, when the city organized a volunteer fire company; the department transitioned to a fully paid, professional force by 1883 and completed the switch from horse-drawn to motorized apparatus by 1918, with further growth following statewide work-hour reforms after 1956.
Today EFD operates from a headquarters and five stations across Evanston, staffed by 115 sworn firefighter/paramedics and 3 civilian support employees. The department holds an ISO Class 1 rating, answers more than 12,000 calls a year with an average response time under four minutes, and maintains specialized capabilities in hazardous materials response, technical rescue, water rescue and dive, and drone operations, in addition to its cross-trained fire/EMS response.
Since 2023 the department has also run lifeguard operations at Evanston's beaches each summer, hiring roughly 140 seasonal lifeguards alongside its full-time firefighting force. New sworn hires come through the City's Civil Service Commission process rather than a direct-hire model.
MissionThe Department responds to over 12,000 calls a year, with an average response time of under four minutes, existing 24 hours every day to protect life, property, and the environment.
Evanston hires firefighters through the City's Civil Service Commission process rather than rolling direct hire. Candidates apply online during open recruitment periods via Applytoserve.com, then move through physical, written, and oral testing before background and medical screening and final Commission certification.
Requirements
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident, age 21-34 (exceptions for candidates with prior firefighting experience)
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license
- Valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card and Ladder Climb certification issued within one year
- No disqualifying felony or misdemeanor convictions
- Willing to obtain an Illinois Paramedic License within 24 months of hire
- Willing to obtain State of Illinois Firefighter II certification
Hiring process
- Submit an online application via Applytoserve.com during an open recruitment period ($45 non-refundable fee, waivable for financial hardship)
- Submit required documents: proof of citizenship, driver's license, diploma/GED, and CPAT certification
- Complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) with ladder climb certification
- Pass the written examination
- Complete an oral interview
- Undergo pre-employment screening: polygraph, psychological evaluation, medical exam, and drug/alcohol screening and background check
- Receive final certification from the Evanston Public Safety Civil Service Commission
Benefits
Sworn members participate in the Illinois firefighters' pension system, administered locally through the department's own Firefighters Pension Board.
How do I become a firefighter with the Evanston Fire Department?
Applicants apply online through Applytoserve.com during an open recruitment period, then complete a CPAT physical ability test, written exam, oral interview, and background/medical screening before final certification by the Evanston Public Safety Civil Service Commission.
What are the requirements to become an Evanston firefighter?
Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident aged 21-34 (with exceptions for prior firefighting experience), hold a high school diploma or GED and valid driver's license, and have a current CPAT card with ladder climb certification. Hires must obtain an Illinois Paramedic License within 24 months and Firefighter II certification.
Does the Evanston Fire Department require a paramedic license?
All EFD firefighters are trained paramedics; new hires who aren't already licensed must obtain an Illinois Paramedic License within 24 months of hire.
What is the work schedule for Evanston firefighters?
Firefighters work 24-hour shifts followed by 48 hours off, with all five stations staffed continuously year-round.
Does the Evanston Fire Department hire lifeguards?
Yes. Since 2023, EFD has run lifeguard operations at Evanston's beaches each summer, hiring roughly 140 seasonal lifeguards in addition to its full-time firefighting force.