Firefighter

Hiring status

Arlington Heights Fire Department - Firefighter has 4 vacancies.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is November 12, 2026.

The Arlington Heights Fire Department has current vacancies for the rank of Firefighter.

Salary

All applicants start at the base (Step 1) salary. Employees receive salary increases as outlined below. Firefighters attain the top base salary after 4.5 years of service.

Effective January 1, 2027 - Firefighter Salary

• Upon Hire: $84,184
• After 6 months: $92,745
• After 12 months: $97,361
• After 18 months: $102,199
• After 24 months: $107,283
• After 30 months: $112,615
• After 42 months: $118,215
• After 54 months: $124,097

Effective January 1, 2027 - Firefighter Paramedic Salary

All new hires will start as a Firefighter (shown above). If you have your Paramedic License (EMT-P), during probation you will have the opportunity to transition to Firefighter Paramedic after completing system entry and being cleared by the EMS division. Once approved by the EMS division to serve as a paramedic you will start at probation step and receive salary increases as outlined below. (Note: month intervals below are from time of hire.)

• Probation: $90,498
• After 6 months: $99,702
• After 12 months: $104,664
• After 18 months: $109,863
• After 24 months: $115,327
• After 30 months: $121,063
• After 42 months: $127,081
• After 54 months: $133,406

Employees are eligible for ANNUAL longevity pay upon completion of the following years of service

• 5-9 years of service: $1,000
• 10-14 years of service: $1,250
• 15-19 years of service: $1,350
• 20+ years of service: $1,850

The Fire Department covers all initial uniform, equipment, and basic fire academy training costs.

For additional salary information, please visit the link: IAFF - CBA 2026-2028 - Executed.pdf

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Under supervision, serves as a team member in carrying out fire suppression, medical emergency, fire prevention, and hazardous material emergency response activities. Performs various maintenance activities on fire equipment and fire station facilities. This is a single position classification.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Responds to emergency and non-emergency situations including fires, medical injuries and illness; hazardous materials spills; auto extrication; false alarms; flooding, and other situations.
• Performs public relations and education activities such as conducting station tours, giving presentations, demonstrations, and instruction on fire and safety procedures to schools, community groups, and other interested parties.
• Performs routine equipment checks and records condition. Performs general operation and maintenance of firefighting and fire station equipment as required.
• Participates in training exercises, demonstrations and instruction to prepare for emergency situations and the learning of modern firefighting methods.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of EMS laws, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of medical treatment procedures as described by the hospital.
• Knowledge of first aid and C.P.R.
• Knowledge of the basic concepts of fire suppression and prevention to understand the need for immediate response and organization and teamwork in carrying out the firefighting functions.
• Knowledge of modern fire service/operation methods, techniques, procedures and concepts.
• Knowledge of modern firefighting equipment and methods.
• Knowledge of all fire department Operating Guidelines and Policy Statements.
• Skill in performing fire suppression.
• Skill in manual tasks requiring strength, endurance and coordination.
• Skill in performing manual tasks requiring mechanical aptitude such as minor repair to motorized equipment.
• Skill in the use of computer hardware and applicable computer software.
• Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing.
• ** Very Heavy Work: ** Exerting in excess of 200 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 100 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.