Sycamore Fire Department
535 DeKalb Avenue
Sycamore, Illinois 60178
Phone: 815-895-3435
Website: (link removed)

Updated: August 29, 2024

Position Title: Firefighter/Paramedic
The Sycamore Fire Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic, with two immediate openings available. Candidates must complete the National Testing Network (NTN) FireTEAM exam and Public Safety Self-Assessment (PSSA) between 12:01 a.m. on August 13, 2024, and 11:59 p.m. on September 21, 2024.

All required documents must be uploaded to your NTN account by September 30, 2024.

Salary Information:

$71,156 - $96,340 with step increases effective on January 1.
Benefit Information:

$8,000 paramedic certification incentive for firefighters enrolled as paramedic students at the time of hire, paid in two installments of $4,000 each.
$3,000 EMT-P certification stipend for current paramedics at the time of hire, with options for payment either as a lump sum or distributed over 26 pay periods.
Vacation: One shift off every four months of service, up to three shifts. Six shifts of vacation time off starting from the second year, plus one shift of personal time off.
Six holidays observed with 12 additional hours of straight pay.
Nine sick leave days per year.
Excellent health, dental, and life insurance.
Career service bonus ranging from $300 to $1,800.
Education incentives ranging from $1,200 to $2,400.
Tuition reimbursement.
Deferred compensation plans available.
Fire pension fund.
Uniforms provided, along with a $100 annual work-related footwear allowance.
Collective bargaining agreement with the IAFF.
Department Overview: The Sycamore Fire Department operates out of two fire stations and anticipates breaking ground on a new main station in Spring 2025. This station will be part of a larger Educational Complex, featuring a nature trail and Safety Town on the station property. The new facility will enhance in-house training, public education opportunities, and community involvement.

The department consists of 32 sworn personnel, including 30 union firefighters, one Fire Chief, and one Deputy Fire Chief. Additionally, the department operates an Apprentice Program with six sworn apprentices. The department handles approximately 3,000 calls annually, with 85% being EMS calls and 15% being structure fires or other emergencies. Sycamore Fire Department has mutual aid agreements with 11 other communities in DeKalb County.

City Information: Sycamore is located 60 miles west of Chicago and 30 miles southeast of Rockford, covering approximately 10 square miles. It is the county seat of DeKalb County and features a vibrant downtown business district, historic homes, and ongoing residential growth. Sycamore hosts over 25 special events each year, including a car show, street dances, food festivals, and the Pumpkin Fest, which draws tens of thousands during a weeklong celebration.

Population: 18,913

Firefighter/Paramedic Minimum Requirements:

U.S. Citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S. (Must meet I-9 requirements).
High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver's license (valid Illinois driver's license required at the time of hire).
Age: 21 to under 35 years at the time of the application deadline, unless otherwise exempt by statute.
Proof of completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and Ladder Climb Test within 12 months prior to the application deadline (valid if dated between 9/30/2023 9/30/2024).
Certified Illinois Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Basic Operations Firefighter certification at the time of hire (not required if fully licensed by Illinois Department of Public Health as an EMT-P).
Licensed Illinois Department of Public Health Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (IDPH EMT-P) at the time of the application deadline OR OSFM BOF with proof of current enrollment in an accredited paramedic training program approved by the IDPH (requires a current letter of good standing from the program).
Must reside within 30 miles of the intersection of State & Main Street, Sycamore, IL, within six months of hire.
Hiring Process:

Written test through the National Testing Network (NTN).
Polygraph examination.
Background investigation.
Oral examination.
Medical exam.
Stress test.
Drug screening.
Psychological examination.
Testing Process for Applicants:

Take or submit an existing score from the FireTEAM exam through NTN between August 13, 2024, and September 21, 2024.
Complete the CPAT and Ladder Climb Test and submit proof dated no earlier than September 30, 2023.
Complete a written request for preference points, and upload the request form along with supporting documentation to your NTN account.
Upload the following required documents to NTN:
Copy of driver's license.
Proof of CPAT and Ladder Climb Test.
Birth certificate.
High school diploma.
Completed preference point request form with supporting documentation.
Proof of EMT-P certification or enrollment in an accredited paramedic training program with a current letter of good standing.
Proof of OSFM BOF.