Becoming a Firefighter 

The Evanston Fire Department is committed to being a diversified and well-qualified work force. A deliberate, organized approach to job enrichment begins with recruit training and it continues throughout an employee’s career. Training and experience enables a firefighter to progress into various assignments and ranks within the department, which include: Firefighter/Paramedic; Hazardous Material Technician; Special Rescue Specialist; Water Rescue; Fire Inspector/Investigator; and Fire Officer.

Applicants must be able to react quickly and calmly in emergencies, make effective decisions under stress, establish working relationships with the public, and provide fire protection, prevention and safety services. You will respond to all fires, explosions, accidents, hazardous material incidents and medical emergencies through tasks associated with the job including, but not limited to, firefighting, driving, maintenance of equipment and grounds, inspections,  making minor repairs, investigations and education.

Duties & Responsibilities

You must be able to react quickly and calmly in emergencies, make effective decisions under stress, establish working relationships with the public, provide fire protection, prevention and safety services. You will respond to all fires, explosions, accidents, hazardous material incidents and medical emergencies. In addition to responding to emergency & non-emergency calls, the job also entails maintenance of equipment and grounds, inspections, making minor repairs and investigations as well as education.

As a condition of employment with the Evanston Fire Department, you must obtain the following certifications:

• State of Illinois Firefighter II Certification
• Paramedic License (2 years)
• Hazardous Material Operations Certification
• A minimum Class A - Non CDL drivers license

Training and Development

Evanston Fire & Life Safety Services is committed to being a diversified and well qualified work force. In Evanston, a systematic approach to job enrichment begins with recruit training and it continues throughout an employee’s career. Training and experience enables a firefighter to progress into various assignments and ranks within the department which include:

• Firefighter/Paramedic
• Hazardous Material Technician
• Special Rescue Specialist
• Water Rescue
• Fire Inspector/Investigator
• Fire Officer