Firefighter-Sterling Fire Department

Sterling Fire Department
212 3rd Avenue
Sterling, Illinois 61081
(815) 632-6600

Updated: September 09, 2024

Job Classification: Firefighter/EMT-B

The Sterling Fire Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/EMT-B. Candidates must complete an application, submit required documents, and successfully complete the National Testing Network (NTN) FireTeam exam to be considered for the fall hiring process. The application deadline is September 30, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.

Candidates who qualify will be contacted to participate in the remainder of the hiring process. A valid CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) with ladder climb is required at the time of a conditional offer of employment.

Required Documents to Submit with Application:

High School diploma or GED certificate (copy)
Certified birth certificate (copy)
College or university degree (copy), if applicable
Veterans: Military service record and DD214 (copy)
EMT-P or EMT-B certification (copy), if applicable
Firefighter Basic or Advanced certification (copy), if applicable
Driver's license (color copy of both sides)
Citizenship or naturalization papers, if applicable
Social security card (copy)
Department Overview:

Organized in 1872, the Sterling Fire Department covers an area of 82 square miles, serving over 15,000 residents from two fire stations. The department is staffed with 18 career positions, supported by the Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, administrative assistant, and paid-on-call members. Sterling Fire Department is a member of MABAS Division 30 and provides a variety of emergency responses including EMS incidents, auto accidents, and technical rescues. In 2023, the department responded to over 1,500 calls. A new regional training facility is being developed in collaboration with Rock Falls Fire Department.

City Information:

Sterling, with a population of 15,370, is located in northwestern Illinois along the Rock River. The city is centrally located within close proximity to major metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Rockford, the Quad Cities, and Peoria. Its accessibility to major highways makes Sterling a favorable location for residents who seek small-town living with easy access to larger cities.

Starting Salary: $58,647.00

Firefighter Benefits:

Medical and dental insurance
Downstate Fire Pension
Life insurance
Sick time
Vacation time
Flex spending
Specialty pay
6% of base pay in lieu of holidays
Education incentives
Firefighter Requirements:

Age: Applicants must be at least 20 years of age but cannot be appointed until they turn 21. All applicants must be under 35 unless exempted by statute.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen at the time of filing the application.
Residence: Residency in Sterling is not required before employment, but residency within a 20-minute response time is required within 12 months of academy graduation.
Education: Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Physical Condition: Applicants must demonstrate physical agility and pass a background check, physical, and psychological exams.
Vision: Must have 20/20 vision or correctable to 20/20 with normal color vision and depth perception. Contact lenses are permitted with these requirements.
Driver's License: A valid driver's license is required.
Criminal Record: Must not have any felony convictions or certain misdemeanor convictions.
Hiring Process:

Application: Submit a completed application and all required documents by September 30, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
Written Examination: Successful completion of the FireTeam exam through National Testing Network.
Preliminary Eligibility Register: Candidates will be placed on a preliminary register based on their test scores.
Oral Interview: A structured interview will be conducted with the Sterling Fire & Police Commission. Candidates will be notified of the date and time of their interview.
Final Eligibility Register: The final register will be posted after the oral interview and the application of all preference points.
Candidates who are selected for an opening must pass a background check, polygraph, psychological exam, and a medical exam, including drug screening. Employment is conditional upon successfully completing the post-offer medical examination and drug screen. The final eligibility list will expire no later than two years from the date of posting.

Contact Information:

For more details, contact the Administrative Assistant at the Sterling Fire Department.
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $ 58,647.00 Per Year