McHenry Township Fire Protection District
Application Deadline: August 3, 2026 at 11:00 p.m.
The McHenry Township Fire Protection District is located approximately 60 miles northwest of Chicago in the northeastern portion of McHenry County and covers a 56 square mile area including the communities of Bull Valley, Holiday Hills, Johnsburg, Lakemoor, McCullom Lake, McHenry, Ringwood, and portions of Wonder Lake, Island Lake and unincorporated McHenry county. The MTFPD responds to over 8,100 emergency calls per year from five strategically located fire stations. The department is currently staffed daily by a combination of part-time and full-time Firefighters, Lieutenants and a Battalion Chief. There are approximately 50,000+ year-round residents within the district.
The McHenry Township Fire Protection District is seeking highly energetic, strongly motivated individuals for the position of Full-Time Firefighter-Paramedic who possess a combination of knowledge, experience, skills and abilities suited for the District's unique operational needs. Candidates must be consummate professionals both on and off-duty and must set a good example for others. Candidates must exhibit integrity, loyalty, commitment to lifelong learning and a passion for the fire service.
This position involves working both assigned shifts and responding off-duty, as required. This position is appointed by the Board of Fire Commissioners and is considered a full time position.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
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Between the ages of 21 and 35 as of the application deadline of August 3, 2026. Age 35 may be waived if candidate meets the requirements as identified in Illinois Compiled Statutes, 70 ILCS 705/16.06b as of August 3, 2026.
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Legal resident of the United States of America
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Possess valid State Driver's License
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Be capable of reading, speaking and writing in the English language
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Meet knowledge, health and physical qualifications established by the District
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Successfully complete all components of hiring process
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Pass a background investigation, pre-employment medical exam and drug test
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OSFM Fire Apparatus Engineer (FAE) required within 2 years of obtaining Paramedic Licensure
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IDPH Paramedic License valid in the Western Lake / McHenry EMS system within 2 years of hire
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Exhibit good moral character, temperate personal habits and show evidence of an industrious work ethic
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CPAT card with ladder climb at the time of application (dated within 1 year of the application date)
At the time of conditional offer, the candidate shall be required to possess:
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Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Firefighter II or Basic Operations Firefighter
- Illinois Department of Public Health EMT-Basic License
This test will establish a list that will be valid for two years or until sooner exhausted.
As of May 1, 2026, the starting salary for full-time firefighter/paramedic is $80,800 per year. The salary range is $80,800 to $123,878 per year.
The starting salary for those hired as firefighter/EMT is $75,800 per year.
Benefits: Full benefit package including healthdental insurance, vacation and sick days, Holiday Pay and the Illinois Firefighters Pension Plan (Article 4).
Information regarding the position, minimum qualifications, and the testing/hiring process can be downloaded from the attachment below.
Testing Process
Step 1 - Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the Full-Time Firefighter-Paramedic position by submitting a completed application and all supporting materials. The application is available beginning July 1, 2026 on the MTFPD website at www.mtfpd.org
Applicants must upload a copy of their CPAT card with ladder climb dated within 1 year of application date.
Completed applications and all requested documentation must be submitted via the District website by 11:00 p.m. on August 3, 2026. Mailed, faxed, emailed, incomplete, or late applications will not be considered.
Step 2 – Interested candidates must complete the NTN Fire Team written exam by August 1, 2026. Signup for the exam is done via NTN's website at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com. Candidates who have completed a validcomplete application may request a test voucher by emailing Deputy Chief Bush at [email protected]
Step 3 – A mandatory orientation session is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. – Station #1, 3610 W Elm St, McHenry, IL 60050. Interview date is Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Times will be determined at the orientation. Dates are subject to change.
