Employment with the Village of Gurnee

 

The Village of Gurnee is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding employment. The Village encourages qualified candidates who share our commitment to diversity and non-discrimination to apply for available positions.

Full-time employees that are not part of the Police or Fire pensions become members of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), a link to their website is posted here. 

Applicants for employment can view the FMLA poster here.

Applications are accepted only in response to posted vacancies. Resume only submissions or unsolicited resumes will not be considered.  If there is a position you would like to apply for, please review the job advertisement and follow the application instructions. Unless otherwise indicated, the qualifications listed are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience, which could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform in the job position, may be considered at the Village's discretion when appropriate. Please note during high volume recruitments, Village staff may contact only candidates under consideration for a position. Questions? Email the Human Resources Department.

Current Openings

Firefighter / Paramedic Eligibility List Testing (Fall 2025)

Summary:

Application & Testing Deadline: September 17, 2025

Requirements:

The Gurnee Fire Department is testing for immediate vacancies and to establish an eligibility list for the position of Firefighter / Paramedic.  Starting annual salary $84,044 with top annual salary $124,172

For Department questions or to schedule a station tour, contact Deputy Chief David Douglass at 847-599-6600

Human Resources - chrisn@village.gurnee.il.us or 847-599-7500

Application & Testing Deadline September 17, 2025

 

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria to apply:

  • Illinois Office of State Fire Marshall Basic Operations Firefighter certified, with proof of enrollment or active good standing in a paramedic program by date of hire
  • Illinois Office of State Fire Marshall Basic Operations Firefighter certified & Licensed Paramedic
  • Licensed Paramedic 

Other Minimum Requirements and Qualifications:

  • Must be 21 years of age at time of hire
  • Maximum age of 35 years of age at time of hire (unless otherwise exempt per state statute)
  • Possess a valid driver’s license with the ability to obtain a Class B non-CDL or equivalent within 6 months of hire (training provided by the Gurnee Fire Department)
  • Provide a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card with Ladder Climb completed within the last 2 years upon request
  • Successfully pass the FireTeam examination offered through the National Testing Network
  • United States Citizen or Naturalized Citizen
  • Application & Required Documents: Gurnee Fire Department Employment Application – complete & submit no later than September 17, 2025
  • Examination: FireTeam National Exam – click link - select ‘Find Jobs’ then select Firefighter Jobs and sign up for the Gurnee Fire Department. Applicants must self-schedule; all testing costs are the responsibility of the candidate unless eligible for a hardship waiver; no refunds. Complete no later than September 17, 2025
  • Oral Interview with Civil Service Commission – eligible candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview.  Interviews are anticipated to be held in mid September / October 2025

Preference points - maximum of 10 points:

  • Veterans’ Points / Military Service with an Honorable Discharge: 5 points
  • Education Points: up to 5 points:
    • Associates Degree (fire service or emergency medical services): 2.5 points
    • Bachelors Degree (any curriculum): an additional 2.5 points (5 points total)

Final Eligibility list candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully pass additional post-offer screenings. 

Completion of the FireTeam National Examination and / or Gurnee Fire Department Employment Application is not a guarantee of eligibility to continue in the process.  Candidates may be disqualified after completion of the test or submission of application for reasons including but not limited to:  failure to complete testing / application submission by required deadline; not meeting minimum position qualifications; not meeting minimum passing standards for the examination; missing or incomplete documents; or other disqualifying factors related to Firefighter / Paramedic candidacy or employment. The department may pass over a candidate in lieu of an alternate candidate with license/certification that would better serve the needs of the department.

Pay Range:

Benefits

  • Starting salary: $84,044 annually with top salary of $124,172
  • Additional pay stipends for Advanced Tech Firefighter and Fire Apparatus Engineer certifications
  • Educational and training reimbursement
  • Excellent funded pension
  • Great labor and management relationship
  • Supplemental 457 retirement plan options and Section 115 Retirement Health Savings plan
  • 120 hour holiday bonus in addition to salary
  • Health insurance provided through Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • Rotating shifts of 24 hours on / 48 hours off
  • Paid time off - up to 11 shifts upon hire (1st year) and up to 17 shifts at the start of 2nd year
  • Visible tattoos permitted within Department Policy
  • No residency or living radius requirement

About the Gurnee Fire Department

  • Population served: 60,000 in 30 sq. mile radius
  • Three (3) Fire Stations
  • Sworn personnel: currently 60 – actively hiring to fill additional positions
  • Daily minimum staffing of 15 members
  • Apparatus: 4 Engines, 6 Ambulances, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Heavy Rescue Squad
  • 8,000+ calls per year
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