Employment

The Sycamore Fire Department is a combination department and has both career and paid on-call firefighters. We have minimum eligibility requirements for both positions.

Firefighter Apprentice Program

The Sycamore Fire Department is proud to partner with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 3046 to provide an intensive Firefighter Apprentice program. The goal of the Sycamore Fire Department Apprentice Program (SFD AP) shall be to train, shape and prepare interested prospective firefighter candidates for a successful career in the fire service.

Overview

The Sycamore Fire Department Apprentice Program is a three-year high-tempo program. Accepted applicants shall be sworn as Paid on-call (POC) firefighters at the Sycamore Fire Department. Upon appointment, Apprentices shall be expected to achieve all of the following training during the program:

  • Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) EMT-B licensure
  • Completion of a Department approved Firefighter Academy
  • Office of the State Fire Marshall (OSFM) Basic Operations Firefighter certification
  • Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (EMT-P) licensure
  • An Associate Degree in Fire Science or Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Services

SFD Apprentice shall also be offered and expected to gain practical firefighting and EMS experience through job shadowing, ride-along and actual job experience during their Apprenticeship.

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Sycamore Fire Department Apprentice Program shall consist of the following:

  • Applicants must be 18 years old at the appointment date (no later than June 15).
  • Applicants must sign the Apprentice Program Policy agreement upon appointment.
  • Applicants must be a high school graduate or equivalent at the appointment date (no later than June 15).
  • Applicants must be physically, mentally and psychologically able to achieve the expected goals of the Sycamore Fire Department Firefighting Apprentice Program. A current CPAT card with ladder climb exercise must be presented at the appointment date.
  • Applicants shall have no felony convictions.
  • Applicants must meet the residency requirements found in Article 5 of Local 3046 CBA.
  • Applicants must be serious and dedicated to pursuing a career in the fire service and show superior motivation.

The Apprenticeship Program is an opportunity to learn and train with career firefighter/paramedic's and potentially earn preference points as part of the career Sycamore Firefighter/Paramedic testing eligibility list. A graduate of the 3-year Apprenticeship Program could earn up to 15 additional preference points in the testing process.

See more information: Apprentice Policy and Handbook POL 413.05 (PDF)

Career Firefighter EMT-P Information

The Sycamore Fire and Police Commission maintains a Firefighter-Paramedic eligibility list.

In order to be considered for a career Firefighter/Paramedic position, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be at least 21 years old or no more than 35 years old
  • Must show proof of a high school diploma or GED
  • Must show proof of certification as a Firefighter II (or new Basic Certification) with the Office of the State Fire Marshal
  • Must show proof of certification as an Emergency Medical Technician Advanced (Paramedic) with the Illinois Department of Public Health
  • Must provide a certified current college transcript (if listing college courses or experience)
  • Must be a permanent, legal resident of the USA
  • Must have a valid Illinois Driver's License
  • Be able to pass a medical examination including drug screening
  • Be able to pass a criminal background investigation
  • Must show proof of current CPAT test, demonstrating completion of the CPAT examination not more than 12 months prior to application

The eligibility list testing is composed of the following elements:

  1. Application
  2. Mandatory orientation
  3. Written Examination
  4. Initial Oral Test by Board
  5. Proof of physical agility test
  6. Establishment of Preference Points

Once the final eligibility list is established, the list is posted and remains in place for two years or the list is exhausted.

Once a conditional offer of employment is tendered, the applicant(s) are further examined with the following:

  • Polygraph Test
  • Background Investigation
  • Final Oral Test by Board
  • Psychological/Behavioral Analysis
  • Medical and Drug Screening Tests

Additional Employment Information