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Heavy Rescue Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Mark, IL

... heavy seas, cold and low visibility waters, flight lines, ship decks, and austere field sites ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Hurst, IL

... heavy seas, cold and low visibility waters, flight lines, ship decks, and austere field sites ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

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Heavy Rescue information

See Illinois salary details

$16

$28

$38

How much do heavy rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy rescue in Illinois is $28.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.23 and $31.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job working with dogs?

The highest paying jobs working with dogs typically include specialized roles such as canine behavior consultants, professional dog trainers with advanced certifications, and search and rescue dog handlers, especially those working in emergency or military contexts. These roles often require extensive experience, specialized training, and sometimes security clearances, with salaries varying based on location and expertise.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

Heavy rescue jobs, such as specialized emergency responders or industrial rescue professionals, can sometimes pay around $2,000 per day, especially for experienced workers with certifications like HAZWOPER or confined space rescue. These roles often require extensive training, safety protocols, and work in high-risk environments, with pay rates varying based on experience, location, and employer contracts.

What is the highest paying first responder job?

Within first responder roles, heavy rescue technicians and specialized emergency responders such as fire captains or paramedic supervisors tend to have higher salaries due to their advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Fire chiefs and emergency services directors also earn the highest salaries among first responders, often exceeding $100,000 annually depending on experience and location.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by Heavy Rescue professionals?

Heavy Rescue professionals often encounter unpredictable and hazardous situations, such as vehicle extrications, building collapses, or industrial accidents, which require rapid problem-solving and precise technical skills. Working in adverse weather conditions, confined spaces, or at significant heights can also pose additional safety risks. These challenges demand strong teamwork and ongoing training to ensure every operation is performed safely and effectively. Many teams operate on rotating shifts, meaning the ability to handle fatigue and stress is essential to maintain performance and safety on the job.

What are the different types of heavy rescue?

Heavy rescue involves specialized teams responding to complex emergencies such as vehicle extrications, structural collapses, high-angle rescues, confined space rescues, and hazardous materials incidents. These teams use advanced tools like cranes, cutting equipment, and stabilization gear, often requiring certifications in rescue operations and safety procedures.

What is a Heavy Rescue job?

A Heavy Rescue job involves responding to complex emergency situations requiring specialized skills and equipment. This can include vehicle extrication, building collapses, confined space rescues, and hazardous material incidents. Heavy rescue personnel are highly trained firefighters or emergency responders who use advanced tools like hydraulic cutters, airbags, and rope systems. Their primary objective is to safely remove and assist trapped or endangered individuals in high-risk environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Heavy Rescue position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Heavy Rescue professional, you need expertise in rescue operations, mechanical aptitude, physical fitness, and often EMT or firefighter certification. Typical tools include hydraulic extrication equipment, rigging systems, and specialized protective gear, and OSHA or NFPA certifications are commonly required. Strong teamwork, quick decision-making, and effective stress management set outstanding candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for safely and efficiently responding to high-risk emergencies and saving lives under pressure.

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Rescue jobs in Illinois? For Heavy Rescue jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Heavy Rescue jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Heavy Rescue jobs in Illinois are:
Heavy Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Rescue job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 72% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,314 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Firefighter/Paramedic

City of Naperville, IL

Naperville, IL • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Salary: $85,257.00 Annually
Location : 1380 Aurora Avenue, Naperville, IL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 4504
Department: Fire Department
Opening Date: 04/17/2026
Closing Date: 7/18/2026 11:59 PM Central
Job Description
The Naperville Board of Fire and Police Commission is accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic. Testing information, registration and Personal History Statement form (i.e. application) are available at:
www.publicsafetytesting.com
The testing period will be held between April 17th, 2026 and July 19th, 2026. You must test between these dates. Only scores from tests taken during this period will be accepted. There is no application fee.
All candidates are required to complete the Personal History Statement with PST by the testing deadline of July 18th, 2026.
Please note: only candidates with an active EMT-P (or RN license) and current CPAT will be eligible to move to the background stage. It shall be the Candidate's responsibility to notify the City of Naperville's BOFP Liaison upon attaining their licensure if obtained after the close of the testing period.
Additional information is located on the City's Careers Page.
Salary Information:
As of 1/1/26, a FFPM will start at $85,257 (Step 1 Rate). If a FFPM has five years or more of full-time experience, their Advanced Technician Firefighter Certification through the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal, and has successfully passed probation, they will move directly to Step 6 of the FFPM wages ($115,549 for 1/1/27). For an RN they will start at $82,896 (which is the FF Step 1 rate). They will move up to the Step 1 FFPM rate once they have gone through the Paramedic Bridge Program through Edward Hospital and successfully passed the National Certified Paramedic Exam.
This position is represented by the IAFF union. Wage rates and other benefits are subject to the language in the COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
Duties
The Naperville Fire Department is responsible for protecting approximately 150,000 residents living in a 50 square mile area. A nationally accredited agency, the Naperville Fire Department's mission is to safeguard the lives and property of the citizens of Naperville. This is accomplished by providing professional, quality fire prevention and public education programs as well as effective and efficient fire suppression, emergency medical, rescue and other emergency services.
Over the past two decades, the Naperville Fire Department has experienced periods of rapid growth. The fire department has ten fire stations strategically placed throughout the city. Over the past two years, the Naperville Fire Department has updated and renovated its headquarters station (Station 7), Station 1, and Station 3, providing individual bunkrooms for members. The department is continuing to renovate our remaining stations, including the Fire Department Training Center, to better provide for our line personnel. Currently, the department employs more than 200 sworn personnel over ten stations, manning six engines, two heavy rescue squads, six paramedic ambulances, two ladder trucks, and two Battalion Commander vehicles 24 hours a day and servicing around 18,000 calls annually. The department anticipates holding a Fire Academy in the Fall of 2026.
Qualifications
  • Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States.
  • Age: Must be at least nineteen (19) years of age and under thirty-five (35) by the date of testing, unless otherwise exempt by statue. Minimum age for appointment to the position of Firefighter/Paramedic is twenty-one (21).
  • Education: Must be a high school graduate or equivalent (GED) at the time of application.
  • Licensure: Must be licensed as an Illinois EMT/Paramedic OR have passed the National Certified Paramedic Exam at the time of the background screen; OR be a current licensed RN able to go through the Paramedic Bridge Program through Edward Hospital.
  • Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and Ladder Climb Certification: Must have successfully completed the CPAT and Ladder Climb Exercise
  • Character: Must possess good moral character suitable to the role of a Firefighter/Paramedic. Must pass a thorough character and background investigation, which shall include a polygraph test.
  • Other: Must pass a medical examination and psychological assessment
  • Must meet all requirements of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners Rules, City of Naperville Municipal Code, and laws of the State of Illinois.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION - these documents must be uploaded to the PST website (in addition to the completed Personal History Statement):
  • Copy of birth record
  • Copy of high school diploma or GED
  • Copy of valid driver's license, front and back
  • Copy of valid CPAT and Ladder Climb Certification
  • Three (3) reference letters
  • Copy of IDPH Paramedic License (EMT-P) or proof of passing the National Certified Paramedic Exam, OR current RN License

PREFERNCE POINTS INFORMATION:
At the end of the testing period, the City will create an Initial Eligibility Register, which will be sent to all passing candidates. Candidates will have ten (10) days after the date of the Initial Eligibility Register to upload documents to claim Preference Points.
Additional Information
The City of Naperville, Illinois is a dynamic community of 153,000 residents, conveniently located 28 miles west of Chicago. Various publications have named Naperville as one of the best cities in the United States in which to live. The City has gained national recognition for our family-friendly environment, excellent schools and library system, low crime rate, and vibrant downtown area. It's also a great place to work! Our municipal government employs over 900 dedicated individuals in a wide range of job categories and provides a collaborative working environment, a forward-looking leadership team, and a competitive benefits package.
Click here to learn more about the benefits offered by the City of Naperville.
THE CITY OF NAPERVILLE IS AN E. O. E.
The City of Naperville complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals needing accommodations in the recruitment process should notify Human Resources in advance at (630) 305-7066.
The City of Naperville offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) or Fire/Police Pension Programs
  • May be eligible for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program (if requirements are met)
  • Deferred Compensation Investment Plans
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Additional Voluntary Benefits
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays
  • Sick Time
  • Paid Maternity and New Parent Leave
  • Service and Recognition Awards
For additional information

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