State of Illinois

FIRE CERTIFICATION SPECIALIST II - Cook County

State of Illinois$70K — $100K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Completion of two (2) years of college in fire science or related field
  • OSFM Fire Officer II or Advanced Fire Officer certification
  • OSFM Fire Service Instructor II certification
  • Five (5) years of documented fire service experience
  • Four (4) years of experience in a training environment
  • Must obtain OSFM Training Program Manager certification within twelve (12) months of hire

Responsibilities

  • Review certification program skills, training records, and safety compliance
  • Conduct fire department visitations for training record compliance instruction
  • Respond to inquiries regarding the certification program
  • Promote Division certification and Fire Service Outreach programs
  • Review training facility certification programs for compliance
  • Maintain records related to training and certification
  • Assist and train junior Fire Certification Specialists

Benefits

  • Access to state healthcare
  • Participation in pension plan
  • Opportunity for overtime work
  • Professional development through seminars and conferences
  • Supportive working environment with the potential for community engagement
Full Job Description
Job Requisition ID: 56978
Opening Date: 06/22/2026
Closing Date: 07/07/2026
Agency: Office of the State Fire Marshal
Class Title: FIRE CERTIFICATION SPECIALIST II - 15282
Skill Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary Range $5,865 - $8,384 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook; DuPage; Kane; Lake; McHenry; Will
Number of Vacancies: 1
Merit Comp Code: Excluded from Collective Bargaining Coverage

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application.

Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), a copy of your transcripts or diploma for all degrees earned, and

a copy of any applicable professional licensuresto the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

This position requires the selected candidate to live in Cook County (or a contiguous county) within six (6) months of hire.

Position Identification Number

56978

Position Marketing Statement

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is accepting applications to fill the position of Fire Certification Specialist II within the Division of Personnel Standards and Education. The ideal candidate has an extensive background in the fire service industry and has experience in the training and educating of fire service personnel. The successful candidate will work with fire departments to review all training records related to the delivery of OSFM-approved certification courses, ensuring accuracy and appropriateness. We are seeking an applicant with prior experience organizing and maintaining a comprehensive records management system who possesses the ability to successfully communicate both orally and in written form. The desirable candidate understands and demonstrates the ability to interact with the fire service and the general public in a positive and professional manner, the selected candidate will have access to state healthcare, benefits, and a pension plan. We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join the OSFM team.

Essential Functions

  • Reviews practical (skill) objectives of certification programs, training records, claims for reimbursement, course approvals, site approvals, and all safety aspects of fire jurisdictions to ensure compliance with the established administrative rules, policies, and procedures of the OSFM Division of Personnel Standards and Education programs.
  • Conducts fire department visitations to instruct local fire department personnel in training record compliance.
  • Serves as a resource person by responding to inquiries regarding the certification program.
  • Speaks to governmental and fire service entities to promote Division certification and Fire Service Outreach programs.
  • Conducts course approval reviews for compliance of training facility developed certification programs.
  • Maintains record of time sheets and activities relative to training and certification programs.
  • Assists and trains lower-level Fire Certification Specialists to perform practical examination reviews.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of two (2) years of college with primary concentration in fire science, business or public administration, or a program emphasizing firefighting response, fire prevention, fire administration, or emergency medical services management.
  • Requires OSFM Fire Officer II or Advanced Fire Officer certification.
  • Requires OSFM Fire Service Instructor II certification.
  • Requires five (5) years of documented fire service experience as a firefighter in a fire department.
  • Requires four (4) years of experience in a training environment instructing and developing training programs.
  • Successful applicants must obtain OSFM Training Program Manager certification within twelve (12) months of hire. Failure to obtain such certification within the allotted timeframe is grounds for dismissal.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Prefers current OSFM Fire Service Instructor III certification.
  • Prefers current OSFM Training Program Manager certification.
  • Prefers four (4) years of experience operating Fire Service Record Management software.
  • Prefers current or equivalent OSFM Youth Firesetting Intervention Specialist certification.


Conditions of Employment

  • Requires a valid & current driver's license.
  • Requires the ability to pass a background check with self-disclosure of criminal history.
  • Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
  • Requires the ability to pass drug screening.
  • This position is considered medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR [redacted](c)). Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
  • Requires candidate to be a resident of the position county or a contingent county within six (6) months of employment.
  • Requires ability to satisfy all continuing education or recertification requirements mandated by statute, rule, or the OSFM.
  • Overtime is a condition of employment and you may be requested to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime.
  • The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.


Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 5PM; Field Position, Home Office
Headquarter Location: 1035 Stevenson Dr, Springfield, Illinois, 62703
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: Kathy Fairfield
Email:
Phone #: 217-785-6746

Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance

About State of Illinois

The name "Illinois" comes from a Native American word meaning "tribe of superior men." Louis Joliet and Father Marquette were the first Europeans to arrive in Illinois in 1673. Illinois became a state on December 3, 1818 and was the 21st state to enter the Union. The state motto is "State Sovereignty, National Union." Illinois is the fifth most populous state in the country with almost 12.9 million people. Abraham Lincoln and three other U.S. Presidents have called Illinois home, including Ulysses S. Grant, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. The General Assembly adopted the state slogan, "Land of Lincoln" in 1955. Springfield is the state capital and home to more Abraham Lincoln sites than any other place in the United States, including the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Old State Capitol, Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, and Lincoln-Herndon Law Office.

State of Illinois Careers

Join the dedicated team at the State of Illinois and discover a wealth of job opportunities where professional growth and innovation are at the forefront of its mission. The State of Illinois is renowned for its commitment to excellence and diversity, offering careers that cater to a variety of skills and interests.

Work You’ll Do

At the State of Illinois, every position contributes to the betterment of its community and the nation. Whether it's through leadership roles or entry-level positions, the impact of your work will be felt across various sectors. The State provides a platform where skills are honed, and professional aspirations are nurtured.

Explore Diverse Job Opportunities

The State of Illinois offers a range of employment options from administrative roles to environmental conservation, healthcare, and more. Each career path is equipped with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for career advancement.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with the State of Illinois through its dynamic internship programs. These opportunities are designed for those who are looking to develop their professional skills in a real-world setting, providing a stepping stone to full-time employment.

Innovative Work Environment

Innovation is key in the operations at the State of Illinois. Employees are encouraged to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table, driving the State towards efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.

Professional Growth and Development

The State of Illinois is committed to the professional development of its team. With access to diverse training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, employees are well-equipped to ascend in their careers.

Benefits and Culture

The employment experience at the State of Illinois is enhanced by its inclusive culture and comprehensive benefits package. The State values the well-being and satisfaction of its team, ensuring a supportive and positive work environment.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking within the State of Illinois can significantly enhance career trajectories. Employees have numerous opportunities to connect with leaders and peers through various events and professional groups, fostering a community of collaboration and support.

Join the Team

The State of Illinois is continuously hiring new talent. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests. The hiring process at the State of Illinois is transparent and thorough, ensuring that the best candidates are selected for the right positions. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and join a team that values hard work and dedication.

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