Willard Airport

Job SummaryUnder direct supervision form a designated supervisor, perform crash-rescue operations, combat aircraft and structural fires, maintain and operate crash-rescue fire equipment, reset alarm system, test sprinkler system, perform fire prevention and security, perform wildlife hazard management, and safety duties. Duties & Responsibilities

Perform crash-rescue operations involving aircraft. Perform fire prevention duties as assigned. Attend training sessions as required. Performs required FAA and TSA training for airport personnel. Prepare required reports.
Act as a security guard throughout the airport areas, monitoring the computer controlled access system at the Terminal Building, monitoring the CCTV system, and taking necessary corrective action based on given authority.
Conducts airfield inspections and issues NOTAMs.
Perform fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance as required. Performs fire safety inspection on the airport property, buildings, grounds and equipment. Takes necessary action based on given authority and reporting any unusual circumstances as directed.
Perform related duties as assigned. Takes necessary action based on given authority and reporting any unusual circumstances as directed.
Be responsible for the custodial maintenance of the airport Security Crash-Rescue and Fire Department Headquarters.
Combat fires resulting from aircraft crashes or other operational accidents, or incidents resulting from the storage or handling of gasoline and special fuels and other hazardous materials related to the operations and/or use of aircraft. Combat structural fires.
Maintain and operate all crash-rescue fire equipment.
Perform preventive maintenance on sprinkler and alarm system.
Perform Wildlife Hazard Management practices as required by the FAA.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The possibility of working under adverse and hazardous conditions exists
Forcible entry into aircraft or buildings and extrication of victims require strength and stamina.
In firefighting the person may be exposed to the dangers of high heat, possible explosions, toxic smoke and fumes, exposure to the elements, and forced to operate at an accelerated pace.
In the course of performing security duties, the position runs the risk of having to deal with belligerent and possibly dangerous individuals.

Minimum Qualifications

Any one from the following categories:

Certified in Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF).*
Or applicable certification from INTERNATIONAL FIRE SERVICE ACCREDITATION CONGRESS(IFSAC) or NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS SYSTEM (NPQS) or Illinois State Fire Marshal
Three (3) years (36 months) of work experience as a firefighter and certification as a Basic Operations Firefighter (BOF)/Firefighter II with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
Possession of a valid State of Illinois driver’s license. ( Must provide proof with application material. )

Preferred Qualifications

EMT-B/EMT Certification in the State of Illinois or NREMT (National Registry Emergency Medical Technician) with the ability to obtain Illinois slate license.
Three or more years of aircraft crash-rescue and firefighting experience.
Be certified by the State Fire Marshal's Office as a Certified Fire Instructor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the classes of fire, be able to identify the stages and phases of burning.
Knowledge of the various firefighting agents being used and the proper application of those agents.
Ability to operate various types of firefighting-rescue apparatus and hand and power firefighting rescue tools.
Ability to use communication equipment property.
Knowledge of first aid and hazardous materials incidents.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 3288 - Crash-Rescue and Security Specialist position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The collective bargaining agreement sets a wage of $25.50/hour. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 11, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact kvogelba@illinois.edu.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1037597

Job Category: Service and Food Operations

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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Crash-Rescue and Security Specialist