Are you seeking a new opportunity to utilize your experience in the delivery and administration of emergency medical services? If so, consider applying to the City of Harrisonburg Fire Department's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Section Chief position!
The Harrisonburg Fire Department is an ISO-Class II All-Hazards municipal agency providing essential emergency and non-emergency life safety services to the public who live, work, and travel in Harrisonburg. More information about the Fire Department is available at www.harrisonburgva.gov/fire,
Facebook©, and Instagram©.The EMS Section Chief role is an exempt position with benefits and a preferred hiring range of $42.68 - $48.02 per hour (equivalent to $88,774 - $99,881 annually); however, an exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications and experience and in compliance with City Policy. This position is eligible for the VRS Enhanced Hazardous Duty coverage.
As the EMS Section Chief, you'll oversee all EMS functions within the Fire Department, including developing, assessing, and modifying City EMS programs, managing the Basic and Advanced Life Support authorization, and overseeing the Community Paramedicine Program. You'll ensure patient care reporting systems meet standards, evaluate performance for compliance, analyze complex data, and prepare reports. The role involves directing EMS training, managing continuing education, liaising with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and the State Office of EMS, coordinating skill integration with the Training Division, and updating EMS protocols. You'll also manage quality improvement programs, liaison with various medical directors, serve as the Infectious Control Officer, participate in EMS councils, ensure EMS equipment readiness, respond to calls, supervise EMS care, and manage the SWAT Medic Program, the Department Bike Team, and Citywide CPR, first-aid, and Automatic External Defibrillator programs.A full list of essential job functions and a detailed list of the ideal candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities is located in the class specification.- Associate or Technical Degree in emergency medical services, emergency medical care, paramedicine, fire and/or emergency services administration, medical sciences, or related field and extensive (6+ years) experience in the delivery and administration of emergency medical services, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Valid driver's license.
- National Registry or Virginia Paramedic Certification. Please note that credentials such as Registered Nurse, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant may be considered if all other special requirements are met.
- Current possession or the ability to obtain the following within one year of employment:
- Virginia EMS Education Coordinator designation.
- American Heart Association Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Provider.
- American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider (or equivalent).
- Click here to view the physical requirements for this position.
Preferred Qualifications (
Not Required for Consideration):
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Designation as a Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO) and/or Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE).
- American Heart Association Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Instructor, Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor, and Basic Life Support Instructor.
- Infection Control Designated Officer and Advanced Designated Officer.
- Critical Care Paramedic Certification.
- National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (NBFSPQ) Health & Safety Officer, Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) training, and International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Instructor designation.
The selected candidates for this position will be subject to the following screenings and must receive satisfactory results:
- DMV Driving Record Review;
- Drug Screen;
- Personal History Statement*;
- Criminal Background Investigation;
- Industry-Specific Physical Exam.
*Due to the sensitive nature of this position's essential functions, the successful applicant selected for the role will be required to submit a completed Personal History Statement. At a later date, more information will be provided to the candidate selected for this step in the process.To Apply: To be considered, all candidates must submit the following:
Please note that importing a resume to populate information into your application does not replace the required resume attachment. There is a separate attachments section that requires you to upload your resume. Documents that are unable to be uploaded at the time of the application should be emailed to employment@harrisonburgva.gov. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. This position may close at any time after 10 calendar days. (posted 06/12/2025)
The City provides an excellent benefits package, including health insurance, retirement (VRS Enhanced Hazardous Duty & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave and 15.5 holidays.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status.
The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.