Come join a program that is a leader in pre-hospital research and known worldwide for its excellent medical results!
Position Summary
King County Medic One (KCM1) is establishing a hiring list for the position(s) of Paramedic In Training. Regardless of current Emergency Medical Service (EMS) certification level, new hires will be required to successfully complete the University of Washington Michael K. Copass Paramedic Training Program (PMT) which can last five (5) months (accelerated program) or up to one (1) year (traditional program). Upon completion, Paramedics In Training will become probationary Paramedics with KCM1. Paramedics are required to work 102, 24-hour shifts per year with a starting hourly wage of $49.5123 ($64.3344 after 4 years of service).
Background
King County Medic One is a county-operated public EMS service that is the sole provider of pre-hospital 911 Advanced Life Support (ALS) in South King County, Washington, responding only to ALS-level 911 calls. With nine medic units (staffed with 2 paramedics each), in an area of approximately 500 square miles, with a population of approximately 900,000 people, we currently employ over 80 Paramedics as well as other support staff.
For more information about King County Medic One employment see:
King County Medic One
King County Medic One Facebook Page
Upcoming Open Houses:
Come learn more about King County Medic One, the Paramedic In Training recruitment and testing process, and more. Bring your questions! There is no need to RSVP, just show up to the open house that best fits your schedule. While the presentation will be the same, you are welcome to attend as many of the open houses as you would like.
Virtual via Zoom:
- January 7th, 2026 at 10:00am PST
- January 27th, 2026 at 2:00pm PST
In-Person at King County Medic One (20811 84th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032):
- January 10th, 2026 at 10:00am PST
- January 10th, 2026 at 1:00pm PST
Commitment To Equity and Social Justice
Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.
The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.
To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx
Work Locations: KCM1 – South King County and Harborview Medical Center – Downtown Seattle.
Benefits: This position is eligible for King County leave, holiday pay, insurance, and other benefits. Please contact the recruiter on the posting for any additional questions regarding associated benefits.
JOB DUTIES:
- Participate as part of a response team to predetermined types of emergencies requiring paramedic services, including structure fires and hazardous materials (HazMat) incidents, mass casualty incidents (MCI) and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) events; provide appropriate ALS care to patients in unusual environments such as low-angle and vehicle extrication rescue incidents; determine and provide, within the context of patient care guidelines and physician oversight, the most appropriate treatment for patients out of the hospital, including appropriate mode of patient transport and destination.
- Communicate with patient(s) and/or family regarding medical condition; transport patient(s) in an emergency vehicle and deliver patient(s) to an appropriate medical facility.
- Perform key shift change activities and discuss pertinent issues with Medical Services Officer (MSO); perform scheduled equipment maintenance and housekeeping duties.
- Provide input and oversight to Basic Life Support (BLS) crews regarding treatment and transportation options.
- Check and report the operational and safety status of equipment and medic vehicle to MSO; participate in safety training as mandated by federal and state law.
- Document incidents according to established guidelines, using ePCR (electronic patient care records); participate in special activities or training as directed by program administrators; and assist with public education and injury prevention efforts.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- All must be accomplished by the closing date of the job announcement (February 8th, 2026). No exceptions will be made.
- Two years (24 months) of certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced EMT or Intermediate (AEMT/EMT-I) or Paramedic. Equivalent training from outside the United States will be considered with the candidate being required to provide all relevant documentation to demonstrate equivalency.
- Current US State or National Registry certification as an EMT, AEMT/EMT-I or Paramedic.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States.
- At least 18 years of age or older.
- High school diploma or have passed an equivalency test (GED).
- Current US State-issued Driver’s License (can be from any US State).
- Written Examinations by Public Safety Testing (PST): Both a general knowledge exam (called the Firefighter Selection Tool (FST), which involves no firefighting knowledge or experience) and an EMT exam (based on the AAOS: Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured, 12th Edition)
EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:
- Experience in emergency medical services including emergency assessments and treatments.
- Ability to work under stressful and hazardous conditions.
- Demonstrated skill in communicating clearly while under duress.
- Demonstrated ability to work with a partner or team.
TO APPLY:
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Go to the Public Safety Testing website, and choose “King County Medic One” under “For Candidates, Career Opportunities”.
- Complete both the Fire Fighter Selection Tool (FST) and EMT exams through PST within the previous year (between February 8th, 2025, and February 8th, 2026).
- Apply with King County (separate application from PST) by February 8th, 2026.
- Candidates may choose to take the KCM1 Physical Agility/Fitness test in advance at the Exercise Science Center. If you have a valid test from the Exercise Science Center or a CPAT test within the previous year (between February 8th, 2025, and February 8th, 2026) from PST or National Testing Network, submitting documentation (as an attachment on your King County application) will allow you to bypass the Physical Fitness Assessment of the testing process.
- If you are a Veteran requesting Veteran’s preference, submit Form DD214 or NGB Form 22 to kcm1hiring@kingcounty.gov by February 8th, 2026.
COMPONENTS/TENTATIVE DATES
- Public Safety Test Written Exams: Open continuously. Best exam score between February 8th, 2025, and February 8th, 2026, will be used.
- KC Application closes February 8th, 2026.
- The most competitive candidates based on written exam scores will be advanced to the Skills Assessment, Structured Oral Interview, and Physical Fitness Assessment (Exercise Science Center in Fircrest, WA) between March 20th, 2026 – March 23rd, 2026.
- NOTE: Candidates invited to the Skills Assessment Center will need to provide copies of their current EMS certification (State or National) and Driver's License to participate.
- The most competitive candidates from the Skills Assessment and Structured Oral Interview (the Physical Fitness Assessment is Pass/Fail) will be advanced to the Executive Leadership Panel Interview between March 24th – 26th, 2026.
- A conditional job offer will be made pending a Psychological Fitness Evaluation, Pre-Employment Physical (comprehensive Medical Physical), and criminal, driving, and employment background checks.
- Employment with KCM1 starts June 22nd, 2026.
Candidates applying with Public Health – Seattle & King County will need to respond to the supplemental questions listed on the job posting. All work history will be verified. Any applicant that provides false information will automatically be disqualified from the process. If you have questions about the application process, please contact KCM1’s hiring team at kcm1hiring@kingcounty.gov or Falisha Forgash, Human Resource Analyst at fforgash@kingcounty.gov.
University of Washington (UW) Health Sciences Immunization Program (HSIP) Requirements: Paramedic Training has adopted the UW HSIP Immunization Requirements for all students. As such, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to submit proof of these requirements found here: HSIP Requirements.
Union Affiliation: Positions in this classification are represented by International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Local 2595.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation and Pre-Employment Physical, but findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant for employment.
- For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring. For tips on interviewing, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/audience/employees/learning-and-development/Interview_Tips.ashx?la=en.
- Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
- Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools; therefore, candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
- Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.
- Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health – Seattle & King County positions.
- Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities and working hours.
- If you need a disability accommodation in the application or testing process, please call the contact number listed on the job announcement.
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
