Job ID #31082: Chief, Paramedic Service

Hamilton Insurance Group, Ltd.; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Chief for Paramedic Services, responsible for leading a diverse team and ensuring the delivery of high-quality emergency and non-emergency health care. The role involves strategic planning, operational management, and community engagement within a vibrant city. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact in public service, focusing on innovation and excellence in emergency response. Join a dedicated team committed to making a difference in the community while enjoying a supportive workplace that values integrity and collaboration.

Benefits

Life-long learning opportunities

Leadership development programs

Health and wellness initiatives

Flexible work arrangements

Employee assistance programs

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of management principles in ambulance services.
• Strong leadership and guidance with a focus on customer service.
• Expertise in the Ambulance Act and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Paramedic Service operations.
• Manage departmental goals and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Develop and maintain community relations and partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial Management

Emergency Preparedness

Analytical Skills

Team Building

Customer Service Focus

Education

Diploma or Degree in Paramedicine

Post-Graduate Degree in Business or Health

Tools

ESO/Interdev

Darkhorse Analytics

FirstWatch

Job description

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

• Job ID #31082: Chief, Paramedic Service
• Union:Non-Union
• Job Description ID #: 613
• Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on Friday May 23, 2025.
  
• Duration: Permanent
• Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicantsare considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
  
  
  

The Healthy & Safe Communities Department is committed to its people and is dedicated to building a strong and healthy community. We are passionate about making a difference and are recognized for our excellence. We offer a respectful and supportive workplace that provides life-long learning opportunities, leadership, innovation and performance excellence.

We are looking for a high performing public servant who is interested in experiencing a challenging, rewarding and fulfilling career. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to provide leadership and direction to a multi-disciplinary team engaged in providing Paramedic Services to the community. Your ability to set and achieve personal goals, professional goals and contribute to the goals of the organization will result in high job satisfaction.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Reporting to the General Manager, Healthy & Safe Communities, the Paramedic Chief has overall responsibility for the effective and efficient operations and management of all Paramedic Service activities and is responsible for all statutory duties as required by applicable Acts and Regulations. The Paramedic Chief provides strategic and operational leadership through subordinate management to a multi-functional diversified skilled and professional workforce engaged in delivery of emergency and non-emergency health care and emergency services to the public. The Chief recommends broad policies and long-range strategies in the delivery of services to meet mandated goals and objectives.

Accountable for establishing and achieving departmental goals and objectives through the effective and efficient use of financial and staff resources. Uses a "best practices" approach in developing and delivering quality services in a timely and cost-effective manner. Instils a customer service focus in the department.

Evaluates, defines and reports on the department's operational, financial, administrative and staff performance against internal and external benchmarks. Designs and implements strategies to improve effectiveness and efficiency. Sets above average standards and leads by example.

An operational planner assessing current and future emergency service needs. Plans and directs training and education needs, ambulance emergency response, and on-site emergency health needs within the parameters of the Ambulance Act.

As a subject matter expert, the Chief participates in emergency preparedness planning, development and training and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) response to municipal emergencies as requested.

GENERAL DUTIES

Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a shared vision, builds high performing teams, drives for business results and values innovation. Set above average standards and leads by example by providing strategic leadership to support the delivery and integrity of Paramedic services to the City and the public. Possess a high level of personal integrity and is an excellent communicator. Must encourage continued training, staff development and succession planning ensuring that high potential employees are developed. Provide coaching and support the development of performance goals.

Direct and manage the daily administrative and operational responsibilities of the Ambulance Division by ensuring all activities within the Division are conducted in accordance with applicable Ontario and Canadian legislation, regulations, and standards issued pursuant to regulation, Corporate/Departmental policies, and service standards.

Maintain optimal service delivery by ensuring continuous on-site evaluations, quality improvement processes and activities, evaluations and assessments of each section of the Service (Performance and Development, Logistics and Support, Operations, and Administration).

Ensure successful maintenance and retention of Certification to operate a land ambulance service through the establishment of processes and activities consistent with all certification standards.

Advise the General Manager, City Manager, Mayor and Council on all matters pertaining to the Paramedic Service activities and attend Committee and Council meetings as required. Prepare presentations, reports and recommendations and attend meetings of Standing Committees, Council, public meetings and community organizations to inform on on-going departmental matters.

Develop and foster strategic community relations including appropriate representation of the Paramedic Service involvement with other levels of government, agencies, private sector and community organizations including after hours meetings and functions. Promote, encourage and engage in partnerships with outside groups and agencies to advance mutual objectives regarding ambulance services.

Responsible to ensure internal controls in the form of progressive policies, procedures and practices based on High Reliability Organization and Just Culture principles are developed and implemented to ensure:

· appropriate risk management;

· safeguarding of City assets;

· maintained reliability of management and financial information;

· compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

· maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of all operations;

· and guide the people culture and development.

Respond to major emergencies on a 24-hour basis and provide support services to the Incident Commander and may assume command if required. Provide media liaison and be the official spokesperson for the Division.

Develop, maintain, and evaluate a 10-year Master Plan, refreshed at 5 year intervals, for Council consideration and implementation. Incorporate Master Plan activities into individual and multi-year budget plans.

Maintain awareness and knowledge of current and future planned advances in Paramedic service delivery and activities including response, diversion, alternative pathway management aligned with broader health care and community sector integration. Continually review services delivered and identify potential areas for alternate service delivery opportunities.

Administer, co-ordinate and direct the ongoing activities of the Division by delegating and assigning work to ensure maximum utilization of human resources. Monitor and evaluate individual staff performance; providing support and guidance for staff development as required.

Responsible, with support from Financial Services, for the development, implementation, and oversight of the Paramedic Service annual and long range operating and capital budget including the analysis of allocations and expenditures, and planned activities in order to promote and achieve continued cost effectiveness.

Ensure adequate current and future human resource planning and management in coordination with Human Resources including incorporation of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accommodation (IDEA) principles in the recruitment, promotion, development, and succession planning processes. Human resource levels should be maintained at a level adequate to fulfil the staffing requirements for the levels of service approved by Council through budget or report approval processes.

Provide ongoing supervision to the Paramedic Service division in general through participation of a variety of administrative functions, including being an active member of the Corporate Leadership Team, conducting performance evaluations, hiring and orientation of new employees, provision of ongoing corporate and continuing medical education, provision of advice and guidance to the Senior Leadership Team as needed, and participation in all aspects of collective bargaining.

Oversee in cooperation with respective Human Resource service activities and external agencies the coordination of employee wellness initiatives including attendance management, short and long term disability management, modified duty activities, WSIB management, and an active Peer Support program.

Provide support to the City of Hamilton Emergency Control Group as needed. Participate in C&ES emergency preparedness planning, development and training. Respond in a leadership role to municipal emergencies as required.

Ensure employees are provided with and use the appropriate equipment, material and/or procedures required to perform the assigned duties. Ensure that all employees perform work in accordance with applicable health and safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures. Ensure that appropriate action is recommended for those employees who do not work in compliance with legislation, policies or procedures.

Serves as Acting General Manager as required.

Perform such other duties as may be assigned, which are directly related to the normal job function.

QUALIFICATIONS

Extensive knowledge of management principles, practices and theories specifically in the direct delivery of ambulance services normally acquired by obtaining a diploma or degree in paramedicine and a post-graduate degree in business or health combined with extensive senior management experience in the execution and management of Paramedic Service delivery.

Possess a demonstrated record of strong leadership and guidance, customer focus, innovation, creativity, team advocacy, staff delegation, empowerment, staff development, and results orientation.

Thorough knowledge and understanding of all statutes, regulations and by-laws affecting the delivery of Paramedic Service and employment within the province of Ontario. Expert working knowledge of the Ambulance Act and all Regulations and Standards issued pursuant to the Act.

Demonstrated knowledge of the Health & Safety Act and applicable regulations as it relates to the position.

Highly developed analytical and business planning skills with a proven track record for long-term visioning and big-picture thinking.

Highly developed ability to create and articulate a vision and to lead and inspire others.

Highly effective leadership, facilitation and organizational skills in a predominately unionized environment.

Must be a strong communicator, both verbally and in writing, with excellent presentation skills.

Demonstrated experience in the design and delivery of customer focused programs and services.

Must possess strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to deal effectively with elected officials, other government officials, management, union representatives, peers, staff and the general public.

Demonstrated ability to effectively manage unionized staff, grievance, and arbitration processes in a multi-union results oriented environment. Thorough demonstrated knowledge of collective bargaining process is required.

Must possess and have demonstrated in previous positions a high level of personal integrity, sound judgment, strong work ethics and professional competency.

Must possess the physical capabilities to respond to emergencies and work on emergency scene.

Demonstrated financial skills in the development, implementation, and monitoring of operating and capital budgets.

Direct computer literacy skills in the use of electronic mail, internet, word processing and spreadsheet management plus a demonstrated excellent understanding of the methods and processes to support the creation of information sharing, analytic, and development software (for example ESO/Interdev, Darkhorse Analytics, FirstWatch, and others).

Proven ability to effectively negotiate complex agreements and excellent facilitation skills in order to build consensus.

Disclaimer:

Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy.Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms:

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes.Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.