EMS Technician

Wake County; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 33,572 - 41,493; Full time

Job summary

Wake County in Raleigh, NC is seeking Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to operate emergency vehicles, assess patients, and provide compassionate care. Candidates must handle high-stress situations with professionalism and document patient care accurately.

No specific education or experience required; EMT certification or certification eligibility is mandatory. This position involves rotating 12-hour shifts and offers a hiring range of $24.37 to $30.12 per hour. Join a committed team making a difference in the community.

Qualifications

• No specific education or experience required.
• Ability to adhere to ethical principles and codes of conduct.
• Must complete the physical ability test at the Wake County EMS New Hire Academy.

Responsibilities

• Operate emergency vehicles and assess patients in emergencies.
• Provide patient care and document information accurately.
• Participate in community outreach and public education.

Skills

Ability to work calmly in high stress situations

Excellent interpersonal skills

Physical strength and endurance

Education

North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification

Valid Driver's License

Job description

What You’ll Be Doing

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's) are responsible for the operation of emergency vehicles, biomedical equipment and other equipment necessary to provide patient and situational assessment, treatment and transport in an emergency setting. EMT’s are required to effectively interact and communicate with individuals and groups of individuals from all education levels, cultural backgrounds, belief structures, and states of health. Candidates are expected to understand scene management and be able to effectively operate within an Incident Command System. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability to calmly and effectively work in high stress and emotionally charged situations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Understand and practice our mission statement of Prompt, Compassionate and Clinically Excellent Care
• Perform patient care skills consistent with credential, utilizing liberal standing order protocols
• Provide comfort and compassion to patients and family
• Interview and assess patients to identify chief complaint(s) or issues, obtain relevant information from the patient, their family or caretaker(s), bystanders/residents, or other sources and identify alternative solutions if necessary
• Lift and carry equipment, stretchers and patients to facilitate response to and transport of patients
• Safely and respectfully operate an emergency vehicle
• Respond to requests for service whenever and wherever needed to include all times of day and all types of weather
• Complete documentation through patient care reporting systems, electronic and paper based logs, reporting software and databases
• Effectively and efficiently utilize technology such as in-vehicle navigation, laptop computers, biomedical equipment, computer aided dispatch, online education portals, high-fidelity simulators, etc.
• Maintain cleanliness of equipment, vehicles and facilities and decontaminate and disinfect equipment and vehicles as needed
• Regularly inventory and restock equipment and vehicles
• Effectively and respectfully communicate through written, oral and visual means with all individuals and groups
• Effectively work while wearing a variety of different personal protective equipment to include turnout gear, chemical protective clothing and respiratory protection
• Effectively work as an individual and as a member of a team
• Regularly attend and participate in training
• Participate in community outreach and public education events
• Participate in various department specific committees regarding decisions on protocols, equipment, vehicles, uniforms, etc.

NOTES:

• A criminal background and driving record check will be conducted, and pre-employment drug test is required
• Hazmat Gear Requirements: Due to the unpredictability of the hazards encountered in the course of work, the applicant must be able to successfully fit test in, wear and perform essential job functions in respiratory personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, NIOSH-certified N95/P100 air-purifying respirators and a full-fitted respirator with the appropriate air-purifying cartridge. Applicant must also be able to wear and perform essential job functions in Level C personal protective equipment (Full Tyvek suit, chemical-resistant gloves and chemical-resistant boots.)
• Physical Requirements: During the first week of the Wake County EMS New Hire Academy, EMT Recruits must demonstrate a minimum level of physical ability and fitness by successfully completing the Wake County EMS Physical Ability Test (EMS-PAT). The purpose of this physical test is to simulate and evaluate an employee’s ability to perform the minimum physical requirements of the job. The test is performed solo (i.e., tasks that would traditionally require two employees have been modified so they can be completed by one employee), the events are performed continuously and there is a time limit of 7 minutes and 5 seconds. The events in the test consist of unbuckling a seatbelt and exiting a vehicle from the driver’s seat; stretcher lift simulation (using a 95-lb curl bar); stretcher movement with equipment 100 ft (50 ft down and 50 ft back) over curb stops bolt to the floor; stretcher stair carry simulation (using a 95-lb curl bar); equipment lift and place; equipment movement/transfer (which includes kneeling 8 times); patient drag (using a 150-lb manikin strapped to a backboard) a total of 100 ft; chest compressions (2 minutes of chest compressions at a rate of 120 a minute); repeat stretcher movement; climbing into the back of ambulance through side door.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• No specific education required
• No specific experience required
• North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification or eligibility for such certification
• Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Certification or eligibility for such certification
• Valid Driver's License and safe driving record
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

How Will We Know You’re ‘The One’?

• Ability to firmly adhere to codes of conduct and ethical principles
• Ability to work calmly and effectively in high stress situations and fast-paced environments
• Ability to function in a physically demanding environment, requiring strength, flexibility and endurance
• Ability to confidently assess dynamic situations, incorporate available facts, opinions, tangible and/or intangible factors, choose an appropriate course of action and proactively adjust the course of action as each situation evolves
• Ability to quickly develop relationships with patients and their families/caretakers by listening to and understanding identified medical complaints/needs and responding appropriately with clear, concise information
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to actively participate as a member of a team, to build and maintain positive, productive relationships with coworkers, fellow responders, physicians, nurses and other healthcare workers
• Ability to confer with others to explore alternatives and reach resolutions or an outcome acceptable to all parties
• Ability to maintain conditions that ensure a healthy and safe working environment
• Ability to understand the impact and implications of decisions on the community and other departments

About This Position

Location: Public Safety Center, Raleigh, NC 27601

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Rotating 12 Hour Shifts

Hiring Range: $24.37 - $30.12

Market Range: $24.37 - $35.88

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 8/30/2026

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.