EMT Basic

Gaston County Government; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Gaston County Government's Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) seeks dedicated personnel to operate in a two-person ambulance crew. EMT Basic certification and a valid driver’s license are required, with 6+ months EMS experience preferred.

Starting hourly rate is $20.43, with potential for lateral entry incentives and a chance to contribute to public safety. Selected candidates will undergo a background check and drug screening prior to employment.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• EMT Basic Certification required.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Candidates with at least 6 months of recent full time EMS work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Functions on a two person ambulance crew.
• Responds to and administers emergency medical services to the general public under the guidance of a licensed physician or as authorized by North Carolina medical practice standards.
• Transports injured or ill patients to health care facilities.
• Participates in required in-service training programs to remain abreast of changes in techniques in emergency medical service delivery or new methods of treatment.
• Performs visual inspections of vehicles, radios, medical equipment and supplies; refuels vehicle and reports unsafe operating conditions of vehicles and radios; restocks supplies as required to maintain operational readiness.
• Records information in logs and other journals of actions taken or to provide information.
• Meets with the public, supervisory personnel, and medical personnel to provide or receive job related information.

Skills

Valid driver's license

EMS experience

Education

High School diploma or GED

EMT Basic Certification

Job description

The mission of Gaston County Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) is to preserve and enhance the quality of life for the residents and visitors of Gaston County by providing superior quality Emergency Medical Service.

The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.

• Functions on a two person ambulance crew.
• Responds to and administers emergency medical services to the general public under the guidance of a licensed physician or as authorized by North Carolina medical practice standards.
• Transports injured or ill patients to health care facilities.
• Participates in required in-service training programs to remain abreast of changes in techniques in emergency medical service delivery or new methods of treatment.
• Performs visual inspections of vehicles, radios, medical equipment and supplies; refuels vehicle and reports unsafe operating conditions of vehicles and radios; restocks supplies as required to maintain operational readiness.
• Records information in logs and other journals of actions taken or to provide information.
• Meets with the public, supervisory personnel, and medical personnel to provide or receive job related information.

• Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent and EMT Basic Certification.
• Must have a valid drivers license.
• Candidates with at least 6 months of recent full time EMS work experience preferred.

Starting Hourly Rate for this position will be: $20.43

Lateral Entry Incentive

• Any full-time Law Enforcement Officer, Detention Officer, Public Health Nurse, EMT or Paramedic hired into Gaston County’s Public Safety or Health Departments (Police, Sheriff, GEMS, Public Health), after 7/1/2026 with at least two years of full-time law enforcement, EMT/Paramedic, or professional nursing experience will receive lateral entry incentive pay in two installments. The first installment will be issued upon the completion of 6 months of continued service with Gaston County. The second installment will be issued upon completion of an additional one year of continued county service. The Lateral Entry Incentive Pay will be equal to the following amounts:
• $3,000 – EMTs and Public Health Nurses (two installments of $1,500)
• $4,000 – Detention Officers and Paramedics (two installments of $2,000)
• $5,000 – Police Officers and Deputy Sheriffs (two installments of $2,500)

Candidates selected will undergo a background check. The candidate selected must undergo and pass a drug screening test prior to employment.

In compliance with G.S.153A-94.2 (b), if the position being filled requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the County must require the applicant, if offered the position, to be subject to a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S.143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties.

Please note: new employees are likely to be scheduled to work night shift upon hire. New employees will have the ability to request ADA accommodations based on need after hire and the ability to participate in an annual shift bid process.