Position Summary
Provides basic and advanced life support and emergency pre‑hospital care and rescue services to persons in medical emergencies or life‑threatening disasters and catastrophes.
Department
Public Safety / Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Salary
$27.45 per hour (first year). Future salary increases subject to bargaining contract terms.
Rate Progression Opportunities
- Paramedic Second Year: $29.61 per hour
- Paramedic Third Year: $37.76 per hour
- Paramedic Fourth Year: $36.03 per hour
- Paramedic Fifth Year: $40.51 per hour
- Crew Chief: $43.57 per hour
Union
Included in the Fraternal Association of Professional Paramedics. No bid form required.
General Application Requirements
- Submit a complete application including education, work experience, resume, and supplemental questions.
- Become and remain a resident of the City of Pittsburgh.
- Possess a current, valid EMT‑P training certificate or a current, valid PHRN certification.
- Present a current PA Department of Health EMS Vehicle Operator endorsement at appointment and maintain it throughout employment.
- Present a current, valid Class‑C Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Operator's License at appointment and maintain it throughout employment.
- Provide written requests for accommodation under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which will be considered on an individual basis.
Mandatory Background Investigations
Candidates must undergo pre‑employment background investigations, including criminal background, driver's license, and City of Pittsburgh real estate tax payments. Disqualification may result from investigation findings.
Out‑of‑State Driver’s License Requirement
Out‑of‑state candidates with a Class C Motor Vehicle Operator’s License must obtain a valid Class‑C Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Operator's License and present it to Human Resources within one week of hire.
EMT‑P Certificate Presentation
Must present EMT‑P certificate/card or PHRN certification at the time of the Physical Agility Test.
Educational Resources
- The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) and the Center for Emergency Medicine (CEM) offer training programs; financial aid may be available to qualified students. For more information: CCAC (412) 237‑2500, CEM (412) 647‑5300.
- Non‑Pennsylvania residents holding a foreign paramedic certificate may contact the Emergency Medical Service Institute (EMSI) at (412) 242‑7322 for information on obtaining a PA EMT‑P certificate.
Qualifying Requirements
- Work Experience: None required.
- Education/Training: See General Application Requirements.
- Equivalency: None permitted.
Civil Service Examinations
- Written: None required.
- Performance: Based on knowledge/abilities listed in the Position Description section. Exam tentatively scheduled September 24, 2026. Optional pre‑test training September 17, 2026.
- Medical: Required.
Position Duties
- Drive or accompany driver in emergency medical vehicle to the site of emergency.
- Help extricate victims from entrapment or hazardous environments.
- Provide rescue, basic and advanced life support or other emergency medical care as needed.
- Maintain radio or other contact as necessary with Public Safety Dispatch, EMS Command Staff, EMS Physician, receiving hospital, and other agencies.
- Follow EMS Physician's instructions on medical treatment.
- Accompany victims to hospital as driver and/or provide continued pre‑hospital care.
- Make a complete report to the physician of incident and treatment administered.
- File complete reports (e.g., patient care reports, insurance forms) timely by manual and automated methods.
- Work all shifts, weekends, and holidays.
- Maintain adequate stock of equipment and supplies; wash and disinfect medical equipment; wash and clean emergency medical vehicles.
- Perform vehicle/equipment checks as required.
- Perform activities and functions of other personnel as assigned or required.
- Perform such related tasks and duties that are assigned or required.