Paramedic I, II, III

Gaston County Government; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lateral Entry Incentive Program

Job summary

Gaston County Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) seeks qualified paramedics to oversee EMS responders and coordinate patient transport across the county. Responsibilities include directing EMS operations, ensuring adherence to medical protocols, and maintaining readiness and documentation.

Requirements include NC EMT Paramedic or National Registry, ACLS/PHTLS/PALS-PEPP/AMLS/CPR certifications, and a clean driving record. Lateral entry incentives apply for eligible public safety personnel.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a valid NC EMT Paramedic or National Registry Paramedic certification.
• Current ACLS, PHTLS, PALS/PEPP, AMLS, and CPR certifications.
• Valid driver's license with 3 or fewer points on driving record.
• Experience and training in responding to hazardous materials incidents.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision and technical medical support in the operational readiness of EMS responders.
• Coordinate response and transport of patients to medical facilities; assist lower-certified units.
• Direct EMS operations and ensure compliance with SOPs and medical protocols.
• Complete Patient Care Reports with accurate documentation.
• Maintain unit readiness, cleanliness, and supply levels.

Skills

EMS operations supervision

Scene direction & command when needed

Hazardous materials response

Education

NC EMT Paramedic certificate

National Registry Paramedic certificate

ACLS

PHTLS

PALS/PEPP

AMLS

CPR

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 Services.

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.

• Provide supervision and technical medical support in the operational readiness of all EMS system responders with lesser certification.
• Responsible for the response and transport of emergency and non-emergency patients to appropriate medical facilities for the countywide Emergency Medical Services System. Responding to and assisting units that are lower certified and are requesting assistance. Direct emergency medical personnel at or below the EMT-Paramedic level in the delivery of patient care.
• Following and ensuring compliance with GEMS Standard Operating Procedures, GEMS Medical Protocols, and NCOEMS Regulations, specifically in the areas of patient care and transportation.
• Complete Patient Care Reports ensuring accuracy and supporting documentation is attached.
• Ensure unit is clean, stocked and in a maximum state of readiness at all times.
• In the absence of supervisor or other more senior medic, provide scene direction and coordination of EMS Operations when responding to a scene with the ability to assume direct coordination or command of EMS Operations, as needed.

Required:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a valid NC EMT Paramedic or National Registry Paramedic certification.
• Current ACLS, PHTLS, PALS/PEPP, AMLS, and CPR certifications
• Valid driver's license with 3 or less points on driving record
• Experience and training in responding and controlling hazardous material incidents.

Preferred:

• ASLS certification
• NRP certification

Position Specific Requirements:

• Associate's Degree - Paramedic II only
• Bachelor's Degree - Paramedic III only

Starting Hourly Rate for this position will be:

• Paramedic I: $24.71
• Paramedic II: $27.45
• Paramedic III: $30.43

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.