Emergency Medical Services Chief

The EMS Chief is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the City of Middleton’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations. This position provides leadership, supervision, and direction for EMS personnel, ensuring high-quality pre-hospital emergency medical care and compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and best practices. The EMS Chief collaborates with municipal leaders, healthcare providers, and emergency response agencies to enhance EMS services, community engagement, and public safety.

The EMS Chief reports to the City Administrator and works closely with the Fire Chief, Police Chief, elected officials, and the EMS Medical Director. The position requires strategic planning, operational oversight, fiscal management, and a commitment to continuous improvement in emergency medical services.

This position is:

• FLSA Status: Exempt
• City Salary Grade: 10
• Pay Basis: Salalry
• Position Status: Regular, Permanent Fulltime
• Schedule: Traditional workweek M-F 40 hours, may require overtime, off-shift evening and night and weekend work on occasion
• Non represented
• Supervisory

Essential Functions

• Leadership & Administration:
  • Develops and implements policies, procedures, and protocols for the EMS division to ensure operational efficiency, compliance, and service excellence.
  • Provides direct supervision of EMS staff, including full-time and part-time paramedics, and administrative personnel.
  • Oversees training programs, continuing education, and professional development for EMS personnel.
  • Ensures compliance with HIPAA and Wisconsin Department of Health Services regulations.
• Operations & Emergency Response:
  • Directs and coordinates daily EMS operations, including staffing, scheduling, and deployment strategies.
  • Serves as the Incident Commander during major EMS-related emergencies and large-scale incidents.
  • Collaborates with the Fire Department, Police Department, and regional emergency response agencies for effective interdepartmental coordination.
  • Oversees EMS response to mass casualty incidents, special events, and large public gatherings in the City of Middleton.
• Medical Direction & Quality Assurance:
  • Works closely with the EMS Medical Director to maintain and update medical protocols and procedures.
  • Establishes and manages a Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement (QA/QI) program to evaluate patient care and operational effectiveness.
  • Ensures proper documentation and review of all EMS reports and patient care records.
• Budget & Financial Management:
  • Prepares and manages the EMS division’s annual operating and capital budgets.
  • Monitors revenue streams, grant opportunities, and funding sources for sustainability and growth of EMS operations.
  • Oversees ambulance billing, fee structures, and compliance with insurance and Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement policies.
• Community Engagement & Public Relations:
  • Acts as the primary liaison between the EMS department and local, regional, and state organizations.
  • Develops community outreach programs, including CPR/First Aid training, public education initiatives, and emergency preparedness workshops.
  • Represents the City of Middleton at Dane County EMS meetings and other relevant committees and professional associations.
• Equipment, Vehicles & Facilities Management:
  • Ensures proper maintenance and readiness of EMS vehicles, equipment, medical supplies, and EMS station facilities.
  • Develops procurement plans for new ambulances, technology upgrades, and life-saving equipment.
  • Ensures compliance with safety standards and best practices for EMS operations.
• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight:
  • Monitors changes in federal, state, and local EMS regulations to ensure department compliance.
  • Maintains all required licenses, permits, and certifications for the EMS division.
  • Conducts regular audits, inspections, and reports to regulatory agencies.

• Performs other related job duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of EMS operations, protocols, and best practices in pre-hospital emergency care.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage budgets, analyze financial reports, and oversee EMS revenue and expenditures.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with staff, government officials, healthcare professionals, and the public.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, electronic patient care reporting software, and EMS inventory management systems.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations with composure, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Strong understanding of labor relations, personnel management, and conflict resolution in a public safety setting.
• Skilled in long-range strategic planning and program development.
• Knowledge of two-way radio, paging and alerting systems, computer-aided dispatch (CAD), and related technologies.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, Public Administration, or a related field required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of EMS field experience, with at least three (3) years of supervisory experience in a Paramedic-level EMS Third-service or Fire-based EMS system.

• Current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic certification
• Wisconsin Paramedic License (or ability to obtain through reciprocity).
• Valid Driver’s License with an insurable driving record (for Wisconsin upon hire).
• Current American Heart Association BLS, PALS, and ACLS certifications (or equivalent).
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications: ICS-100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 level courses (or ability to obtain within six months of hire).
• Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) or equivalent course completion (or ability to obtain within six months of hire).