EMS Training Officer - Paramedic Lieutenant - INTERNAL ONLY
City of Tumwater
·Today
- Salary
- $12k – $12k/mo
- Location
- Tumwater Fire Department, WA, WA
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- Healthcare
- Education
- Certification
- Closing date
- Today
- Source
- GovernmentJobs
Description
This is an INTERNAL ONLY opportunity. If you are an external candidate your application will automatically be rejected.
The Opportunity
Under the general direction of the Medical Services Officer (MSO), serves as the Department's EMS Training Officer (EMSTO) and functions as a Paramedic Lieutenant responsible for developing, coordinating, delivering, and continuously improving the Department's emergency medical services training program.
The EMS Training Officer serves as the department's primary resource for EMS education and professional development. The EMSTO assists the MSO in implementing EMS policies, protocols, training standards, quality improvement initiatives, and operational readiness programs.
The EMS Training Officer exercises independent judgment within established department policies, EMS protocols, training standards, and direction from the MSO. The position recommends improvements, identifies training needs, coordinates resources, and ensures assigned training activities are delivered and documented effectively.
As a Paramedic Lieutenant, the position maintains operational readiness as a certified paramedic and performs emergency medical response, fire suppression, rescue, incident command, and other emergency operations consistent with department assignment, certification, and operational needs.
Distinguishing Characteristics- This Paramedic Lieutenant classification is assigned primary responsibility for the Department's EMS training and professional development program.
- The EMS Training Officer is a working company officer who combines operational responsibilities with specialized EMS training responsibilities. Unlike a Line Lieutenant/Paramedic whose primary responsibility is supervision and emergency operations within an assigned shift or company, the EMS Training Officer provides Department-wide functional leadership and coordination for EMS education, competency development, preceptorship, mentorship, and training-related quality improvement.
- The position reports to the MSO and supports implementation of the Department's EMS program. The MSO retains overall responsibility and authority for the Department EMS program, including strategic direction, policy, clinical program administration, regulatory compliance, and overall EMS quality assurance.
EMS Training Program Administration
- Assists the MSO in administering and continuously improving the Department's EMS training program.
- Develops, coordinates, schedules, delivers, and evaluates EMS training for Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics within the MSO’s overall program.
- Maintains an annual EMS training plan consistent with Department priorities, operational needs, Medic One requirements, applicable regulations, medical protocols, and identified performance trends.
- Identifies EMS training needs through operational observations, patient care reviews, competency evaluations, employee feedback, incident debriefings, protocol changes, and quality improvement activities.
- Develops and maintains training objectives, lesson plans, instructional materials, practical skills stations, simulations, scenarios, and competency evaluations.
- Coordinates EMS training with the MSO, Operations Division supervisors, Department instructors, Thurston County Medic One, medical control resources, neighboring agencies, hospitals, and other training partners.
- Assists with implementation of new or revised EMS protocols, procedures, equipment, medications, and clinical practices through education and competency validation.
- Maintains training records, attendance documentation, competency records, and other required training documentation.
- Evaluates the effectiveness of EMS training and recommends changes to improve knowledge retention, clinical performance, operational consistency, and patient care.
Preceptorship, Mentorship & Employee Development
- Establishes and maintains structured preceptorship and mentorship processes in coordination with the MSO and Operations Division supervisors.
- Assists in establishing individualized development plans when personnel require additional training, remediation, or focused competency development.
- Observes and evaluates EMS performance in training and operational environments.
- Supports the development of future EMS instructors, preceptors, mentors, and organizational leaders.
EMS Quality Assurance & Quality Improvement
- Assists the MSO with Department EMS quality assurance and quality improvement activities.
- Reviews patient care reports, operational data, clinical performance information, training evaluations, and other available data to identify educational or performance trends.
- Uses quality improvement findings to identify training opportunities and develop targeted educational interventions.
- Participates in review of significant, unusual, or complex EMS incidents and assists with identifying lessons learned and training implications.
Operational EMS Response
- Maintains current Washington State and Thurston County paramedic certification and operational eligibility.
- Responds to emergency incidents as a Paramedic Lieutenant and ALS provider as assigned.
- Provides EMS operational leadership during multi-company, multi-agency, mass-casualty, or complex incidents.
EMS Equipment, Technology & Training Resources
- Assists the MSO with evaluating EMS equipment, technology, medications, supplies, and training resources.
- Provides training related to new or modified EMS equipment and technology.
- Assists with maintaining EMS training equipment and ensuring training equipment is available, functional, and appropriate for instructional use.
Leadership, Supervision & Administration
- Participates in department committees, workgroups, and project teams related to EMS.
- Represents the department at EMS training meetings, regional educational programs, professional organizations, and partner-agency meetings when assigned.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of emergency medical services, advanced prehospital patient care, clinical protocols, emergency response operations, and applicable Washington State EMS laws, regulations, certification requirements, and training standards.
- Knowledge of Thurston County Medic One protocols, regional EMS practices, incident command systems, fire service operations, and departmental policies and operational guidelines.
- Knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design, simulation-based training, competency assessment, clinical education, preceptorship, mentorship, and professional development practices.
- Skill in developing, implementing, and evaluating EMS training programs, instructional materials, practical skills assessments, and competency-based education that support clinical proficiency and operational readiness.
- Skill in translating complex clinical concepts, medical protocols, and regulatory requirements into clear, practical instruction for employees with varying levels of experience.
- Skill in utilizing electronic patient care reporting systems, learning management systems, training management platforms, and related technology to support documentation, education, and performance evaluation.
- Ability to assess employee competency, identify training needs, provide constructive feedback, facilitate performance improvement, and support remediation and professional development.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, physicians, Thurston County Medic One personnel, hospitals, regional agencies, and external training partners.
- Ability to exercise sound professional judgment, communicate effectively, navigate sensitive performance discussions, and manage multiple training initiatives, schedules, and competing priorities while supporting operational readiness.
- Ability to work independently within established departmental policies and under the direction of the Medical Services Officer (MSO), demonstrating professionalism, accountability, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Minimum Qualifications
- Currently employed by the Department as a Washington State and Thurston County certified paramedic.
- Demonstrated experience providing EMS preceptorship, mentorship, instruction, or competency evaluation.
- Current eligibility to function as a Thurston County Medic One paramedic.
- Thurston County Medic One OTEP Evaluator certification.
- Any equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and experience demonstrating the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered, subject to applicable certification requirements.
- EMS instructor or educator certification.
- Experience developing and delivering EMS continuing education.
- Experience with EMS preceptorship and paramedic/EMT mentorship programs.
- Experience with EMS quality assurance and quality improvement.
- Experience developing competency-based training programs and practical skills evaluations.
- Experience with high-fidelity simulation or scenario-based EMS education.
- Experience with learning management systems, electronic training records, or training management software.
Required at Appointment
- Valid Washington State Driver License.
- Current Thurston County Paramedic certification and eligibility to function as a Thurston County Medic One paramedic.
- Certification as a Thurston County Medic One OTEP Evaluator, or ability to obtain certification at the next available offering.
- Physical ability to safely perform emergency response, firefighting, patient care, instructional, and supervisory functions.
Required Following Appointment
- Maintain Thurston County paramedic certification and eligibility to respond on Thurston County Medic One Advanced Life Support units in accordance with applicable requirements.
- Maintain all Department-required certifications and command qualifications.
- Complete or remain enrolled in applicable Washington State Fire Fighters Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee officer development requirements.
- Maintain required qualifications for assigned emergency response and operational duties.
- Exercises independent judgment in directing emergency operations, supervising personnel, evaluating patient care, coordinating EMS training, conducting quality improvement activities, assigning work, and ensuring operational readiness.
- Makes decisions involving emergency scene management, clinical performance, EMS documentation, training priorities, personnel deployment, and station management while recognizing situations requiring Battalion Chief or Medical Services Officer involvement.
- Received: Works under the general supervision of the Medical Services Officer regarding Emergency Medical Services programs, quality improvement, training, and operational standards. Work is evaluated through emergency response effectiveness, leadership, operational readiness, EMS quality, employee development, and compliance with Department policies and Medic One requirements.
- Exercised: Provides direct supervision, coaching, mentoring, work assignments, and operational direction to assigned firefighters, firefighter/paramedics, and other personnel. Assists with employee evaluations, training, probationary assessments, EMS competency evaluations, and corrective action recommendations.
- Internal: Firefighters, Paramedic/Firefighters, Lieutenants, Battalion Chiefs, command staff, fire prevention personnel, administrative staff, and employees from other City departments.
- External: Patients, family members, residents, visitors, law enforcement agencies, neighboring fire departments, ambulance providers, hospitals, air medical transport providers, Thurston County Medic One, medical control physicians, schools, businesses, contractors, and community organizations.
- Fire Department apparatus and command vehicles
- Advanced life support equipment and medical technology
- Electronic patient care reporting systems
- Training management and learning management systems
- Incident reporting and records management software
- Microsoft 365 applications
- Mobile communications, radios, and emergency response technology
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
Work is performed in offices, classrooms, fire stations, training facilities, drill grounds, emergency vehicles, and emergency incident environments.
The position routinely participates in practical EMS training, fire training, emergency incidents, drills, exercises, and field operations and may be exposed to the same hazards encountered by operational firefighters and paramedics.
Duties may involve exposure to fire, smoke, extreme heat and cold, inclement weather, hazardous materials, bloodborne and airborne pathogens, contagious diseases, electrical hazards, traffic, unstable structures, loud noise, traumatic injuries, death, violence, and other conditions that may be immediately dangerous to life or health.
The position requires the physical ability to participate in EMS and fire operations, including standing, walking, running, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, carrying, lifting, and moving patients or equipment.
Emergency operations may require heavy lifting and moving people, equipment, or materials independently or as part of a team.
Training activities may require prolonged standing, demonstration of EMS skills, manipulation of equipment, movement between training stations, and participation in physically demanding scenarios.
Employees generally work a regular administrative or assigned schedule but may be required to work shifts, attend evening training sessions, weekend exercises, recruit academies, special training events, emergency callbacks, and extended work periods during major incidents or Department training programs.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws.
Commitment to Equity, Safety, and EthicsEmployees are expected to perform their duties in a manner that supports equity, safety, integrity, and professionalism. This includes following all safety policies and procedures, treating coworkers and the public with respect, and conducting work ethically and responsibly.
Employees are expected to uphold public trust through fair, transparent, and lawful conduct and to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment.
