Fire Department · Career
Harford County Department of Emergency Services
Forest Hill, MD · Harford County
The Harford County Department of Emergency Services (DES) is a countywide public-safety agency based in Forest Hill, Maryland. It serves as the county's EMS operational authority, providing career paramedics and ambulances that respond across Harford County in partnership with the local Volunteer Fire and EMS Association.
DES is organized into several branches: Emergency Medical Services, the 9-1-1 and Communications Center, Emergency Management, Special Operations, Training, Technical Services, and Administration. The department answers more than 400 emergency calls a day and operates around the clock.
County ALS ambulances are housed at DES headquarters in Hickory, the North Harford EMS station in Pylesville (which also holds special operations equipment), and at most volunteer fire companies throughout the county. The department also fields hazmat and technical rescue capabilities.
MissionThe Department of Emergency Services will provide timely, professional and compassionate emergency and support services for both citizens and public safety providers – all day, every day.
DES hires trained paramedics and EMTs to staff its county ambulances, as well as call-takers and dispatchers for the 9-1-1 center. Applicants apply through the county's Workday career portal; those who meet the minimum certification and experience requirements are invited to a written protocol test, a practical exam, a physical, and an interview.
The county advertises competitive wages and a full benefits package, and offers a NEXT Gen Responders Student Loan Relief program to help qualified new responders.
Requirements
- Paramedic: valid Class C driver's license with no more than 3 points
- Paramedic: Maryland-licensed Advanced Life Support provider (EMT-Intermediate, Cardiac Rescue Technician, or Nationally Registered Paramedic)
- Paramedic: 3 years of active EMS experience with current ALS certification
- EMT: Maryland Emergency Medical Technician certification with 2 years of active BLS provider experience
- EMT: valid Class C driver's license with no more than 3 points
- Preferred: MFRI Emergency Vehicle Operators Course and Hazmat Awareness certification
Hiring process
- Submit an application through the county career portal
- Written protocol test (for candidates meeting minimum qualifications)
- Practical exam
- Physical evaluation
- Interview
Benefits
County-subsidized health plan with vision and dental insurance and flexible spending accounts; life insurance and voluntary benefits; deferred compensation; pension plan; overtime; numerous holidays; annual, sick, and personal leave; employee assistance program; and educational assistance. A NEXT Gen Responders Student Loan Relief program is available to qualified applicants.
What positions does DES hire for?
The Department of Emergency Services hires paramedics and EMTs for its EMS team and call-takers/dispatchers for the 9-1-1 dispatch center.
What are the requirements to be hired as a paramedic?
You need a valid Class C driver's license (no more than 3 points), a Maryland-licensed Advanced Life Support provider certification (EMT-Intermediate, Cardiac Rescue Technician, or Nationally Registered Paramedic), and 3 years of active EMS experience with current ALS certification. EMT applicants need Maryland EMT certification and 2 years of active BLS experience.
What is the hiring process?
Submit an application first; candidates who meet the minimum qualifications are invited to a written protocol test, a practical exam, a physical evaluation, and an interview.
What schedule do EMS crews work?
Paramedics and EMTs work a 24/72 schedule.
How do I apply?
Apply through the county's Workday career portal at harfordcountymd.wd503.myworkdayjobs.com, or via the Work With Us page on the county website.
Is there help with student loans?
Yes. Harford County offers a NEXT Gen Responders Student Loan Relief program for qualified applicants.
Past postings, kept for reference. These are no longer accepting applications.