EMS Paramedic

JOB SUMMARY

The Paramedic role provides critical frontline emergency medical care, responding to calls, assessing patient conditions, and delivering advanced life support interventions to protect life and stabilize patients during transport. This role operates specialized medical equipment, administers treatments under established clinical guidelines, and ensures accurate documentation for continuity of care. Working collaboratively with emergency teams and public safety partners, this role supports the organization’s mission to deliver timely, high-quality medical response to the community. Through expert clinical judgment and safe operation of emergency vehicles, this position plays a vital role in safeguarding public health and safety.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position.  While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned.   Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.

• Responds to emergency calls by safely operating and navigating a mobile intensive care unit to incident locations and transporting patients, requiring the ability to sit for extended periods, operate vehicle controls, and drive in a safe and professional manner.
• Provides advanced life support by assessing patient conditions, delivering emergency medical care, and documenting treatments, requiring frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull 50–100 lbs. to assist, move, or stabilize patients and equipment.
• Operates and maintains specialized medical equipment and performs advanced procedures—such as airway management, cardiac monitoring, and patient immobilization—which require adequate hand and finger dexterity, grip strength, and the ability to maneuver equipment in confined or moving environments.
• Ensures a safe and sanitary treatment environment by cleaning and decontaminating the ambulance and equipment, requiring the ability to reach, bend, and handle cleaning materials and to properly use personal protective equipment when exposed to odors, chemicals, or environmental hazards.
• Collaborates effectively with emergency medical personnel, law enforcement, fire services, and other responders, working in varied indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to heat, cold, rain, or uneven terrain, and the need to climb stairs or navigate obstacles while carrying equipment.
• Performs related medical services including response, assessment, treatment, and transport as outlined in clinical operating guidelines, adapting actions to meet situational needs and maintaining physical readiness for infrequent running, rapid movement, or strenuous exertion during critical incidents.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Current Texas Paramedic Certification is required.
• Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
• Applicant must not appear on CMS Exclusion List

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current AHA Basic Life Support certification.
• Current AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification.
• Current AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support
• Two (2) years of previous experience in the provision of emergency medical service.

COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of basic mathematics, medical terminology, and the safe operation of emergency equipment and machinery.
• Skill in using computer software to complete operational, clinical, and documentation tasks.
• Skill in assessing patient conditions, providing initial treatment, and delivering first-aid and life-support interventions such as CPR.
• Ability to process information, make timely decisions about patient care needs, and determine appropriate transport destinations, such as an emergency room (ER) or trauma center.
• Ability to maintain required certifications through ongoing continuing education.
• Ability to safely drive and operate an ambulance in a professional manner.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical requirements include walking frequently for up to or exceeding 4 hours per day; standing frequently for up to or exceeding 2 hours per day; and sitting frequently for up to or exceeding 8 hours per day. Running may occur infrequently for 1–2 minutes per day. Role requires frequent bending and kneeling, approximately 10–15 times per day. Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds frequently (5–10 times per shift) and 50–100 pounds infrequently (1–3 times per shift). Must be able to climb stairs while carrying up to 50 pounds and step up or over obstacles as needed. Requires constant handling, gripping, and adequate hand and finger dexterity to manage both large and small items, as well as sufficient hand and arm strength to grip and lift heavy objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor settings, including ambulance interiors, medical facilities, and variable on-scene environments. The role may involve exposure to heat, cold, rain, odors, chemicals, dust, pollen, and infectious diseases, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and proper use of personal protective equipment. Employees must be able to properly utilize PPE when exposed to strong odors and/or smoke, strong and/or toxic chemicals, and dust or pollen. Noise levels and interruptions are consistent with emergency response operations and patient care environments.

The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance. 2023 Benefits Guide

BENEFITS Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage - United Healthcare - Choice Plus PPO Plan - Prescription Drug Plan - Wellness Initiatives - Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7 - Dental Plan - Davis Vision Insurance - Base Vision Plan - Premium Vision Plan - Laser Vision Correction discounts Retirement - Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) - Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA ADDITIONAL BENEFITS - Flexible Spending Accounts - City paid Life and AD&D Insurance - Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability insurance - Employee Assistance Program - Vacation - Sick Leave - Holidays - Longevity Pay - Tuition Reimbursement - Activity Center Membership - Direct Deposit

The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.