Emergency Medical Services Administrator

Overview

Whatcom County is seeking its next EMS Administrator – an experienced and collaborative leader who will be responsible for providing leadership in administration of the Whatcom County EMS levy and supporting the EMS system as an integrated network of Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) agencies.

The Administrator oversees an annual budget of $26M, the majority of which is contracted out to fire districts and municipal fire departments. Reporting to the Deputy Executive and working closely with the County Council, the EMS Oversight Board (EOB), fire districts, municipal fire departments, and other stakeholders, the Administrator builds strong relationships, manages performance-based contracts, and works collaboratively to advance policy and budget proposals to support a strong EMS system.

• Administration of the EMS Levy including budgets, contract development and monitoring financial sustainability.
• Supports the EMS System as an integrated network of ALS and BLS services provided by local cities and fire districts.
• Works with Advisory Boards to cooperatively make funding and regional delivery recommendations.
• Builds relationships with EMS physicians, staff and EMS providers to support a strong countywide EMS System.

The ideal candidate is a skilled public administrator with experience managing complex, multi-year budgets and public contracts. They have the ability to work collaboratively with government partners, staff, and physicians to advance complex policy and budget proposals to decision-makers. They model transparency, with demonstrated success building relationships across diverse constituencies. They have knowledge and familiarity of EMS systems and frameworks and come prepared to support the EMS system’s culture of operational excellence.

The Whatcom EMS system has matured into a unified system responding to growth in the County over the last several years. In the fall of 2016, Whatcom County voters approved a county-wide levy that provides a sustained funding source for a regionalized EMS system in Whatcom County. The most recent levy was renewed in 2022.

The County EMS Office and its skilled staff support the system to achieve the highest level of patient care and service through data analysis, cooperation with EMS physicians, and effective stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management Services, Business Administration, Public Administration, Health Care or a related field.
• 5 years of progressively responsible management experience in a public agency, including administrative experience involving system management, policy analysis, budget development and financial tracking/forecasting.
• 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge and familiarity with EMS Systems required.
• Knowledge of governmental financial specifications and fiscal management including tax levies, budget preparation, grant administration, service and intergovernmental contract negotiation and administration, revenue generation, expenditure control and recordkeeping.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.