Chief of Emergency Medical Services -MED-ACT (Manager VII)

Johnson County Kansas•Olathe, KS

15d

About The Position

Overview A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government! The Department of Emergency Services (DES) embodies that mission by coordinating and delivering critical services that protect life, property, and the environment across one of the state’s most dynamic and rapidly growing counties. DES encompasses Emergency Management, Emergency Communications, Fire Services Administration, and MED-ACT, the County’s high-performance Emergency Medical Services division. The Opportunity Johnson County is seeking a Chief of Emergency Medical Services (MED-ACT) to join its executive leadership team and provide visionary, strategic, and operational leadership for one of the premier EMS systems in the Midwest. Reporting directly to the Director of the Department of Emergency Services, the Chief serves as a Deputy Director and member of the department’s executive team, helping shape systemwide strategy and advancing DES’s mission to ensure the best possible outcomes for residents and visitors. This position offers the opportunity to lead a progressive, data-driven, and high-performing EMS organization built on a culture of clinical excellence, innovation, and community service. About Johnson County MED-ACT Johnson County MED-ACT responds to approximately 60,000 annual 9-1-1 calls and provides 40,000 patient transports each year. The system operates 19 full-time anchor ambulances on 24-hour shifts, 3 dynamically deployed IMPACT ambulances during peak hours, and multiple specialized units including Tactical Medical, Special Operations, Peer Support, and Honor Guard Unit. The Chief oversees three Division Chiefs who manage Operations, Administrative Services, and Education & Community Health Paramedics, encompassing approximately 200 personnel including EMTs, paramedics, field officers, battalion chiefs, and administrative staff.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Medical Services, Public Administration, Health Services Management, or a closely related field.
Equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.
Minimum 12 years of progressive EMS experience in a metropolitan or suburban 9-1-1 system with over 30,000 annual responses.
At least 5 years in a senior supervisory or command role overseeing multiple divisions or operational units.
Demonstrated success managing 24-hour EMS operations, system deployment, and special operations units.
Proven experience in budget development, policy implementation, and interagency collaboration.
Certified or licensed an EMT or Paramedic (Kansas or eligible for reciprocity)
Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
Completion of ICS-300 and ICS-400 (or equivalent) required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Public Administration, Emergency Management, Organizational Leadership, or a related discipline.
Professional credentialing through nationally recognized EMS leadership organizations: - Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO) – Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) - Fellow, American College of Paramedic Executives (FACPE) – NEMSMA - Member/Fellow, IAFC EMS Section or NAEMT Leadership Program
Leadership experience in a high-performance EMS system exceeding 60,000 responses annually.
Experience with labor relations, strategic partnerships, and budget authority exceeding $20M.
Knowledge of EMS finance, revenue cycle management, CMS regulations, and ambulance design and procurement.
Demonstrated involvement in national/state EMS policy and legislative engagement.
Strategic and analytical thinking with a focus on system design and continuous improvement.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
Expertise in clinical quality management and operational performance metrics.
Strong fiscal management and public-sector administration acumen.
Proven ability to lead in complex, multidisciplinary environments.

Responsibilities

Directs systemwide EMS & ambulance operations, including 9-1-1 emergency response for over 600,000 residents across 479 square miles, deployment modeling, and special operations readiness; ensuring efficiency, effectiveness and high-quality emergency medical care for about 60,000 calls and 40,000 transports annually; establishes performance goals; monitors and evaluates key performance metrics; and provides future planning for system operations to meet the ever increasing EMS system demands.
Oversees strategy by guiding long-term planning for EMS growth and innovation, and quality improvement initiatives by aligning MED-ACT’s mission with the values of Excellence, Trustworthiness, Humility, Integrity, Compassion, and Service; manages the fiscal operations of the division including a $20M+ annual budget, procurement and cost recovery; and oversees maintenance of state-of-the-art ambulances and advanced life support (ALS) response units.
Develops and enforces operational policies and procedures; ensures compliance with state and federal regulations governing EMS operations; implements quality assurance programs to monitor patient outcomes and service standards.
Supervises ~200 field personnel, including EMTs, Paramedics, Lieutenants, Captains, and Chief Officers; oversees special teams (e.g., tactical medical team, special operations, peer support, honor guard, etc.); guides recruitment, training, and professional development programs to maintain a skilled workforce; promotes staff well-being, safety, and career growth opportunities and retention strategies across all divisions.
Builds trust and confidence in EMS through public education, outreach, and surveys; represents MED-ACT and the department in countywide and regional emergency planning and disaster response coordination; strengthens partnerships with other EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement, and public safety partners, hospitals, healthcare facilities, and community organizations.
Serves as a liaison to internal departments, partner agencies, and elected officials; represents DES in regional and state EMS policy forums; serves as acting DES Director as assigned; and functions within the EOC as directed; responds to emergency calls when indicated, and functions as a Medical Officer or Unified Incident Commander, or administers patient care directly.