Emergency Medical Services Administrator

Whatcom County • Bellingham, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Whatcom County is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as its next EMS Administrator. This role is responsible for the 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, with the majority contracted out to fire districts and municipal fire departments. Reporting to the Deputy Executive, this position works closely with the County Council, the EMS Oversight Board (EOB), fire districts, municipal fire departments, and other stakeholders. The Administrator is expected to build strong relationships, manage performance-based contracts, and collaborate on policy and budget proposals to support a robust EMS system. The EMS system in Whatcom County has matured into a unified system, supported by a county-wide levy approved in 2016 and renewed in 2022, providing a sustained funding source for regionalized EMS. The County EMS Office and its staff focus on achieving the highest level of patient care and service through data analysis, cooperation with EMS physicians, and effective stewardship of taxpayer funds.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Skilled public administrator with experience managing complex, multi-year budgets and public contracts.
• Ability to work collaboratively with government partners, staff, and physicians to advance complex policy and budget proposals to decision-makers.
• Demonstrated success building relationships across diverse constituencies.
• Familiarity of EMS systems and frameworks.
• Prepared to support the EMS system’s culture of operational excellence.

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• Annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance.
• In addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager