Paramedic I, II, III

Joining The Team At Gaston County Government

Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.

As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.

Description

The mission of Gaston County Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) is to preserve and enhance the quality of life for the residents and visitors of Gaston County by providing superior quality Emergency Medical Services.

Examples Of Duties

The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.

• Provide supervision and technical medical support in the operational readiness of all EMS system responders with lesser certification.
• Responsible for the response and transport of emergency and non-emergency patients to appropriate medical facilities for the countywide Emergency Medical Services System. Responding to and assisting units that are lower certified and are requesting assistance. Direct emergency medical personnel at or below the EMT-Paramedic level in the delivery of patient care.
• Following and ensuring compliance with GEMS Standard Operating Procedures, GEMS Medical Protocols, and NCOEMS Regulations, specifically in the areas of patient care and transportation.
• Complete Patient Care Reports ensuring accuracy and supporting documentation is attached.
• Ensure unit is clean, stocked and in a maximum state of readiness at all times.
• In the absence of supervisor or other more senior medic, provide scene direction and coordination of EMS Operations when responding to a scene with the ability to assume direct coordination or command of EMS Operations, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a valid NC EMT Paramedic or National Registry Paramedic certification.
• Current ACLS, PHTLS, PALS/PEPP, AMLS, and CPR certifications
• Valid driver's license with 3 or less points on driving record
• Experience and training in responding and controlling hazardous material incidents.

Preferred:

• ASLS certification
• NRP certification

Position Specific Requirements:

• Associate's Degree - Paramedic II only
• Bachelor's Degree - Paramedic III only

Additional Information

Starting Hourly Rate for this position will be:

• Paramedic I: $24.71
• Paramedic II: $27.45
• Paramedic III: $30.43

Lateral Entry Incentive:

• Any full-time Law Enforcement Officer, Detention Officer, Public Health Nurse, EMT or Paramedic hired into Gaston County's Public Safety or Health Departments (Police, Sheriff, GEMS, Public Health), after 7/1/2026 with at least two years of full-time law enforcement, EMT/Paramedic, or professional nursing experience will receive lateral entry incentive pay in two installments. The first installment will be issued upon the completion of 6 months of continued service with Gaston County. The second installment will be issued upon completion of an additional one year of continued county service. The Lateral Entry Incentive Pay will be equal to the following amounts:
• $3,000 EMTs and Public Health Nurses (two installments of $1,500)
• $4,000 Detention Officers and Paramedics (two installments of $2,000)
• $5,000 Police Officers and Deputy Sheriffs (two installments of $2,500)

Candidates selected will undergo a background check. The candidate selected must undergo and pass a drug screening test prior to employment. In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2 (b), if the position being filled requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the County must require the applicant, if offered the position, to be subject to a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S.143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. Please note: new employees are likely to be scheduled to work night shift upon hire. New employees will have the ability to request ADA accommodations based on need after hire and the ability to participate in an annual shift bid process.

At Gaston County, we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, job applicants, and members of the community we serve. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable laws. Gaston County will not sponsor applicants for work visas.