Emergency Medical Services Administrator

Salary: $9,093.00 - $13,204.00 Monthly
Location : County Courthouse - 311 Grand Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: E173 0526
Department: Emergency Medical Services
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Closing Date: 7/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Summary
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.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES :

• 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
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 DEPARTMENT

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.


For more information about the EMS Administrator position, please review the following:

Apply early for first consideration! First review of applications scheduled for June 15, 2026.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Requires 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.

Supplemental Information


Salary Range:

• Unrepresented Range 13

Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives 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).
Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.
is truly special and a great place to call !
Whatcom County offers at no cost to employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash-out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.

Employment Year Accrual - Month Accrual - Year 1st - 4th year18.00 hours5.4 Weeks5th - 9th year21.33 hours6.4 Weeks10th + year24.67 hours7.4 Weeks

• Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional

Subject to satisfactory performance this position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated (apx. 3.8%), in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
01


Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher in Emergency Management Services, Business Administration, Public Administration, Health Care or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02


Please list the degree you have received and the field of emphasis:
03


Do you have at least 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?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have at least 3 years of supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you have knowledge and familiarity with EMS Systems?

• Yes
• No

06


Based on your review and understanding of the position, please describe your experiences, skills and qualifications you feel have prepared you to be successful in this position.
Required Question