Assistant Chief of Operations and Training

Job Description

Job Description

This position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed beginning October 19, 2026, with in-person interviews scheduled for November 11–13, 2026.

Job Definition:

Serve as leadership depth for San Juan Island EMS. Coordinate and run the Agency’s Ongoing Training and Education Program (OTEP) in collaboration with the county’s Medical Program Director. Serve as the Agency’s Volunteer Coordinator, directing the volunteer program and serving as the vital connection to volunteers to ensure they receive adequate training and support. Organize trainings with agency partners and be available to staff and volunteers to help them develop as first responders. Ensure all personnel are up to date on training and recertification requirements. Assist in directing operations in the field on major incidents. Participate directly on behalf of the District in the formulation of labor relations policy, the preparation for or conduct of collective bargaining, or the administration of collective bargaining agreements, or assists and acts in a confidential capacity to such person. Fill in for the Chief Administrator when directed. Supervise the training, development, and assignment of volunteers. Volunteers report directly to this position within the agency’s chain of command. No full-time staff report to this position.

Job Duties:

Training Officer

• Organize, plan, and direct the Agency’s EMS training program (OTEP), instruct new EMT classes (usually every other year), and be familiar with Federal, State and County Regulations as they pertain to EMS

• Work with the Medical Program Director (MPD) to ensure paramedics and EMTs meet training requirements. Integrate CQI and training to ensure that benchmarks are met
• Ensure that all responders have all other ongoing qualifications for their work with the agency (e.g. current driver’s license, physical agility testing, N95 fit checks, current background check, etc.) and assist all personnel in meeting the requirements
• Oversee the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP), including field training officers and responder onboarding
• Coordinate regular additional training and exercises with agency partners such as the Sheriff’s Office, Airlift Northwest, Peace Health Peace Island Medical Center, Life Flight, Island Air, and fire departments in the area. Work regionally and locally to build collaborative relationships. Always reflect well on our agency with our partners and the public

• Direct and oversee the agency’s training and education programs and all instructors, including management of the AHA, ARC, NAEMT, Handtevy, Solo (Wilderness education), Safe Sitter, Stop The Bleed, and WA DOH EMT training centers, including OTEP compliance, FTEP onboarding programs, and continuing education requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the Medical Program Director to ensure all EMTs and paramedics meet clinical training, credentialing, and quality assurance standards.
• Ensure all responders maintain required certifications, licensing, background checks, and operational qualifications.
• Oversee field training programs, instructor development, and responder mentorship initiatives.
• Coordinate interagency training exercises with regional EMS, hospital, aviation, fire, and law enforcement partners.

• Be available to staff and volunteers who need help developing their skills
• Act as the senior paramedic by overseeing ALS run reviews with the Medical Program Director and ensuring that paramedics are meeting all response obligations.

 

Volunteer Program

• Serve as the agency’s Volunteer Coordinator and direct all aspects of the volunteer program, including recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, retention, recognition, and separation.
• Serve as the direct supervisor for agency volunteers. Volunteers report to this position within the agency’s chain of command.
• Work with fulltime officers to ensure completion of training, continuing education, and retention of volunteers.
• Maintain volunteer rosters, credentialing files, duty assignments, and response records, and ensure every volunteer meets agency, Medical Program Director, and Washington State requirements.

• Conduct volunteer performance conversations and counseling, and recommend corrective or disciplinary action to the Chief Administrator consistent with District policy.
• Lead volunteer recruitment in the community, including outreach, informational sessions, application review, and onboarding of new volunteers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteer questions, concerns, scheduling needs, and support, and connect volunteers with mentorship and peer support resources.
• Plan and lead volunteer recognition and retention efforts.
• Manage volunteer lieutenant officers.
• Track and report volunteer staffing levels, participation, response, hours, and retention to the Chief Administrator.

 

Paramedic

• Will need to be on call 1-2 weeks a month as backup (not first out) for high acuity calls and concurrent calls.
• Maintain all active and current certifications and requirements to fill the role of a first responder in this agency
• Operate emergency vehicles

 

Administration / Management

• Provide leadership depth within the agency, lead San Juan Island EMS in the absence of the Chief Administrator
• Supervise assigned AHA and other instructors,
• Serve as a senior leader within the organization
• Help ensure that the objectives for each volunteer and the agency are met
• Make recommendations on major agency issues, participate in leadership meetings, assist in the preparation for, conduct of, and administration of collective bargaining agreements
• Ensure reporting of key data metrics to the Chief Administrator and the State of Washington (e.g. WEMSIS)
• Assist in helping the agency meet response goals
• Participate in hiring committees within the agency for new personnel as requested
• Supervise the agency controlled substance narcotics program in accordance with the agency, Medical Program Director, and WA DOH policies and DEA regulations
• Serve as the agency’s Health and Safety Officer, to include the program management of illness and injury reporting, infection control, peer support, physical fitness, Support Officer assignments, and driver training.
• Perform other incidental tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position

Working Environment

Incumbent is exposed to all manner of environmental conditions including inclement weather, extreme temperatures, dust, noise, and all other conditions as required in the performance of the essential functions. Incumbent may also be exposed to hazards such as bloodborne and airborne pathogens, fumes, chemicals, glass, metal, and other hazards as required in performance of essential functions. Requires the operation of various equipment, tools, apparatus, and vehicles as needed. Requires the ability and willingness to work in both open and confined workspaces. May require working long hours and for extended periods of time between and including interrupted meals, breaks, rest, and sleep in some emergency situations; and call back to work during periods of increased call volume, mass casualty incidents, or disasters.

 

Performs the physical tasks required for the essential functions of the job which include, but are not limited to, regular walking, sitting, and standing; and the ability to lift, carry, and balance up to 125 lbs. (250 lbs. with assistance). In addition, the ability to assume a variety of postural positions to carry out emergency and non-emergency patient care, including light extrication: crawling, kneeling, squatting, twisting, turning, bending, stretching, running, balancing, crouching, stooping, pivoting, and climbing stairs and ladders; and all other physical activities as required in the performance of the essential functions. Requires good manual dexterity, with the ability to perform all tasks related to the highest quality of patient care; the ability to work effectively in an environment with loud noises and flashing lights; and the ability to function efficiently for long periods of time. Ability and willingness to work in low light, confined spaces, open workspaces, and other dangerous environments, as well as in adverse environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and moisture, for extended periods of time with little or no rest.

Minimum Experience Requirements

• Must live or be willing to relocate to San Juan Island, unless permission to waive this requirement has been granted during the application process.
• Minimum of three years in a management position.
• Experience recruiting, training, coordinating, or supervising volunteers.
• Experience with budgeting, fiscal management, and running a business.
• Positive relationship with the community and a willingness to work dynamically with other community leaders.
• Possess WA State Paramedic with 5 years of ALS 911 transport experience.
• ICS 100, 200, 700 within six months of hire
• WA Boater Safety certification.
• Complete Hazardous Materials Awareness (HMA).
• Possess a Washington State Driver License in good standing in accordance with SJIEMS Policies and Procedures.
• Complete Field Training and Evaluation Program, pass Medical Program Director protocols exam and field clearance.
• Complete agency approved driver training and maintain proficiency in operation of emergency vehicles within one month of hire
• Pass a drug screen, background check, medical exam, and physical ability test.
• Work well with others in a variety of settings.
• Possess a comprehensive knowledge of emergency medical services principles and techniques.
• Possess a comprehensive knowledge of laws, regulations, and ordinances pertaining to emergency medical services.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of local medical protocols.
• Obtain or provide documentation of required immunizations and vaccinations recommended for healthcare providers.
• Do not possess any felony convictions restricting the maintenance of a healthcare provider credential.
• Emergency Vehicle Instructor (EVOC, EVIP, CEVO, EVOS, EVDT).

Preferred Experience 

• Other certifications preferred (not required for hire; but most will be required after hire) :
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Instructor
  • Washington State Senior EMS Instructor (SEI).
  • AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Instructor.
  • AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Instructor or equivalent (EPC, PEPP).
  • AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor.
  • NAEMT Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Instructor or equivalent (ATLS, BTLS).
  • Experience leading or coordinating a volunteer program, in emergency services or another setting.
  • ICS 300, 400, 800
• Washington State Evaluator preferred (from Department of Health)
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree preferred

Education and Certifications  

• Current Washington State Paramedic (or nationally registered paramedic with the ability to use reciprocity to obtain state license within three months of hire) with five years’ experience as a paramedic. Minimum one recertification cycle.

Environment, Labor Laws, and Working Conditions

San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 is an equal opportunity employer under U.S. federal law. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. All applications are screened with the aforementioned information removed to ensure that applications are reviewed equally and fairly. Women, veterans, and minorities are encouraged to apply for this position.

 

The Rehabilitation Act protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on disability in hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral, and other aspects of employment. San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 will make reasonable accommodations for any hired employee.

 

This position is salaried, exempt, and at-will.