Virginia Beach, VA – EMS Chief

• The chief is responsible for the prioritization and championing volunteer engagement, retention, recruitment, and professional development to sustain and grow Virginia Beach Rescue and its availability to support City Council’s priorities and vision. 
• The department serves a population of 440,000+ residents and millions of visitors that travel to Virginia Beach each year.
• The career and volunteer members continue to contribute their time, responding to over 52,000+ calls per year (2021).
• Virginia Beach EMS does not charge patients for services and the customer satisfaction rating is around 97%. 
• The staff consists of over 397 Active Certified Volunteers, augmented by over 120 career paramedics and supervisors. The supervisors consist of two (2) Deputy Chiefs, seven (7) Division Officers supported by thirty-two (32) staff officers and support staff. The department is staffed with a part-time Medical Director.
• VB Rescue remains the largest volunteer-based EMS system in the country. The Volunteer Rescue Service owns thirty-seven (37) ambulances and three (3) stations with over $10 million in volunteer hours worked in 2021. 
• The department also staffs a Marine and Special Operations Division. This EMS Special Operations Team consists of highly trained volunteer EMS providers who respond to any emergency water rescue, including boats in distress, drownings, vehicles in the water, flood water rescues, and ice water rescues. The team utilizes several all-weather rescue boats, jet skis, John Boats, and response trucks to carry out its mission.
• The department was one of twelve agencies in Virginia to receive the Mission Lifeline Gold designation in EMS services from the American Heart Association for excellence in STEMI care.
• Focusing on Behavioral Health responses by first responders, in partnership with the Virginia Beach Police Department thirty-five (35) providers became CIT Certified in 2021 along with certifying eleven (11) personnel as CIT Trainers.
• The EMS Department had an annual budget of $13.9 million in 2021.
• Appointed by the City Manager, this position serves at the pleasure of the City Manager and is not considered part of the merit service as defined in City Code, section 2-75.

• The most desirable candidate will provide a demonstrated, extensive background and experience in the EMS fields as well as strong leadership, team building capacity, operational and administrative experience. 
• Knowledge of city, state and federal codes and statutes relevant to emergency medical services.
• Extensive knowledge of regional EMS and health care systems.
• Knowledge of management techniques specific for leading volunteers within a combination career-volunteer organization.
• Knowledge of emergency management and disaster planning techniques.
• Knowledge of municipal budget processes.
• Knowledge of basic research techniques and statistical methods.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal government, the Council/Manager form of government.
• Skill in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, volunteers, supervisors, managers, city officials, the media, supporting agencies and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively through a host of different modalities.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively.
• Ability to establish a common direction for the department.
• Thorough knowledge of local government organization and operations.

• A Master’s degree in Hospital Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, or similar program and six (6) years senior leadership/executive experience, or higher-level education and experience equivalent to twelve (12) years in fields utilizing the knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Must have a current and valid driver’s license.
• Current Virginia or National Registry Paramedic certification.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and remain classified as fit for employment as a Paramedic by the Occupational Health Office.
• Must refrain from using all tobacco products on and off the job.
• Individuals must successfully complete a Paramedic orientation program within one hundred twenty (120) days of hire date. 

Posted: 2023-01-03