Description

The motto of Charleston County EMS is “We Care”.  We are an EMS system that relies on Innovation, Trust, Compassion, Respect and Dedication to provide empathetic and compassionate customer service and excellent medical care to our community of citizens and visitors.  If you have the commitment to help others and want to have a career that makes a difference, now is your opportunity to join one of the finest EMS departments in the nation. Charleston County EMS offers a variety of work schedules that are both static and dynamic. In our normal schedules, forced overtime is not used; although in times of disasters or high public demand, schedules and obligations may change. 

Charleston County offers a full complement of benefits including:

• 3% longevity increases after years 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, with merit Increases (rate set by County Council) annually thereafter based on performance evaluations
• Medical and dental benefits available for employee and family
• Retirement
• Deferred compensation available (including 401k and 457 plans)
• Optional life and disability coverage available

Applications should be filled out completely with copies of all required certifications and documents uploaded/attached to the application. Any questions regarding the application or hiring process can be directed to 843-202-6700.

HIRING HOURLY RATE BASED ON CERTIFICATION LEVEL

EMT Basic: $19.52 per hour
Advanced EMT: $20.10 per hour
Paramedic: $28.70 per hour

Job Postings will close about two weeks before the start date. 

There will be separate job advertisements for future new hire orientation dates based on available vacancies at that time.  

Anticipated new hire start dates:

• February 20, 2026
• April 17, 2026
• July 10, 2026
• September 18, 2026
• October 30, 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

Candidates must be able to: drive an emergency vehicle; have excellent communications skills (in person, over the radio/telephone, and written); work varying shift schedules including day shift, night shift, hybrid shifts including weekends and holidays; perform a wide variety of duties with accuracy and speed under pressure; provide patient care to the respective certification level; follow safety protocols and perform in a safe manner; able to understand navigation equipment and tools, including maps, and be able find locations within our response area; perform calmly in emergency situations; and other related duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

Required certifications and licensure: (please attach to your application)

• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic Certification
• Ability to possess and maintain a South Carolina Emergency Medical Technician Basic, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic Certification
• BLS (AHA or ASHI)
• ACLS (AHA or ASHI) (for Paramedics Only)
• High School Diploma or GED (College degree or transcript may be used)
• ICS course certifications 100, 200, 700 and 800 (Required within 3 months of hire)
• Must possess a valid South Carolina driver’s license with clean driving prior to start date

Preferred Certifications and Licensure for Paramedics:

• ITLS or PHTLS or TECC
• PEPP or PALS or EPC

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge must include but is not limited to, laws and regulations of US DOT, FCC, DEA and SCDHEC in regard to the practice of emergency medical services, vehicle extrication and rescue principles, patient stabilization, medical terminology, and defensive driving techniques. 

Physical demands include, with or without reasonable accommodation: manual dexterity permitting ability to operate specialized medical devices and other related equipment and to lift patients on a stretcher with weights up to 175 pounds; ability to provide adequate visual evaluation of physical symptoms and medical conditions, to read indicators of various emergency equipment, and to review a wide variety of written material; personal mobility and physical reflexes permitting ability to manipulate patient’s position in order to provide adequate physical evaluations of medical conditions, and to drive County emergency vehicles.
  
Candidates are responsible for providing patient care to the level of their certification. All employees are responsible for communicating appropriately, ensuring the readiness of vehicles and equipment, maintaining uniforms and stations, attending training, and following safety and medical guidelines.