Careers
Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services
Start a Career with ATCEMS
We are looking for qualified individuals to join our elite team of medics and help us change the lives of the people we serve. If you’re looking for a lifelong career where you will be encouraged, trained, and supported to practice medicine as a highly-skilled clinician, then this is the place for you. We strive to make a difference by serving the people of our community on their best days, worst days, and all the days in between.
As a provider with Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS), you’ll work in a culturally rich city comprised of unique (some may say “weird”) characteristics and a flourishing population. Like our beautiful city, ATCEMS offers many diverse career opportunities that are specific to this department.
Join Us for a Ride-Along
Want to make sure ATCEMS is right for you? Request a ride-along with Field or Communications staff by filling out our Rider/Observer Application. The ATCEMS Rider/Observer Program provides an opportunity for eligible citizens and prospective applicants to experience how components of the EMS department function and how medical care is managed in our system.
Eligible citizens and prospective applicants may request to participate in the Rider/Observer program for Field or Communications. Any citizen or applicant wishing to participate in the program must first complete a Rider/Observer Application. All applications will undergo a review/eligibility process which may include a criminal background search conducted by ATCEMS. You will be contacted by an EMS representative informing you if you are eligible or have been denied. If you are approved, you will be given instructions for the next steps to schedule your Rider/Observer appointment date and time. Applications are processed in the order they are received. Please allow up to 2 weeks for processing.
The Austin-Travis County EMS Career Path
All Field Cadets hired will be credentialed at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level (no matter the level of EMT- certification). A Cadet-Field will attend the paid training Academy.Upon graduation, cadets are placed in the position of Medic at which time they will be paid at the Medic-Field rate on a 42-hour work week. All Medics will be individually assigned to a Field Training Officer or Captain for approximately 4 to 6 months of training. At the successful completion of training, the Medic will be credentialed by the Chief Medical Officer to practice at the BLS level. Newly hired Cadets are considered “at will” employees until the completion of a 12-month probationary period starting from the date of hire.
All Communications Cadets hired will be credentialed at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level (no matter the level of the EMT- certification). A Cadet-Communications will attend the paid training Academy.Upon graduation, cadets are placed in the position of Medic at which time they will be paid at the Medic-Communications rate on a 42-hour work week. All Medics will be individually assigned to a Communications Training Officer or Captain for approximately 4 to 6 months of training. At the successful completion of training, the Medic will be credentialed by the Chief Medical Officer to practice at the Advanced Emergency Medical Dispatch (AEMD) level. Newly hired Cadets are considered “at will” employees until the completion of a 12-month probationary period starting from the date of hire.
Medic-Field is a BLS credentialed position that works alongside an ALS credentialed provider (EMS Clinical Specialist-Field or Captain-Field). A Medic-Field can be certified at the EMT-Basic, Advanced-EMT (AEMT), EMT-Paramedic, or Licensed Paramedic level. They have the opportunity to perform both basic and a limited number of advanced procedures such as i-gel airway placement, nebulized medication administration, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), and 12 Lead ECG acquisitions.
Medic-Communications is a 9-1-1 call-taking position. A Medic-Communications is required to maintain an EMT-Basic certification or higher and an IAED Certification as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher. Medics in Communications respond to calls, triage medical complaints, assess life threats, and provide medical care and interventions over the phone.
Austin-Travis County EMS is committed to the development of our medics. In 2017, ATCEMS launched its in-house Paramedic Program. The program is less than 14 months in length (including clinical rotations and the field internship). Clinical rotations require students to practice their medical skills at approved hospitals and external ambulance services under the supervision and approval of a preceptor. The department covers the expenses for the program, tuition and books. Students completing the program are partially reassigned with Scheduling so that the Paramedic Program becomes part of their work assignment.
To be considered for the program, candidates (current credentialed employees) participate in a competitive selection process and are ranked based on their test score. Top scoring employees will be offered placement into the class of up to 20 students. The class is a TEEX A&M Paramedic Program satellite course with all didactic instruction being completed by the Continuing Education Department Captains. We’ve had amazing success with first attempt passing rates with National Registry testing (both written and psychomotor portions).
There are two ways to enter the rank of Clinical Specialist-Field in our system: 1) experienced Paramedics can apply for a Direct Hire Clinical Specialist-Field job posting when available; or, 2) current Medic-Field employees can promote through an internal Civil Service process. Through either avenue, new hires first have to complete and successfully graduate the Academy.
Promotion from Medic-Field to Clinical Specialist-Field requires an EMT-Paramedic certification or Licensed Paramedic; promotion from Medic-Communications to Clinical Specialist-Communications requires an EMT-Basic certification or higher. Once you have cleared to independent duty in the Medic position, you are eligible to sit for the next promotional exam for Clinical Specialist (internal employees only). Individuals who pass the exam will be placed on a Civil Service list ranked by score and tenure in the department. Promotions are subject to vacant positions only and the Civil Service list is only valid for two years. In the event that the Civil Service list expires with individuals remaining on the list, those individuals will have to repeat the testing process.
Clinical Specialist-Field exercises independent judgment, performs basic and advanced medical procedures to access, stabilize, evacuate, and transport patients to an appropriate medical facility, as defined by the Chief Medical Officer and Clinical Operating Guidelines. Provides pre-hospital emergency medical care effectively and safely in emergent conditions and environments as part of a City of Austin medical team. Clinical Specialists in the Field are lead medics with Medic-Field partners and operate at an Advanced Life Support level. They also assist with training and credentialing of employees.
Clinical Specialist-Communications performs tasks related to the operation of the emergency communications center and use of equipment to receive, send, and relay pre-arrival emergency medical information to the caller over the phone. Additionally, they dispatch and give pre-arrival information to the Field medics prior to them arriving on scene. They are responsible for managing the deployment of 38+ ambulances, multiple special event units, 2+ multi-mission capable helicopters, a regional mobile communications & command unit, a mass casualty ambulance bus and intake requests for the Region 7 Emergency Medical Task Force.
Our employees are provided with many career opportunities to extend their knowledge and experience throughout multiple areas. Provided below is a list of over 20 Specialized Teams that are offered within our department. Each assignment and/or special event team will vary in eligibility, rank, and/or physical requirements.
Continued Education Instructors
CE Instructions are responsible for coordinating and providing continuing education for all medics throughout the year.
Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Track Medic
Track Medics provide medical care to drivers at the Circuit of the Americas and are available trackside for all racing events. Medics receive specialized training to rapidly remove drivers involved in accidents out of the vehicle and provide medical care if necessary.
Motor Medics
Motor Medic units are staffed with Captains or Clinical Specialists on BMW 1200-RT motorcycles. They carry ALS gear to minimize the response time to a patient in areas with heavy vehicular or pedestrian traffic. All motor medics are certified via the Northwestern University Motor Officer program that is the national standard for public safety motorcycle operators.
Special Operations - Rescue
Special Operations provide rescue in multiple hazardous environments. Some of their responsibilities include swift water, high angle rescue and hazmat.
Special Operations - Tactical
Tactical medics provide patient care in the event someone is injured during a SWAT situation. To be assigned to this unit you must complete SWAT school and continued training while assigned.
Special Response Units (SRUs)
SRUs are staffed with two medics. These units utilize the Polaris Ranger 6X6 platform, carry a full complement of first response bags and Zoll monitors, and are equipped with a power-lift stretcher compatible with ambulance stretchers.
Other specialties:
- Academy Instructor
- DMO Quality Improvement team
- QA/QI Communications
- Community Health Paramedic Program (CHP)
- Injury Prevention
- Safety
- Homeland Security & Emergency Mgmt.
- Field Training Officer
- Public Information Officer
- Recruiter
- Community Relations/Outreach
- Fleet Management
- Bicycle Medic
- Honor Guard
- Explorer Post Advisor
- Aeromedical Communications Specialist
- Car Seat Technician
- Blood Draw Specialist
Clinical Specialists in the Field and Communications who have held their rank for a minimum of two years are eligible to sit for their division-specific Captain promotional exam. Individuals who pass the exam will be placed on a Civil Service list ranked by their final score, which includes the written exam score, Assessment Center score, and tenure in the department. Promotions are subject to vacant positions only and the Civil Service list is only valid for two years. In the event that the Civil Service list expires with individuals remaining on the list, those individuals will have to repeat the testing process.
Captains in the Field and Communications divisions exercise independent judgment in a leadership and entry level supervision role in operations, training, quality improvement and administrative programs in the department.
Captains in the Field and Communications who have held their rank for a minimum of two years are eligible to sit for their division-specific Commander promotional exam. Individuals who pass the exam will be placed on a Civil Service list ranked by their final score, which includes the written exam score, Assessment Center score, and tenure in the department. Promotions are subject to vacant positions only and the Civil Service list is only valid for two years. In the event that the Civil Service list expires with individuals remaining on the list, those individuals will have to repeat the testing process.
Commanders serve as supervisors over their assigned district(s) throughout the city, provide support to ambulance crews, and also assist in emergency response. Commanders in the Field and Communications supervise and coordinate the daily operations and activities of personnel in support of the goals, objectives and leadership principles of the EMS Department.
Division Chief
Commanders are eligible to promote to Division Chief through an appointment process by the Chief of EMS. Division Chiefs can be compared to civilian division managers.
Under general direction of the EMS Assistant Chief, the Division Chief manages and supervises the daily activities, operations, and personnel in support of the goals, objectives, and leadership principles of EMS Department.
Assistant Chief
Division Chiefs are eligible to promote to Assistant Chief through an appointment process by the Chief of EMS.
Under general direction of the Chief of EMS, the Assistant Chief is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and activities of assigned divisions, sections, programs, resources, and personnel.
Chief of Staff
The Chief of Staff is an Assistant Chief, but more specifically works closely with the Chief of EMS and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and activities of assigned divisions, sections, programs, resources and personnel.
Chief of EMS
The Chief of EMS is appointed by the Austin City Manager and requires approval by members of the Austin City Council.
The Chief of EMS serves as the head of the organization and oversees all business operations for the department. The Chief of EMS works closely with City Council, city management, other City of Austin Public Safety chiefs (Austin Fire, Austin Police), department managers, and external public safety agencies to create a safer and healthier Austin.
How to Apply
Ready to apply? Applications must be submitted by the deadline listed for each Academy class - once the posting has closed, additional applications will not be accepted for that class. Be sure you’ve read through the Hiring Process page for information on minimum requirements and how the application process works.
Application Requirements
A complete application and supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline. Complete applications include your last 5 years of work history (ALL full-time, part-time, internship, volunteer, temporary, seasonal, contract work or military service must be included) with gaps of employment for 6 months or more explained. Supporting documents include: EMT certification(s); certified abstract driving record(s) for the last 3 years (or since you were licensed), to include all states in which you held a driver's license during this period; and DD-214 Member 4 copy for all military applicants.
IMPORTANT: We contact all applicants via email throughout the hiring process. It is recommended that you add iCIMS to your approved/safe sender list to ensure that our emails are properly delivered to your inbox and not marked as spam. Not taking this step may result in not receiving important updates regarding your application.
Positions:
Cadet Field: This is our entry level position for those candidates that hold an EMT-Basic or higher certification. It is titled as a Cadet during the Academy. Once a Cadet has successfully passed the Academy they will transition into the title of Medic – Field.
- What if I am a Paramedic? If, you are an EMT- Paramedic and have 1 year of full-time experience on a 911 Ambulance or Critical Care Transport unit you will qualify to Apply for the Direct Hire Clinical Specialist – Field position (information below). If you do not qualify for this position, then you can apply for the Cadet – Field position. A Medic-Field employee that holds a Paramedic certification will be eligible to sit for a Clinical Specialist promotion once they have cleared to independent duty. This is only for those that hold a Paramedic certification.
Apply for the EMS Cadet Field position
Cadet Communications: This is our entry level position for those candidates that hold an EMT-Basic or higher certification. It is titled as a Cadet during the Academy. Once a Cadet has successfully passed the Academy they will transition to the title of Medic – Communications. A Medic – Communications employee will be eligible to sit for a Clinical Specialist promotion once they have cleared to independent duty. This does not require a higher-level certification to promote.
Apply for the EMS Cadet Communications position
Direct Hire Clinical Specialist – Field: This is offered to those candidates that hold an EMT – Paramedic certification and they have 1 year of full-time experience on a 911 Ambulance or Critical Care Transport unit. This position will also go through an initial Academy and then be transitioned into the ALS academics and credentialing process.
Apply for the EMS Direct Hire Clinical Specialist (Paramedic Only) - Field position
Current Hiring Processes
2026 Cadet Class (0726): NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Cadet Class 0726
Positions: Cadet-Field, Cadet-Communications, Direct Hire Clinical Specialist-Field
Posting Opens: Monday, March 9, 2026, 12 PM CST
Posting Closes: Monday, April 20, 2026, at 12 PM CST
Academy starts: October 19, 2026
Cadet Class 0127- FUTURE DATE
Positions: Cadet-Field, Cadet-Communications, Direct Hire Clinical Specialist-Field
Posting Opens: Monday, June 1, 2026, 12 PM CST
Posting Closes: Monday, July 20, 2026, at 12PM CST
Academy starts: January 11, 2027
Be sure to connect with us to be reminded via email once job listings for each Academy class go live!
More About Careers
- Hiring Process
Our department hosts several Academy classes per year, and we hire in cycles per Academy class. Applications and required documents must be submitted by the deadline listed for each Academy class in order to be considered - once the posting has closed, additional applications will not be accepted for that class. Learn more about the hiring process.
- Academy and Field Training
All EMS cadets must attend and graduate from the EMS Academy prior to entering the Field Training Program. Cadets are required to participate in classroom instruction, skills labs, and physical fitness training while attending the Academy. Graduates will then be placed into a Field Training Program. Learn more about the academy and training process.
- Pay and Benefits
Austin-Travis County EMS Department offers a competitive salary, health benefits, a 24/72 hour schedule, and other incentives such as paid time off and department-issued uniforms and equipment. Learn more about our benefits.
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or TTY (512) 974-2445.
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. ADA Office: (512) 974-3256 TDD (512) 974‑3303.