Accelerated Paramedic In Training

Summary

Wages listed in this posting reflect the 2026 wage adjustment with a GWI of 2.7%

Position Summary

King County Medic One (KCM1) is establishing a hiring list for the position(s) of Accelerated Paramedic In Training.

Qualified candidates will be currently certified as a Paramedic with a minimum of 2.5 years (30 months) of pre-hospital/Emergency Medical Service (EMS) experience, new hires will be required to successfully complete the University of Washington Michael K. Copass Paramedic Training Program (PMT). It is the intent that candidates hired from this recruitment will attend a 5-month accelerated Paramedic Training Program starting in the late Spring of 2026. This accelerated program may be cancelled at the discretion of PMT. If the accelerated program is cancelled, any candidates formally offered jobs will have the right of first refusal to attend the traditional Paramedic Training Program lasting approximately one year, starting in the Fall of 2026. Upon completion of either program, Paramedics In Training will become probationary Paramedics with KCM1. Paramedics are required to work 102, 24-hour shifts per year with a starting hourly wage of $49.5124 ($64.3345 after 4 years of service).

Background

KCM1 is a county-operated public EMS service that is the sole provider of pre-hospital 911 Advanced Life Support (ALS) in South King County, Washington, responding only to ALS-level 911 calls with nine medic units in an area of approximately 500 square miles with a population of approximately 900,000 people.

For more information about King County Medic One employment see:

King County Medic One

King County Medic One Facebook Page

Commitment To Equity and Social Justice

Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation’s history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.

To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx

Work Locations: KCM1 – South King County and Harborview Medical Center – Downtown Seattle.

Benefits: This position is eligible for King County leave, holiday pay, insurance, or other benefits. Please contact the recruiter on the posting for any additional questions regarding associated benefits.

JOB DUTIES:

• Participate as part of a response team to predetermined types of emergencies requiring paramedic services, including structure fires and hazardous materials (HazMat) incidents, mass casualty incidents (MCI) and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) events; provide appropriate ALS care to patients in unusual environments such as low-angle and vehicle extrication rescue incidents; determine and provide, within the context of patient care guidelines and physician oversight, the most appropriate treatment for patients out of the hospital, including appropriate mode of patient transport and destination.
• Communicate with patient(s) and/or family regarding medical condition; transport patient(s) in an emergency vehicle and deliver patient(s) to an appropriate medical facility.
• Perform key shift change activities and discuss pertinent issues with Medical Services Officer (MSO); perform scheduled equipment maintenance and housekeeping duties.
• Provide input and oversight to Basic Life Support (BLS) crews regarding treatment and transportation options.
• Check and report the operational and safety status of equipment and medic vehicle to MSO; participate in safety training as mandated by federal and state law.
• Document incidents according to established guidelines, using ePCR (electronic patient care records); participate in special activities or training as directed by program administrators; and assist with public education and injury prevention efforts.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• All must be accomplished by the closing date of the job announcement (November 16th, 2025). No exceptions will be made.
  • 2.5 years (30 months) of Paramedic pre-hospital/EMS experience. Equivalent training/experience from outside the United States will be considered with the candidate being required to provide all relevant documentation to demonstrate equivalency.
  • Current US State or National Registry certification as a Paramedic.
  • At least 18 years of age or older.
  • High school diploma or have passed an equivalency test (GED).
  • Current US State-issued Driver’s License (can be from any US State).

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

• Experience in emergency medical services including emergency assessments and treatments.
• Ability to work under stressful and hazardous conditions.
• Demonstrated skill in communicating clearly while under duress.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a partner or team.

TO APPLY:

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Apply with King County by November 16th, 2025. No exceptions will be made.
• Candidates may choose to take the KCM1 Physical Agility/Fitness test in advance at the Exercise Science Center. If you have a valid test from the Exercise Science Center or a CPAT test within the previous year (between November 16th, 2024, and November 16th, 2025) from PST or National Testing Network, submitting documentation (as an attachment on your King County application) will allow you to bypass the Physical Fitness Assessment of the testing process.
• If you are a Veteran requesting Veteran’s preference, submit Form DD214 or NGB Form 22 to kcm1hiring@kingcounty.gov by November 16th, 2025.

COMPONENTS/TENTATIVE DATES

• King County Application closes November 16th, 2025, at 11:59pm.
• All candidates who apply and meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take an in-person Paramedic Written Exam on December 5th, 2025. The source for this exam will be Emergency Care in the Streets, 9thedition.
  • NOTE: Candidates will need to provide copies of their current paramedic certification (State or National) and Driver’s License to participate.
• The most competitive candidates based on the written exam score will be advanced to the Skills Assessment, Structured Oral Interview, and Physical Fitness Assessment (Exercise Science Center in Fircrest, WA) between December 6th-8th, 2025.
• The most competitive candidates from the Skills Assessment and Structured Oral Interview (the Physical Fitness Assessment is Pass/Fail) will be advanced to the Executive Leadership Panel Interview between December 9th-10th, 2025.
• The most competitive candidates from the Executive Leadership Panel Interview will be advanced to the Accelerated Paramedic Program Physician Panel (this interview is Pass/Fail) on December 11th, 2025.
• A conditional job offer will be made pending a Psychological Fitness Evaluation, Pre-Employment Physical (comprehensive Medical Physical), and criminal, driving, and employment background checks.
• Employment with KCM1 starts April 27th, 2026 (regardless of whether attending the Accelerated or Traditional Paramedic Training Program).

Candidates applying with Public Health – Seattle & King County will need to respond to the supplemental questions listed on the job posting. All work history will be verified. Any applicant that provides false information will automatically be disqualified from the process. If you have questions about the application process, please contact KCM1’s hiring team at kcm1hiring@kingcounty.gov or Falisha Forgash, Human Resource Analyst at fforgash@kingcounty.gov.

University of Washington (UW) Health Sciences Immunization Program (HSIP) Requirements:

Paramedic Training has adopted the UW HSIP Immunization Requirements for all students. As such, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to submit proof of these requirements found here: HSIP Requirements (Download PDF reader).

Union Affiliation: Positions in this classification are represented by International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Local 2595.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation and Pre-Employment Physical, but findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant for employment.
• For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring. For tips on interviewing, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/audience/employees/learning-and-development/Interview_Tips.ashx?la=en.
• Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
• Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools; therefore, candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
• Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.
• Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health – Seattle & King County positions.
• Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities and working hours.
• If you need a disability accommodation in the application or testing process, please call the contact number listed on the job announcement.

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State’s best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we’re changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation’s best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our “True North”, we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles–we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees’ health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

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