Primary Care Paramedic in Hamilton

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully.

Job ID #32284: Primary Care Paramedic - Traditional Stream

Union: OPSEU Local 256

Job Description ID #: 2229

Close date: November 11, 2026.

Vacancy type: This posting will be used to fill current vacancies. Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Reporting to a Supervisor, Hamilton Paramedic Service, the paramedic provides primary emergency medical care and transportation for ill and/or injured persons in the community to, from, and between treatment facilities, in specially equipped ambulance vehicles and emergency response vehicles. Paramedics also contribute to non-emergency and multi-disciplinary community care initiatives, through avenues such as public education, harm reduction, community paramedicine, palliative care, and other related programs.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Provide primary emergency medical care for ill and/or injured persons at the emergency site by providing basic and advanced pre-hospital life support.
• Provide transportation for ill and/or injured persons, to, from, and between treatment facilities, in specially equipped ambulance vehicles as directed by the dispatching Central Ambulance Communications Centre (CACC).
• Deliver thorough patient assessment and treatment in accordance to Provincial and local standards and medical directives.
• Responsible for all medical interventions as deemed essential by the Base Hospital and Hamilton Paramedic Service, including: controlled drug therapy, manual defibrillation, and cardiac dysrhythmia interpretation according to Provincial Medical Directives.
• Interact with members of the health care team, allied emergency care providers, the public, and patients in a professional manner.
• Maintain communication with and follow the directions of all Central Ambulance Communication Centres (CACCs) encountered during operations, ensuring each CACC is kept informed of the paramedic’s status and location.
• Assume a role of leadership, as required, and uphold patient advocacy.
• Collaborate with medical personnel and allied emergency care providers to facilitate prompt treatment, support, and advocacy for the patients, their family and friends during the time of emergency care.
• Participate in primary care, public health, public education, and community events as assigned.
• Check, maintain, and stock fleet vehicles so-as to maintain the vehicle and vehicle equipment in a clean/sanitary, mechanically safe state of readiness in accordance with local and provincial standards.
• Report any vehicle and/or equipment deficiencies and assist in corrective action where qualified.
• Inspect, restock, and maintain ambulance stations in a clean and operational state.
• Completion of all required documentation, including but not limited to Ambulance Call Reports, Incident/Occurrence Reports, Logistics Reports, Vehicle Inspection Reports, and any other report as deemed necessary by the Hamilton Paramedic Service and/or the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
• Participate in Continuing Education as required and participate in the training/precepting of Advanced Care and Primary Care paramedic students and other allied healthcare professionals.
• Maintain all legislated requirements for employment and all certification requirements as set by the Base Hospital, the Hamilton Paramedic Service, and the MOHLTC.
• Perform other duties, as assigned, which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must hold certification as a Primary Care Paramedic or higher or be eligible for certification prior to start of employment.
• Diploma or letter confirming good standing and indicating program completion date from an approved Ontario Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) Training Program required prior to hiring.
• If graduation was prior to 2003, must provide proof of completion of all mandatory Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care core programs via individual certificates or with a letter attesting to completion by an approved Ontario PCP Training Program.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider certificate or CPR Healthcare Provider (HCP) certificate or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certificate.
• Hold the qualification of, or have obtained a pass standing, in an advanced emergency medical care assistant examination (AEMCA), or equivalent, as outlined in the Ambulance Act O. Reg. 257/00.
• If non-AEMCA certified, must have successfully completed an approved Ontario PCP Training Program and must achieve AEMCA Certification within 210 days of paramedic program completion as per Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care guidelines, unless otherwise specified by the MOHLTC (per Ambulance Act Reg. 257/00).
• Must possess and maintain a valid Ontario Driver's Licence that authorizes the operation and driving of an ambulance.
• Must meet all current requirements (including medical) of the Ambulance Act and Regulations, including the current Ambulance Service Communicable Disease Standards.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to provide proof of the minimum requirements required as outlined in the Ambulance Act and Regulations.
• Must successfully complete any/all requirements and become fully certified by the Centre for Paramedic Education and Research (CPER) with Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) Base Hospital Program (including, but not limited to, palliative care certification within the first 6 months of certification).
• Demonstrated ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently.
• Proven ability to demonstrate leadership and take command during emergency situations.
• Must be in good physical health and capable of lifting heavy weights.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgement in emergency situations.
• You must acknowledge and agree to comply with any future vaccine policy requirements as an ongoing condition of employment at the City of Hamilton.
• Preference may be given to those with additional relevant education (e.g. ACLS/PALS/ITLS/NRP/PEARS certification), experience, and/or related employment (paramedic, medical transfer, and other allied health professions).
• General knowledge of the City of Hamilton and its geography may be considered an asset.

This position requires a valid Ontario driver’s licence that authorizes the applicant to drive an ambulance (i.e. Class “F”, etc.) and proof thereof is required during the recruitment process.

HOURS

Be able to work 12-hour shifts within a 24-hour-day, seven-day-a-week schedule. Regular part-time employees are required to work a minimum of 12 hours per week which are scheduled on a consistent day as determined and assigned by the City of Hamilton. Depending on availability and operational needs, paramedics may be scheduled for up to an additional 24 hours per month. The monthly recurring 48 hours and additional 24 hours are scheduled with advanced notice as required by the Collective Agreement. Paramedics wishing to work more than the minimum number of hours may be scheduled up to 72 hours in a two-week pay period, based on their availability.

NOTE 1 Experienced candidates eligible for the ‘Experienced’ recruitment process must be currently employed for a minimum of 1.5 years full-time (18 months) or equivalent hours, in good standing, and hold active certification to practice at the Primary Care Paramedic level, or higher, with an Ontario Regional Base Hospital Program, and be eligible for cross-certification with the Centre for Paramedic Education and Research (CPER). Candidates meeting the above-noted experience criteria are encouraged to apply to the ‘Experienced’ stream job posting. The employer maintains discretion regarding evaluation and selection of qualified candidates.

NOTE 2 You must have no criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted at time of application. A Police Vulnerable Sector Check (upon receiving a conditional offer of employment), which is satisfactory to the City of Hamilton, will be required at your expense. An original is required.

NOTE 3 A Driver’s Abstract will be conducted by the City of Hamilton. Your Driver's Abstract must be satisfactory to the City of Hamilton in addition to meeting the Ambulance Act and Regulation requirements.

The incumbent shall comply with all health and safety policies and practices for this position and the workplace.

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.