Summary
This job involves providing immediate medical help to people facing emergencies, disasters, or life-threatening situations, working as part of the city's emergency medical team in Pittsburgh.
It's ideal for someone who stays calm under pressure, enjoys helping others in critical moments, and is committed to living and working in the local community.
The role offers a steady hourly wage and union support for those passionate about hands-on healthcare.
Full Job Description
Provides basic life support and limited emergency pre-hospital care to persons in medical emergencies, life-threatening disasters, and catastrophes.
Department: Public Safety/Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Salary: $22.07 per hour. (2025 rate)
Union: This position is included in the Fraternal Association of Professional Paramedics.
Civil Service Classification: Non-Competitive
Requirements
General Application Requirements:
You must submit or show proof of all of the following at the time of application (unless otherwise indicated below), or your application will be disqualified.
Disqualifications based on any of these General Application Requirements are not subject to a Civil Service appeal.- Applicants must submit a complete application, including education, work experience, a resume (if applicable), and completed supplemental questions.
- Must become residents of the City of Pittsburgh prior to employment and remain a resident throughout employment.
- Click here to view a map of the City of Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
- A current PA Department of Health EMS Vehicle Operator endorsement must be presented at appointment to the position and must be maintained throughout employment.
- A current PA Department of Health EMS Vehicle Operator endorsement.
A current, valid Pennsylvania Class C Driver's License is required prior to appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
Written requests for accommodation based on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act will be considered by the Department of Human Resources & Civil Service on an individual basis.
- If you are not a resident of Pennsylvania, but hold an EMT Certificate from another state, you may obtain information about acquiring a Certificate of Completion of EMT by contacting the Emergency Medical Service Institute (EMSI) at: (412) 242-7322
.
NOTE: The City of Pittsburgh, as a matter of policy, conducts pre-employment and promotional background investigations on all candidates being considered for positions. The background investigation includes, but is not limited to, criminal background, driver's license, and City of Pittsburgh real estate tax payments. Candidates may be disqualified from consideration based on the results of their background investigation, as it relates to the job for which the applicant is being considered. NOTE: Candidates with a valid Class C Motor Vehicle Operator's License from another state must obtain a valid Class C Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Operator's License and present it to Human Resources within thirty (30) days of hire.
NOTE: You must present your EMT-B certificate/card at the time of the Pretest Training (if attended) and at the Civil Service Examination.- If you do not possess a PA Certificate of Completion of EMT training, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) and the Center for Emergency Medicine (CEM) offer training programs. Financial aid may be available to qualified students. For more information:
- CCAC (412) 237-2500
- CEM (412) 647-5300
- If you are not a resident of Pennsylvania, but hold an EMT Certificate from another state, you may obtain information about acquiring a PA Certificate of Completion of EMT by contacting the following: Emergency Medical Service Institute (EMSI), Training Coordinator, Jackie Strasbaugh (412) 494-5570 orjstrasbaugh@emsi.org.
Qualifying Requirements:
Your work experience and education/training will be evaluated to determine if you meet the qualifying eligibility requirements listed below for this position. You will receive notice of your eligibility status via email.- WORK EXPERIENCE: None required for this position.
- EDUCATION/TRAINING: See General Application Requirements.
- EQUIVALENCY: None permitted for this position. Therefore, no education/training and/or work experience may be substituted toward the qualifying requirements listed above.
Qualifications
If you meet the qualifying requirements listed above, you will receive a letter of admission (when applicable) for the following examination(s). You must pass the written and/or performance examination(s) to have your name placed on the official Civil Service eligibility list for this position. Candidates receiving job offers must pass a medical examination (when applicable) before the date of hire.
- Written: None required for this position.
Performance: Based on the knowledge/abilities listed in the Position Description section of this announcement. The exam date is tentatively scheduled for March 11, 2026.
An optional pre-test training will tentatively be held on March 4, 2026. The Civil Service Examination Events can be viewed here. (Please note: Some events have been modified.)
- Medical: Required.
Additional Information
- Drives or accompanies driver in an emergency medical vehicle to the site of emergency as informed by dispatcher or District Chief.
- Maintains radio or other contact as necessary with the Public Safety Dispatch, EMS Command Staff, EMS Physician, receiving hospitals, and other agencies as necessary. Follows the EMS Physician's instructions on medical treatment.
- Administers treatment to ill or injured patients, accompanies patients to the hospital as a driver, and or provides continued pre-hospital care to patients in the emergency medical vehicle.
- Lifts and carries patients on stretchers from routine and difficult access areas.
- Completes patient care reports and all other required documentation (signature forms, insurance forms, etc.) electronically and in hard copy as required.
- Maintains adequate stock of equipment and supplies; washes and disinfects medical equipment; washes and cleans emergency medical vehicles.
- Works all shifts, weekends and holidays.
- Ensures vehicles are in proper working order at all times; reports any vehicle malfunctions to District Chief.
- Performs activities and functions of other personnel as assigned or required.
If you would like to be assigned a mentor from the Pittsburgh EMS Recruitment team during your application process please contact District Chief James Dlutowski at: james.dlutowski@pittsburghpa.gov or Division Chief Mark Pinchalk at: mark.pinchalk@pittsburghpa.gov.Or you can complete our Career Interest Form and a member of the EMS outreach team will contact you.