Emergency Medical Specialist

Job Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 35048
Agency: Department of Health - Division of Healthcare Access
Location:StatewideSalary: $24.41-28.72 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: H
Closing Date: 3/26/26

This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Health. For more information on the Department of Health, please visit https://doh.sd.gov/ .

The Emergency Medical Specialist plays a critical role in supporting and strengthening Emergency Medical Services (EMS) across the State of South Dakota. This position is responsible for coordinating and monitoring statewide EMS activities to ensure communities have access to safe, reliable, and high-quality pre-hospital emergency care. The specialist works closely with ambulance services, medical directors, county and local governments, and other stakeholders to support effective emergency response systems and continuous improvement of care delivery.

In this role, the Emergency Medical Specialist oversees the licensing and regulatory compliance of ambulance services, conducts on-site inspections, and provides technical guidance to service leadership. The position helps ensure adherence to state laws, rules, and protocols, including maintaining personnel rosters and monitoring electronic patient care reporting (ePCR) compliance. The specialist also serves as a subject-matter resource for communities and emergency response organizations seeking guidance on EMS operations, standards, and system development.

This position contributes to statewide coordination of EMS, trauma, and stroke systems of care by engaging stakeholders, facilitating planning meetings, and representing the department at conferences and professional events. Through collaboration, education, and regulatory oversight, the Emergency Medical Specialist supports consistent standards, improved service delivery, and the long-term sustainability of EMS systems across South Dakota.

The role primarily operates in an office environment but requires regular travel throughout the state to conduct inspections, attend meetings, and engage with EMS partners. The ideal candidate possesses strong knowledge of EMS operations, ambulance equipment and procedures, and applicable state regulations, along with the ability to communicate effectively, manage priorities, and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Support the Department of Health's strategic priorities by coordinating with EMS stakeholders and local governments to strengthen system planning, improve service sustainability, and ensure consistent statewide standards for emergency medical services.
• Provide subject matter expertise on emergency medical services with a focus on long-term sustainability.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Conduct regular travel throughout South Dakota to support on-site inspections, technical assistance, and relationship-building to maintain strong partnerships with all stakeholders.
• Work closely with rural health team members and members of the allied health profession.
• This position does not supervise.

Data, Evaluation & Reporting

• Work closely with EMS data manager ensuring ambulance services are in compliance with personnel, vehicle, and reporting standards.

Licenses and Certifications:
EMT or higher License.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Required Education

• EMS certification and/or licensure
• Post-secondary education

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of 5 years experience in EMS.
• Demonstrated experience working with emergency medical systems and rural healthcare.

Responsibilities:

• Strong understanding of rural and frontier EMS challenges.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as necessary.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and program management tools.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel extensively within South Dakota, including overnight travel.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to support office priorities.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office and remote work (if approved).
• Frequent interaction with ambulance service personnel and Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners.

To be considered, please attach your resume and cover letter.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=3MA
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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