Did You Know? || Recruiting Ambassadors Program Edition
Written by: Captain Nathan Rasmussen, Recruiting Ambassador
Here at Austin-Travis County EMS our employees are what makes our department go, therefore it is imperative that we find and hire the absolute best possible people. The responsibility of finding and hiring these talented individuals belongs to the EMS Recruiting division, made up of 3 full time staff members. The challenge lies within the work it takes to attract, recruit, and hire medics from 50 states, 500+ accredited EMS education programs, and hundreds of other EMS services for medics to choose from. The Recruiting division can’t do it alone. The Executive Staff partnered with Recruiting on creating a solution to this need, and after months of strategic planning, our Recruiting Ambassadors Program was born in 2017.
This team of 16 Field and Communications Medics was chosen after a highly competitive selection process. In addition to their regular field and communications duties, they help extend the reach and capacity of the EMS Recruiting division by attending recruiting events, high school career fairs and classroom visits, and public job fairs. They also assist in visiting college campuses, connecting with their local communities, and generally promoting ATCEMS.
“Having 16 dynamic Recruiting Ambassadors that can speak to and promote our department culture, resources, and opportunities, allows our Recruiting Team efforts to reach far beyond what we could do on our own.” — Rance Marion, Medic-II and Recruiting Coordinator
ATCEMS Recruiting Ambassadors represent a wide array of backgrounds and EMS experiences, which makes each of their contributions unique. They believe strongly in the ATCEMS mission and values, and believe that this is the best job in the world and ATCEMS is the best place to do this job. Whether its a young high school student deciding on a career path, or a medic already certified and working, Ambassadors love sharing their passion with others while getting them excited about a future career with ATCEMS!
“I love getting the opportunity to show others what a great EMS world looks like! We have so many benefits (excellent pay, benefits, career ladder, and clinical practice) that are considered unavailable by others.” — Fiona Thomas, Field Medic-II and Recruiting Ambassador
One of the most fun ways for our Recruiting Ambassadors to share their ATCEMS experiences with the public and prospective employees is through our various social media platforms. Recruiting Ambassadors frequently contribute to social media through pictures on Instagram, Facebook, and “Medic-a-Medic Monday” blog posts. Recruiting Ambassadors are also present on social media sharing content, commenting, and answering questions on ATCEMS posts.
“Through Social Media I can be the tip of the recruiting spear, reaching exceptional candidates before they know they want to work for our Department.” Craig Fairbrother, Community Health Paramedic and Recruiting Ambassador
At ATCEMS we strive to recruit the most talented and diverse workforce possible. In addition to public appearances, Recruiting Ambassadors work behind the scenes with the full time staff. Recruiting Ambassadors tap into their wide array of experiences in both Field and Communications to assist in the development of new recruiting strategies, identify new recruiting opportunities, and support existing recruiting projects.
“Each Ambassador has a unique background, story, and connection to their own community. Therefore, we can bring in highly qualified, diverse employees to one of the best EMS agencies and cities in the nation!” — Ashleigh O’Connor, Recruiting Coordinator
ATCEMS would not be the department it is today without its dedicated employees, and the Recruiting Ambassadors are committed to finding the next generation of great employees. Keep your eye out for a Recruiting Ambassador at an event near you!
If you’re hosting a community event or career fair, are an educator at a local high school, or a EMT or Paramedic student, and want us at your event or in your classroom, let us know. You can email Recruiting at EMSRecruiting@austintexas.gov and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.
Interested in a career with ATCEMS? Contact our Recruiting team at EMSRecruiting@austintexas.gov or give us a call at 512–974–1098. You can find dates for the hiring process elements here.
Follow us on all social media channels, and don’t forget to fill out a connect profile.
This publication features ATCEMS work culture and the lives of our medics. *Readings from other publications posted to Medium do not necessarily reflect the views or position of Austin-Travis County EMS, the City of Austin, or Travis County*
