The Inside Scoop: Hiring Process Details and Pre-Application Tips

Looking for the career of a lifetime? You’re in the right place! Read through the information below to get a better understanding of what is required in order to apply with our agency. Be sure to also visit our website to learn more about ATCEMS and what it’s like working and living in Austin!

*All entry-level positions in the field practice at the BLS level. If you are a Paramedic, testing for Clinical Specialist (Provider Level 5) is possible as soon as you are cleared to independent duty by the Medical Director AND a promotional exam is open (Medics are cleared for duty 4–6 months following graduation).* Additionally, paramedics can complete an assessment to practice at a Provider Level 4 prior to promotion.

Minimum Qualifications for ALL sworn EMS positions:

All applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to apply for any EMS sworn position(s):

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must read, write, and speak English
• Must be a U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalized) or eligible to work in the United States
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must possess a High School Diploma or GED

Additional Minimum Qualifications

For those applying to become Field Medics:
At least one of the following:

• One year of full-time (part-time or volunteer experience is counted as ½ time, so at least 2 years would be required) clinical experience as an Emergency Medical Technician — Basic (EMT-B), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), or Emergency Medical Technician — Paramedic (EMT-P), including Pre-Hospital, Emergency Room, or First Responder, OR
• Two (2) years of active (honorable) U.S. military service with any certification (EMT-B, AEMT, EMT-P), OR
• Certification of an Emergency Medical Technician — Paramedic or Licensed Paramedic, OR
• Be a recommended member of the Austin-Travis County EMS Explorers Post with any certification (EMT-B, AEMT, EMT-P)

For those applying to become Communications Medics:

• Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician — Basic (EMT-B) or higher AND
• American Heart Association CPR certification

Things to Know Before You Apply:

There are a number of reasons an applicant might be disqualified throughout the hiring process, beginning with not filling out your application correctly and entirely. We advise open/honest answers to all qualifying questions and employment applications. Keep in mind:

• You will need to provide up to 10 years of employment history (if applicable) — This includes all full-time, part-time, volunteer, and military experience.

Employment history must include:

• Dates — Month and year only
• Reason for leaving (if you did not leave on good terms, detailed information is required)
• If you have employment gaps of more than 6 months, a detailed explanation is required

Employment verification and professional reference checks will be conducted to confirm information received.

Required Documents:

• A copy of your State EMT — B or higher Certification and/or License (preferred), AND/OR
• National Registry (NR) EMT — B or higher Certification and/or License accepted at the time of application
  If offered employment, a state certification will be required, AND/OR
• If you are Out-of-State, your current state certification will be accepted at the time of application
  If offered employment, Texas State reciprocity will be required (the State of Texas requires National Registry and your current state certification), AND
• A copy of your certified driving record for up to 10 years (if applicable) This includes ALL states where a driver’s license has ever been held. If you are a Texas resident, you must submit a Type-AR Abstract complete driving record.
• DD214 Member-4 (for Military applicants ONLY)
  Required regardless of the length of service

Your application is not complete until all required documents have been uploaded.

Contact our Recruiting team at EMSRecruiting@austintexas.gov or give us a call at 512–974–1098 with questions. 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*

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974–3210 or TTY (512) 974–2445.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. ADA Office: (512) 974–3256 TDD (512) 974–3303.