Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I get my Tennessee license? 

• Where do I apply for jobs with your Service?

• What is required in order to apply for a position with Hamilton County E.M.S.?

• What is involved in obtaining a position with your service?

• What is the starting pay for your Service?

• Why would I want to consider employment with your Service?

How do I get my Tennessee license? 

You may call the Tennessee Department of Health / Division of E.M.S. at (615) 741-2584 or go to their web site at http://www2.state.tn.us/health/ems.  They will be able to inform you of all of our requirements.

Where do I apply for jobs with your Service?

You may either access through the link in the employment section of this site, or visit the Hamilton County Personnel Department, 111 E. 7^th St., Chattanooga, TN. 37403, or call Personnel at (423)209-6120. You may also go to the Hamilton County Government website at http://www.hamiltontn.gov

What is required in order to apply for a position with Hamilton County E.M.S.?

All applicants must have a current Tennessee driver's license Class D, Endorsement F or equivalent from other states. All applicants must also have current certification in CPR and a state recognized emergency vehicle operator course within the last 2 years. EMT's must have a current Tennessee EMT-IV license, and have at least 1 year of experience in an emergency environment. Paramedics must have a current Tennessee license, current certifications in I.T.L.S. and A.C.L.S., and at least 2 years experience in an emergency environment.

What is involved in obtaining a position with your service?

We periodically advertise for positions as openings become available.  An applicant must meet all requirements for employment with Hamilton County before the application is passed on to our office.  We screen all applications for completion of process and all pertinent requirements before calling applicants in for a pre-employment (PE) test.  The PE test consists of a written test, practical and an ability test. After successfully completing the PE test, the applicant will be notified of the interview date. The interview board, consisting of employees and supervisors, asks each individual applicant a set list of questions and presents several situational events for solutions.  Each applicant is graded, based on accuracy, and then a score is tallied consisting of several factor, such as education, presentation, appearance, experience, and overall assessment.  The list of applicants is ranked and presented to administration for selection.  Those selected must undergo an orientation period of several weeks before being assigned to a team. They tare then evaluated for 6 months before they leave their probationary stage.

What is the starting pay for your Service?

EMT’s begin at an annual salary of @ $29,898.91 per year.  This includes 2.080 hour of straight time and 840 hours of overtime.  Paramedics begin at @ $40,213.81 per year, including the same breakdown of hours.  Employees are entitled to raises annually after completion of their probationary period.  Salaries undergo periodical re-evaluations and are compared to comparable market values.

Why would I want to consider employment with your Service?

We consider ourselves as a cutting-edge service.  Our protocols are constantly improving as medical care changes.  The equipment used by our crews is state-of-the-art.  The stations are top notch, comparable to up-scale housing.  Each employee here is the most important one we have.  The Service is run by the employees, with each one capable and qualified to rise through the ranks to the top position.  Our customers, both internal and external, are the reason we exist.  We hire each employee with the knowledge that they will one day be in charge.  We never look back at where we were or at those following us.  We only look forward to where we need to be.  Don’t you want to be there with us?