Commander, Paramedic Services

Located in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, Norfolk County is where big vision meets unlimited potential.

As one of Ontario’s largest single-tier municipalities and home to over 70,000 people, Norfolk is bold, diverse, and proudly local - a municipality that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and connection. Here, you’ll find endless opportunities to grow your skills, expand your ideas, and shape your career.

As a Commander, Paramedic Services , you will provide strategic and operational leadership across paramedic services, ensuring safe, high‑quality emergency response and system performance. You’ll guide teams, oversee programs and resources, and drive continuous improvement while coordinating with leadership and partners to support effective, compliant, and responsive community care.

Big vision. Real opportunities. Unlimited potential. That’s Norfolk.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Commander provides leadership, oversight and accountability of assigned operational, program, and support service areas within Norfolk County Paramedic Services. The role ensures safe, effective, and reliable service delivery and is accountable for performance, compliance, and resource management while leading planning, system improvement, and alignment with organizational priorities.

Strategy and Planning

• Contribute to the development and implementation of short, medium, and long-term service plans, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and evolving community needs
• Provide operational insight and recommendations to Deputy Chiefs to inform system design, performance improvement, and organizational strategy
• Lead and support the design, development, and implementation of new programs, initiatives, and service models to address emerging demands and future service requirements
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery, operational efficiency, and system performance
• Lead organizational change initiatives, ensuring effective planning, communication, and implementation across assigned areas

Service Delivery and Operations

• Provide leadership and oversight of paramedic service delivery, ensuring safe, effective, and reliable emergency response across the system
• Direct deployment, utilization, and readiness of staff, fleet, and equipment in alignment with approved deployment plans and service requirements
• Monitor service demand, system pressures, and response performance, recommending and implementing operational adjustments to maintain service continuity
• Participate in emergency preparedness, special event planning, contingency planning, and disaster response activities, including multi-agency coordination and Emergency Operations Centre activations
• Participate in on-call rotations and respond to emergency incidents, assuming command roles and supporting complex or large-scale events
• Act on behalf of the Deputy Chief as assigned, providing continuity of leadership, decision-making, and operational oversight

Program and Service Area Management

• Oversee assigned programs and functional areas, including education, Community Paramedicine, quality assurance, logistics, and operational support services
• Ensure programs are delivered in alignment with legislative requirements, organizational priorities, and service standards
• Monitor program performance, identify gaps, and implement improvements
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies, procedures, education material and operational guidelines
• Oversee the planning, development, and delivery of education and training programs to ensure staff maintain required competencies and certifications
• Identify learning needs and knowledge gaps based on performance trends, clinical requirements, and changes in legislation or standards, and ensure appropriate training responses are developed and implemented
• Support the development, review, and continuous improvement of curriculum, training materials, and educational programs in alignment with service and regulatory expectations

People Leadership and Labour Relations

• Lead, mentor, and support Superintendents in the supervision, performance management, and development of paramedic staff
• Ensure consistent and equitable application of collective agreements, policies, and procedures
• Manage performance, attendance, conduct, and workforce-related matters, including investigations, return to work, accommodation, and workforce planning, in collaboration with Human Resources
• Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, continuous learning, and employee wellbeing
• Support certification processes, peer support programs, and staff engagement initiatives

Quality, Performance and Compliance

• Monitor and evaluate operational, clinical, and program performance through data analysis, reporting, and quality assurance processes and drive informed decision making
• Lead and support quality improvement initiatives, including auditing and program evaluation
• Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, standards, policies, and accreditation requirements
• Oversee incident reviews, investigations, and service concerns, ensuring timely and appropriate resolution
• Manage escalated concerns and complex, sensitive, or high-risk issues, ensuring appropriate coordination, documentation, and response
• Conduct analysis and reporting to support evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement
• Prepare and present reports, briefing materials, and performance updates to Deputy Chiefs, and contribute to corporate and Council reporting as required
• Ensure confidentiality, privacy, and secure handling of information in accordance with MFIPPA, PHIPA, and related legislation
• Lead or support provincial service reviews, inspections, and audits, including implementation of recommendations

Resources, Logistics and Infrastructure 

• Oversee fleet, equipment, facilities, and supply management through established systems and supervisory staff
• Maintain oversight of assets within assigned areas, including lifecycle planning, replacement strategies, and long-term sustainability
• Ensure effective inventory control, purchasing, and preventive maintenance processes are in place
• Recommend, monitor, and report on budgets within assigned areas, ensuring expenditures are controlled and aligned with approved funding and service priorities
• Monitor resource utilization and ensure fiscal responsibility
• Lead procurement processes, including specification development, participation in RFP/RFQ processes, vendor evaluation, and contract administration
• Ensure effective supply chain and distribution processes are in place to support operational readiness

Stakeholder and System Coordination

• Maintain effective working relationships with municipal leadership, Council, provincial ministries, Base Hospitals, dispatch, hospitals, emergency services, and community partners
• Act as a liaison between operational staff, leadership, corporate services, and external partners
• Represent the service on committees, working groups, and interagency initiatives as required
• Ensure coordination and integration of programs and services across operational, program, and corporate functions to optimize patient outcomes, system integration, and service effectiveness

Other Duties

• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with legislation and organizational policies
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Knowledge and Experience:

• Must be qualified to work as a paramedic and meet all requirements of the Ambulance Act of Ontario.
• Current base hospital certification as a Primary Care Paramedic or above
• Minimum of five (5) years of paramedic field experience, involving technical use of emergency vehicles and equipment, administering therapeutic care to patients, and experience in Community Paramedicine
• Minimum two (2) years of management or leadership experience working in a unionized environment, within a complex paramedic, healthcare, or emergency services environment, with accountability for operations, community programs, service quality, logistics and support systems
• Continuing education in business/health administration, adult education, or Emergency Management would be considered an asset
• Must possess and maintain a valid Province of Ontario Class “F” driver’s license and comply with the driving record requirements outlined in the Ambulance Act throughout employment. Access to a reliable vehicle including the ability to provide a drivers abstract when requested during the recruitment process
• Willingness to attain Health and Safety Certification and Incident Management System (IMS-200) Certification
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check

Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of high-performing paramedic service systems, including deployment models, system status management, resource allocation, and emergency response requirements within a municipal paramedic service environment
• Thorough understanding of applicable legislation, standards, and regulatory requirements governing paramedic services in Ontario, including the Ambulance Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Employment Standards Act, Highway Traffic Act, Coroner’s Act and associated regulations
• Proven experience leading, mentoring, managing and supporting a unionized workforce, including interpretation and application of collective agreements, as well as managing investigations, discipline, conflict resolution, and grievance processes
• Intermediate analytical and problem-solving capability, including the ability to assess operational and program data, identify trends, evaluate risk, and recommend and implement effective system-level improvements
• Ability to lead and support quality improvement initiatives, including auditing, performance monitoring, program evaluation, and implementation of corrective actions across clinical, operational, and program areas
• Ability to provide strong, visible leadership in a complex, high-demand, and highly regulated service environment, setting expectations, driving accountability, and maintaining performance under pressure
• Sound judgement and decision-making ability in dynamic and time-sensitive environments, including emergency response, incident command, and system disruption scenarios
• Highly developed interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish trust, credibility, and collaboration across all levels of the organization and with external partners, including the preparation of reports and briefings for department and council
• Strong organizational and management skills, including the ability to oversee multiple concurrent priorities, programs, and service areas, ensuring coordination, follow-through, and delivery of results
• Demonstrated ability to foster innovation and lead change initiatives that improve service delivery, organizational effectiveness, and system outcomes
• Demonstrated experience in resource and program management, including purchasing, inventory control, fleet readiness, and preventive maintenance coordination
• Knowledge of corporate processes and administrative functions, including purchasing, reporting, policy development, and program administration within a municipal environment
• Knowledge of occupational health, safety, and wellness programs, with the ability to ensure compliance and promote a safe and healthy work environment
• Commitment to professionalism, service excellence, continuous improvement, and alignment with organizational values
• Computer expertise in corporate standard software (Microsoft Office) and department-specific systems, including electronic patient care reporting, scheduling systems, and data analysis tools
• Must be aware of safe work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment, with a solid understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Benefits

Posting #: 18.26

Position: Commander, Paramedic Services

Position Code: 3EMSHS

Status: Permanent Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employee Group: Non-Union

Wage: $92,440 - $120,173 per annum

Hours Worked per Week: 40

Division: Emergency and Social Service

Department: Paramedic Services

Reports to: Deputy Chief, Paramedic Services

Location: (primarily in-office, with a combination of site work and potential flexible work arrangements based on operational requirements of the role)

Posting Period: June 5, 2026 to June 15, 2026

How to Apply:

• Ensure the file extension for your resume document is .doc, .docx or .pdf
• If you are electing to include a cover letter, the cover letter and resume must be uploaded as 1 file.
• Find out more information about Norfolk County here: Employment at Norfolk County - NorfolkCounty.ca

The Corporation of Norfolk County is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

The Corporation of Norfolk County does not use Artificial Intelligence for the purpose of screening, assessing, or the selection of candidates.

Successful applicants are required to provide the Employer with a current Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector where required and verification of education.

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those to be interviewed will be contacted.