Assistant Chief Of Operations Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Department: Ambulance / Emergency Medical Services
Status: Full-Time | 1.0 FTE (40+ hours/week)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To: Director of EMS / Chief Paramedic
Location: Pagosa Springs Medical Center – Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Schedule: Minimum 40 hours/week | Weekends, Holidays & Rotating On-Call Coverage Required

Help lead the future of emergency medical services in southwest Colorado while serving as a senior EMS leader responsible for operational excellence, workforce development, clinical quality, regulatory compliance, and the continued growth of PSMC's EMS program.

Pagosa Springs Medical Center (PSMC) is seeking an experienced Supervisor: EMS Assistant Chief to join our Emergency Medical Services leadership team.

The EMS Assistant Chief serves as a senior leader within the EMS Department and reports directly to the Director of EMS / EMS Chief. Operating within the department's Alternate Duty Chief Model, Assistant Chiefs function as co-equal leaders who share responsibility for administration, operations, personnel management, clinical quality, fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and strategic initiatives.

Working collaboratively with the EMS Chief, Medical Director, Shift Lieutenants, and field personnel, the Assistant Chief helps ensure the safe, efficient, and fiscally responsible delivery of high-quality emergency and non-emergency medical services. This position provides leadership and oversight of field operations, workforce development, quality improvement, fleet and equipment readiness, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and special projects.

Assistant Chiefs participate in a rotating Duty Chief schedule, provide administrative and operational on-call coverage, and may serve as Acting EMS Chief when designated.

• Serve as a senior leader within a progressive rural EMS system
• Help shape the operational and strategic direction of PSMC EMS
• Remain connected to field operations while developing your career in EMS leadership
• Develop and mentor EMS professionals through training, competency development, coaching, and leadership
• Influence clinical quality, patient care, operational readiness, compliance, and department performance
• Participate in strategic planning, budgeting, capital planning, and future EMS initiatives
• Build collaborative relationships with hospital leadership, the Medical Director, public safety agencies, and regional partners
• Make a meaningful impact on emergency medical care throughout Pagosa Springs and the surrounding community

• Provide leadership and oversight of daily EMS field operations
• Help ensure department-wide operational readiness, including personnel qualifications, credentialing, certifications, fleet, equipment, supplies, and regulatory requirements
• Monitor EMS system status and coordinate deployment of personnel and assets with Shift Lieutenants
• Coordinate responses involving 911 operations, interfacility transports, air medical support, search and rescue missions, standby coverage, and partner agency assistance
• Provide logistical and operational support to EMS personnel
• Provide EMS field response at a minimum Paramedic level as needed
• Participate in rotating Duty Chief coverage and provide administrative and operational on-call leadership
• Serve as Acting EMS Chief when designated
• Support special operations, special events, disaster response, and large-scale incidents
• Function effectively within the Incident Command System and established chain of command

• Assist with development, implementation, and oversight of the departmental QA/QI program
• Monitor key performance indicators and departmental quality outcomes
• Analyze operational and clinical performance data
• Provide provider feedback and support performance improvement initiatives
• Work collaboratively with the Medical Director to promote compliance with clinical policies, protocols, and standards of care
• Identify opportunities to improve patient care, operational performance, and service delivery
• Stay informed of advances in EMS patient care, operations, equipment, and services

• Support EMS workforce development, including onboarding, continuing education, field training, competency validation, leadership development, and professional mentorship
• Establish and maintain clear expectations for job performance, training, continuing education, certifications, conduct, and department standards
• Assist with employee evaluations and performance improvement plans
• Participate in coaching, counseling, performance management, and disciplinary processes
• Participate in recruitment, interviewing, selection, onboarding, and retention efforts
• Identify and appropriately address employee performance concerns
• Promote a Just Culture focused on accountability, learning, process improvement, and employee development
• Foster an environment of teamwork, open communication, respect, accountability, and continuous improvement

• Assist with establishing, implementing, and monitoring EMS goals, policies, procedures, and protocols
• Maintain familiarity with and support compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and accrediting requirements
• Help ensure uninterrupted licensure, permitting, certifications, registrations, and regulatory approvals required for EMS operations
• Oversee assigned ambulance service licenses, permits, certifications, renewals, and regulatory documentation
• Monitor regulatory changes and assist with implementing necessary process improvements
• Maintain department readiness through oversight of personnel credentials, fleet readiness, equipment readiness, and compliance activities

• Assist with oversight of departmental ambulance billing, coding, documentation quality, and revenue integrity programs
• Monitor billing, coding, and documentation performance indicators
• Support corrective actions designed to improve compliance, reimbursement accuracy, and documentation quality
• Collaborate with billing personnel, coding specialists, providers, and organizational leadership
• Analyze EMS clinical, quality, operational, and financial performance data to support informed decision-making
• Support compliance with state EMS reporting requirements, NEMSIS standards, quality reporting initiatives, and other applicable data submission requirements

• Participate in departmental strategic planning
• Assist with development and implementation of short- and long-range goals, objectives, and organizational initiatives
• Assist with development, implementation, monitoring, and management of the departmental budget and capital planning process
• Identify operational efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities
• Assist with capital replacement planning
• Prepare reports, charts, and analyses regarding EMS system performance and program effectiveness
• Lead or participate in departmental and organizational committees
• Support the ongoing development, sustainability, and future growth of PSMC EMS services

• Participate in community relations, public education, and outreach activities
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with public safety and partner agencies
• Promote EMS throughout the community and region
• Participate in regional committees and collaborative initiatives
• Represent the department through professional, transparent, and consistent communication

• Current Colorado Paramedic certification required
• Minimum of three (3) years of EMS supervisory or EMS management experience required
• Knowledge of EMS 911 operations, interfacility transfers, and EMS quality programs required
• Familiarity with the local service area required
• Colorado Critical Care Endorsement or RN licensure desired but not required

• Current EMT-P (Paramedic) certification
• Current AHA BLS certification for Healthcare Providers
• Current ACLS certification, or successful completion at the next available course within three (3) months of hire
• Current PALS certification, or successful completion at the next available course within three (3) months of hire
• Appropriate valid Colorado driver's license with an acceptable driving record, or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment
• ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 required within 12 months of hire

• Strong EMS operational and clinical leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead employees and maintain accountability
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Ability to remain calm and professional during unpredictable and high-stress situations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, organizational leadership, providers, partner agencies, vendors, and the public
• Ability to write reports, operational protocols, professional correspondence, and procedural documents
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across the organization
• Computer proficiency with email, documents, spreadsheets, and project management software

The ideal candidate:

• Is an experienced Paramedic with demonstrated EMS supervisory or management experience
• Leads by example and earns the trust and respect of frontline EMS professionals
• Balances operational demands with long-term strategic priorities
• Is passionate about developing employees and strengthening clinical and operational performance
• Establishes clear expectations and holds employees accountable fairly and consistently
• Demonstrates sound judgment and remains calm and decisive during high-stress situations
• Understands the importance of quality improvement, regulatory compliance, operational readiness, and fiscal responsibility
• Embraces innovation and continuous improvement
• Builds strong relationships with employees, physicians, hospital leadership, public safety partners, and community stakeholders
• Communicates openly, professionally, and transparently
• Embodies PSMC's WISER values of Wholeness, Integrity, Stewardship, Excellence, and Respect

This is a full-time, exempt supervisory position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week, including weekends, holidays, and rotating administrative and operational on-call coverage based on department needs.

Because the Assistant Chief remains operationally and clinically active, the position requires the ability to perform the physical demands associated with EMS field operations. This position is classified as Heavy Work and may require lifting or moving 51 to 100 pounds, along with standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and assisting with patients and equipment.

• Base Compensation Range: $69,160.00 - $106,912.00 annual, based on 0-22 years of relevant experience. "Relevant experience" means relevant to the employee's responsibilities set forth in the job description as determined by the HR Manager, CAO, applicable department manager/director and applicable senior leader. 
• Benefits: Benefits include generous paid time off, separate sick leave, health, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability and option for short-term disability, and retirement plan with employer contribution.  
• Job Type: Full-time  
• Anticipated End Date for Posting: September 11, 2026. The deadline may close sooner due to an unanticipated business necessity, such as an incumbent vacating the role earlier than anticipated. You are encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline.  

Pagosa Springs Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, and we will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment health and drug screen and background check. 

Pagosa Springs Medical Center is a Critical Access Hospital serving Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County in southwest Colorado. Our EMS team provides emergency and non-emergency medical services while maintaining a strong commitment to clinical excellence, operational readiness, employee development, and exceptional service to our community.

Located in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, Pagosa Springs offers an unmatched quality of life with world-class hiking, skiing, fishing, mountain biking, rafting, hunting, and the world's deepest geothermal hot springs. At PSMC, you'll join a collaborative team guided by our WISER values: Wholeness, Integrity, Stewardship, Excellence, and Respect, where every team member plays an important role in improving the health of our community.

If you're an experienced Paramedic and EMS leader who is ready to take on a senior leadership role, develop people, strengthen operations, advance clinical quality, and help shape the future of emergency medical ser...