Position Information

NY HELPYes

AgencyHealth, Department of

TitleState EMS Task Force Operations Captain (Health Systems Specialist 1 EMC) (NY HELPS) - Multiple

Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers

Salary Grade18

Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)

Salary RangeFrom $66951 to $85138 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Contingent Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class

Travel Percentage 20%

Schedule

Workweek Variable

Hours Per Week 40

Workday

From 7 AM

To 7 AM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? Yes

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

Location

County To Be Determined

Street Address Division of State Emergency Medical Services

TBD

City TBD

StateNY

Zip Code12206

Job Specifics

Duties Description The EMS Task Force Operations Zone Captain serves as the on-duty supervisor and field commander for all EMS Task Force resources within an assigned geographic zone. Working under the direction of the Zone Chief, the Zone Captain provides operational leadership, supervision, and tactical coordination of Paramedic Response Units and other Task Force assets during routine operations, special events, and emergency activations. The position ensures personnel, vehicles, and equipment remain in a constant state of readiness, and that all field operations are carried out safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established standards. As the on-duty supervisory authority, the Zone Captain coordinates directly with local EMS agencies, emergency management officials, public safety partners, and health care facilities.

The Zone Captain also functions as the on-scene Task Force Leader during activations and deployments, maintaining accountability and operational control of assigned personnel and resources to ensure mission objectives are met. The position requires continuous application of operational judgment, clinical understanding, and incident management principles in fast-paced, high-risk environments. The incumbent makes independent decisions affecting responder safety, patient outcomes, and mission success, and must coordinate actions across multiple jurisdictions where errors in judgment could significantly impact public safety and emergency response effectiveness.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS AND ASSOCIATED DUTIES
Zone Operations and Resource Management: Supervises all EMS Task Force personnel and assets on duty within the assigned zone; oversees daily operations, shift briefings, readiness checks, and field supervision; ensures vehicles, equipment, and supplies maintain full operational capability; positions resources to support rapid deployment during incidents.

Incident Response and Tactical Coordination: Directs the deployment and on-scene operations of Task Force units during emergencies, disasters, and planned events; serves as the on-duty Task Force Leader, ensuring crew safety and alignment with incident objectives; coordinates with public safety partners and SMOCC; provides real-time situational assessments and operational updates.

Policy Implementation and Compliance: Enforces operational directives, safety protocols, and readiness standards; monitors performance and identifies opportunities for improvement; supports the development and implementation of operational policies, procedures, and corrective actions.

Training and Professional Development: Conducts and participates in drills, exercises, and field training programs; mentors personnel assigned to Paramedic Response Units and Special Operations Units; supports training on ICS, responder safety, and operational readiness.

Administration and Reporting: Maintains operational logs, deployment records, and after-action documentation; prepares shift reports and summaries for the Zone Chief; represents the EMS Task Force at zone-level meetings, briefings, and outreach events to strengthen coordination with partners.

Minimum Qualifications Non-Competitive Candidates: New York State DOH Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMTB), or Advanced EMT – Intermediate (AEMT-I) certification AND four years of administrative experience in an EMS program including work as a professional EMS planner; county or regional emergency medical administrator/coordinator, administrator or officer position with an ambulance squad, or EMS educator or trainer.

Substitution: EMS experience in an ambulance service, or advanced life support first response service, may be credited on a month-to-month basis for up to two years of the required experience. College study may be substituted for up to 2 years of the required experience at the rate of 30 credit hours for 1 year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Certifications / Licenses: New York State Department of Health Paramedic Certification; FEMA ICS/NIMS Courses: ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400, IS-700, IS-703, IS-800; National Fire Academy EMS Incident Operations (R0147); OSHA 29 CFR 1910 training for Respiratory Protection, Hazardous Materials Awareness, and Bloodborne Pathogens; Certified Instructor Coordinator (CIC) or Certified Lab Instructor (CLI) preferred.

Experience: Minimum four (4) years of progressive experience in EMS, emergency management, or public health emergency response; At least two (2) years in a supervisory or leadership capacity overseeing EMS operations or special response teams; Experience in multi-agency coordination during large-scale events or disasters.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities: Strong knowledge of EMS operations, deployment strategies, and incident command principles; Proven ability to lead and supervise operational teams in high-stress environments; Skilled in situational analysis, problem-solving, and critical decision-making; Effective communicator able to engage diverse stakeholders and agencies; Competence in training facilitation, performance evaluation, and after-action review.

Additional Comments Health Emergency Management Statement: All Division of State Emergency Medical Services staff are expected to participate in emergency management activities as part of their roles. While not all positions require regular deployment to disaster sites, all employees may be subject to 24/7 recall for emergency operations. This may involve irregular work hours, duties outside of the official position description, and assignments at locations other than the designated duty station. Travel in support of emergency operations may be extensive (lasting from days to weeks), with little advance notice, and may involve relocation to sites with physically demanding and challenging operational conditions.

This position is part of the NYS HELPS program. No examination is required.

This position may require travel throughout New York State including overnights to areas not served by public transportation.

We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...

The NYS Department of Health is committed to making New York a safer, healthier, and more equitable place to live. Understanding health equity, social determinants of health and health disparities is critical to accomplish our goal of eliminating health disparities. For more information on the NYS Department of Health’s Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan, please visit: https://health.ny.gov/commissioner/index.htm

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact by phone 518-486-1812 or email doh.sm.reasonable.accommodation@health.ny.gov to make a request.

NYS Department of Health does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications.

For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

How to Apply

Name Human Resource Management Group

Telephone 518-486-1812

Fax 518-473-3395

Email Address resume@health.ny.gov

Address

Street RM 2217, Corning Tower Building, ESP

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12237

 

Notes on ApplyingPlease submit your resume and cover letter through the online portal using the link below:

https://apps.health.ny.gov/pubpal/builder/survey/EMS066.2511

Alternatively, resumes and cover letters may also be submitted by:
Mail to: Human Resources Management Group, PC/HSS1(EMC)/TFO, Rm 2217, Corning Tower Building, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237-0012
Fax to: (518)473-3395