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Chief / Director Emergency Medical Services - Job Opportunity at Niagara Region

Niagara, Canada
Full-time
Executive
Posted: July 29, 2025
On-site
CAD $180,000 - $220,000 annually, based on the executive level nature of this role overseeing 250+ staff, multi-million dollar budgets, and serving a population of 475,000+. This estimate reflects compensation for similar regional EMS director positions in Ontario, considering the comprehensive scope including emergency management, 911 operations, and strategic planning responsibilities.

Benefits

Comprehensive Employee and Family Assistance Program providing mental health and wellness support beyond industry standards
Defined benefit pension plan offering guaranteed retirement income security
Corporate wellness centre providing on-site fitness and health services
Competitive salary package with performance-based advancement opportunities
Professional development through mentorship and training programs
Employee recognition programs fostering career advancement
Comprehensive health benefits package for employees and families

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic transformation of Emergency Medical Services across a 475,000+ population region, overseeing paramedic services, communications, emergency management, 911 PSAP, and CBRN/Hazmat response operations
Drive innovation in Mobile Integrated Health service delivery models, positioning the organization as a leader in next-generation emergency medical care
Develop and execute multi-year strategic business plans with measurable performance outcomes, directly impacting community health and safety metrics
Build and maintain critical partnerships with hospitals, police, fire services, and provincial ministries to enhance integrated emergency response capabilities
Manage multi-million dollar operating and capital budgets while securing provincial grants and identifying new funding sources for service expansion
Lead organizational transformation initiatives including workforce planning, succession planning, and cultural development for 250+ staff members
Establish regulatory compliance frameworks ensuring adherence to provincial legislation including Ambulance Act, Emergency Management Act, and Municipal Act requirements
Represent the region on provincial, national, and international emergency services bodies, influencing policy development and best practices
Direct emergency preparedness planning for natural disasters, terrorism, civil unrest, and pandemic response across 12 local municipalities

Requirements

Education

Post-secondary degree in Business, Public Administration, or in a health sciences field. Master degree in Business or Public Administration, or in a health sciences field is preferred.

Experience

A minimum of 7-10 years' experience in a senior leadership position in a larger sized emergency medical service (e.g. 250+ staff). A minimum 5 years' experience in an integrated EMS system including ambulance communications (dispatch) within an MPDS environment is strongly preferred

Required Skills

Direct experience in the delivery of Emergency Medical Services Applied understanding of Mobile Integrated Health as a model of service delivery Demonstrated knowledge of Province of Ontario Ambulance System as well as Canadian and International emergency health service systems Knowledge of the health care system in Niagara Region Knowledge of the relevant Acts and Regulations that govern this role's responsibilities (Ambulance Act, Highway Traffic Act, Emergency Management Act, Municipal Act etc.) Experience in innovation and advancement of system design, service, and performance beyond baseline standards and practices

Certifications

Valid driver's license for the class of the vehicle operated Criminal Records Check and Canadian Police Clearance Influenza vaccination (preferred)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Emergency Medical Services are experiencing significant transformation through Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) programs, which expand paramedic roles beyond traditional emergency response to include community health, mental health support, and preventive care services. This trend is driven by healthcare system pressures and the need for more cost-effective community-based care models. Integration of advanced dispatch technologies and Emergency Communication Nurses is reshaping EMS operations, with agencies investing in sophisticated communication centers that can provide pre-arrival medical guidance and better resource allocation. This technological evolution requires leaders who understand both traditional EMS operations and modern healthcare informatics. Climate change and increasing frequency of natural disasters are driving expanded emergency management responsibilities for EMS leaders, requiring expertise in multi-hazard planning, community resilience, and coordination with multiple agencies. The COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasized the need for EMS leaders who can manage complex emergency preparedness scenarios. Regionalization and consolidation of emergency services continues across Canada, with larger regional authorities taking over municipal services to achieve economies of scale and improved service delivery. This trend creates opportunities for senior executives who can manage large, complex operations serving diverse urban and rural populations.

Role Significance

The position oversees 250+ direct and indirect staff across multiple divisions including paramedics, communications specialists, emergency management coordinators, and administrative personnel. The role involves managing a complex organizational structure with multiple reporting lines, union relationships, and specialized teams including bicycle medics, tactical response units, and mobile integrated health teams.
This is a C-suite equivalent executive position reporting directly to the Commissioner, with full strategic and operational accountability for emergency services across a significant regional population. The role carries the authority and responsibility typically associated with chief executive positions in healthcare organizations, including budget authority, policy development, and representation at provincial and national levels.

Key Projects

Implementation and expansion of Mobile Integrated Health programs to address community health needs and reduce hospital emergency department volumes Development of integrated emergency services delivery models that coordinate EMS, fire, and police services for improved efficiency and response times Capital planning and facility development for EMS stations, communication centers, and specialized equipment to serve growing regional population Emergency preparedness planning for major events including natural disasters, mass casualty incidents, and public health emergencies Technology modernization projects including dispatch systems, electronic patient care records, and communication infrastructure upgrades

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale organizational transformation while maintaining operational excellence in life-safety services where performance directly impacts patient outcomes and community safety Strong political acumen and stakeholder management skills essential for working with 12 municipal partners, provincial ministries, hospitals, and other emergency services in a complex multi-jurisdictional environment Financial management expertise capable of optimizing multi-million dollar budgets while identifying new funding sources and managing provincial grant requirements in an environment of increasing service demands and fiscal constraints Vision for healthcare innovation particularly in Mobile Integrated Health and community paramedicine, with ability to translate strategic concepts into operational programs that improve patient care and system efficiency Crisis leadership capabilities essential for directing emergency response operations and maintaining service continuity during major incidents, natural disasters, and public health emergencies

Market Demand

High demand exists for experienced EMS executives who can navigate the complex intersection of healthcare transformation, emergency preparedness, and public administration. The specific combination of clinical EMS knowledge, executive leadership experience, and regulatory expertise required for this role creates a limited candidate pool, particularly for positions requiring bilingual capabilities and experience with integrated health systems.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Strategic leadership and organizational transformation capabilities are essential given the rapidly evolving nature of emergency medical services and the need to integrate new service delivery models while maintaining operational excellence Financial management and grant writing expertise critical for maximizing limited public resources while identifying new funding sources for service expansion and innovation in an environment of growing service demands Regulatory knowledge and compliance management essential for navigating complex provincial legislation and maintaining service standards while implementing innovative programs that may challenge traditional regulatory frameworks Stakeholder engagement and political acumen crucial for success in multi-jurisdictional environment requiring collaboration with municipal partners, provincial agencies, hospitals, and other emergency services

Beneficial Skills

Clinical background in emergency medicine or paramedicine valuable for credibility with front-line staff and understanding of patient care implications of operational decisions Experience with accreditation processes and quality improvement methodologies beneficial for maintaining organizational excellence and implementing evidence-based practices Bilingual capabilities (English/French) advantageous given regional demographics and potential for collaboration with Quebec emergency services organizations International emergency services experience valuable for bringing global best practices to Canadian context and representing the organization in international forums

Unique Aspects

This role uniquely combines traditional EMS leadership with emergency management, 911 operations, and CBRN/Hazmat response, creating broader executive responsibility than typical EMS director positions
The organization's commitment to Mobile Integrated Health innovation provides opportunities to lead cutting-edge programs in community paramedicine, mental health response, and integrated healthcare delivery
Location in one of Canada's premier tourism regions creates distinctive operational challenges including mass gathering events, international visitor services, and seasonal population fluctuations
The role includes responsibility for coordinating emergency services across 12 municipalities, requiring sophisticated intergovernmental relations and political management skills
Access to extensive professional development opportunities through provincial, national, and international emergency services organizations and research partnerships

Career Growth

Career progression to provincial or national leadership roles typically occurs within 5-7 years for successful regional executives, while transition to healthcare CEO roles may happen within 3-5 years depending on organizational opportunities and additional healthcare experience gained in the current role.

Potential Next Roles

Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner roles in larger regional health authorities or provincial emergency services organizations Provincial or federal executive positions in emergency management, public health, or healthcare policy development Chief Executive Officer positions with large healthcare organizations, particularly those focused on community health and integrated service delivery Senior consulting roles with healthcare consulting firms specializing in emergency services, healthcare transformation, or public sector management

Company Overview

Niagara Region

Niagara Region operates as a upper-tier municipal government serving over 475,000 residents across 12 local municipalities, delivering essential services including emergency medical services, public health, waste management, and regional planning. The organization represents one of Ontario's most significant regional authorities, with substantial economic impact from tourism (14 million annual visitors), agriculture, and the wine industry.

As a major regional government in Ontario, Niagara Region holds significant influence in provincial policy development and serves as a model for other regional authorities. The organization's emergency services division is recognized for innovation in Mobile Integrated Health programs and maintains accreditation as a Dispatch Centre of Excellence, positioning it among leading EMS organizations in Canada.
The organization's strategic location between Lakes Erie and Ontario, proximity to major US markets, and role as an international tourism destination creates unique operational challenges and opportunities. The region's diverse geography spanning urban centers, rural communities, and major tourist attractions requires sophisticated emergency services planning and resource deployment strategies.
Niagara Region demonstrates strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with comprehensive policies supporting workforce development and employee engagement. The organization's emphasis on innovation, evidence-based practice, and community partnership creates an environment that attracts healthcare leaders seeking to advance emergency services practice while making meaningful community impact.
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