EMS SHIFT LEADER GRADE 3 TO 6 (RURAL) (X4 POSTS)

This position offers an opportunity for experienced emergency care professionals to step into a leadership role within the Western Cape’s rural Emergency Medical Services. The successful candidates will be appointed as EMS Shift Leaders, with four posts available across the Garden Route District at Uniondale, the Overberg District at Barrydale, the West Coast District at Vredendal, and the Central Karoo at Beaufort West. The role sits within the Emergency and Clinical Support Services directorate and is graded from Level 3 to Level 6, depending on the applicant’s qualification and registration category. This is a shift-based operational leadership position, requiring a blend of clinical expertise, supervisory skill, and administrative diligence in a rural setting.

Applicants must meet the educational and registration requirements for the specific grade they are applying for. For Grade 3, a successful completion of the Intermediate Life Support course, allowing registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as an Ambulance Emergency Assistant, is required. Grade 4 requires the Emergency Care Technician qualification and registration as an ECT. Grade 5 calls for the Critical Care Assistant course or a National Diploma, with registration as a Paramedic. Grade 6 demands a B-Tech degree and registration as an Emergency Care Practitioner. In all cases, candidates must have at least three years of experience within their current HPCSA registration category. Additional inherent requirements include a valid Code C1 driver’s licence and a current Professional Driver’s Permit. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate excellent knowledge of emergency care protocols at all levels, strong communication and interpersonal skills, computer literacy in MS Office, and solid report-writing abilities.

The core duties of the EMS Shift Leader revolve around ensuring effective pre-hospital emergency medical care and rapid response to incidents. The role also involves supervising and maintaining emergency vehicles and equipment in line with financial and fleet directives. Shift leaders are responsible for compiling accurate reports on accidents, incidents, loss and theft control, and safety matters. They must maintain clear and effective communication with patients, colleagues, other emergency services, and the public. A significant part of the job is managing rostered shifts and personnel according to People Management policies and practices, as well as providing administrative support to the Supervisor when required. This is a demanding role that requires both clinical competence and the ability to lead a team under pressure in often remote and resource-constrained environments.

These are permanent posts within the provincial government’s emergency services structure, and no payment of any kind is required when applying. Interested candidates should note that the positions are based in rural districts, which brings unique challenges and rewards, including the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in underserved communities. The selection process will consider the applicant’s registration category, experience, and suitability for shift leadership. Candidates are encouraged to ensure their applications clearly reflect their qualifications, HPCSA registration, and relevant experience. This is an excellent career step for AEA, ECT, Paramedic, or ECP professionals seeking to move into a supervisory role while remaining actively involved in frontline emergency care.