Careers

Experience that builds you.

District paramedicine offers a different kind of experience. Call volumes may be lower than in a busy urban service, but the experience can run deeper. You may spend more time with your patient, travel greater distances and respond to acute situations where additional resources aren't always close at hand.

From highway trauma and remote response to longer patient transports, you'll have opportunities to use your training, think critically and adapt to the situation in front of you.

For a newer paramedic, that can mean building confidence, judgement and resourcefulness through experience.

For an experienced paramedic, it can mean practicing in an environment that challenges you in different ways.

Equipped for the work.

Real responsibility requires the right tools. SNEMS continues to invest in the equipment and technology paramedics use every day, including power stretchers and power-load systems across the fleet, LUCAS chest compression devices, mCAD live call information and GPS navigation.

SNEMS also regularly evaluates emerging pre-hospital equipment and technology - helping paramedics stay equipped for the realities of the work.

Meaningful work. Strong Connections.

Most people choose paramedicine because they want to help people. At SNEMS, that purpose is never far from the work. 

SNEMS provides paramedic care across urban, rural and remote communities throughout Thunder Bay and the surrounding District. As a District Paramedic, you'll care for people where they live, work and travel - often in smaller communities where paramedics are an important part of the local healthcare response. The responsibility is real, and so is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. 

You'll also become part of a close-knit paramedic community. Working alongside colleagues who understand the demands of the profession creates strong connections, shared trust and the kind of camaraderie that matters when you're relying on one another on and off the call. 

And when a difficult call stays with you, support is available. In addition to SNEMS' in-house Peer Support & Wellness Coordinator, paramedics have direct access to professional psychological support through NWO Psychology. Psychologists are on standby and readily accessible when additional support is needed - whether initiated by the service or requested directly by the paramedic. We provide ongoing, client-centred care for as long as it's needed and paid for by SNEMS.

We welcome applications from:

• Recent paramedic program graduates
• Licensed Primary Care Paramedics (PCPs)
• Licensed Advance Care Paramedics (ACPs)

More opportunity than you might expect.

For more than 20 years, District Paramedics have been part of SNEMS' established staffing model, providing coverage for full-time vacancies, vacation, leaves and other operational needs across the district. While hours vary based on service requirements, District Paramedics currently work an average of 84 hours every two weeks - equivalent to seven 12-hour shifts - with opportunities to work overtime at time and a half.

Twelve-hour shifts are used across the district, with some locations operating different rotations, creating flexibility in how and where you choose to build your life. 

You don't necessarily have to relocate to explore a District opportunity.

For paramedics who live outside the community where they're scheduled to work, crew housing is available while working or on call where applicable. That can make it possible to travel in for your scheduled work block without having to arrange separate accommodation each time.

Eligible new District hires can also receive up to $8,000 through the current District recruitment incentive after completing the required service hours.

And while full-time progression isn't guaranteed, recent hires have successfully competed for full-time opportunities as positions became available. District experience can give you the opportunity to build your skills, get to know SNEMS and position yourself for future opportunities within the service.

Explore Current Paramedic Opportunities 

Where Could You Work?

SNEMS provides District paramedic services across communities throughout Northwestern Ontario, including Armstrong, Shuniah, Conmee, Upsala, Longlac, Nakina, Geraldton, Red Rock, Nipigon, Terrace Bay, Schreiber, Marathon and Manitouwadge. 

Each community offers a difference experience, but wherever you're scheduled, you'll be part of  the team providing essential paramedic care across the District. 

What you Can Expect

Your employment experience is about more than the work itself. SNEMS offers competitive compensation and a range of programs, resources and benefits designed to support your career, well-being and life beyond the shift.

Compensation & Employment

• Competitive salary
• 14% in lieu of benefits following probation
• Vacation pay and paid holidays
• Pension plan participation
• Uniform allowance
• Free parking
• Crew housing while working and on call, where applicable
• Up to $8,000 through current District recruitment incentive for eligible new hires

Learning & Career Development

• Tuition reimbursement program
• Corporate training and leadership development
• Opportunities to explore areas including Community Paramedicine, Advanced Care Paramedicine, education, logistics and management
• Experience across urban, rural and remote practice environments

Health & Well-being

• Physical fitness/gym membership subsidy
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Employee wellness initiatives and peer supports
• In-house Peer Support & Wellness Coordinator
• Direct access to NWO Psychology, with professional psychologists on standby and ongoing support based on individual need, fully paid for by SNEMS

More from where you work - and live.

Maybe you're interested in travelling in for your scheduled work blocks. Maybe you're ready for a move. Either way, Northwestern Ontario offers a different way to experience both your career and your life outside of work.

For those considering relocation, smaller Northern communities can offer more space, less congestion and, depending on the community, a lower cost of living than many larger urban centres.

And the outdoors isn't something you have to escape the city to find. Lakes, trails, forests and four-season recreation are part of everyday life here - whether your idea of time off is being on the water, hiking, camping, snowmobiling, skiing or simply having more room to breathe.

Each District community is different, with its own geography, amenities and housing market. What they share is a distinctly Northern way of life and the opportunity to get to know the communities and people you serve.

Trained outside Ontario?

If you completed your paramedic training outside Ontario and are interested in opportunities with SNEMS, visit  the Ontario Ministry of Health for more information on the Ontario Paramedic Equivalency Process.