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Entry Level Search Rescue Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Humboldt County, CA

Deputy Sheriff I

Eureka, CA · On-site

$28.19 - $36.17/hr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Deputy Sheriff I is the entry level class of this peace officer ... Search and Rescue. * Retrieves, identifies and returns found property and/or evidence to owners.

County of Humboldt

Deputy Sheriff I

Eureka, CA · On-site

$28.19 - $36.17/hr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Deputy Sheriff I is the entry level class of this peace officer ... Search and Rescue. Retrieves, identifies and returns found property and/or evidence to owners.

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Entry Level Search Rescue information

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$12

$16

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How much do entry level search rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level search rescue in California is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Search and Rescue professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Search and Rescue professional, you need physical fitness, basic first aid knowledge, situational awareness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with GPS devices, two-way radios, mapping software, and certifications like CPR or wilderness first aid are commonly required. Teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure effective and safe operations during emergency response and rescue missions.

What types of training and support can entry-level search and rescue team members expect when starting out?

Entry-level search and rescue (SAR) team members typically receive comprehensive training that covers essential skills such as navigation, first aid, teamwork, and the use of specialized equipment. New recruits often participate in both classroom instruction and hands-on field exercises to prepare for real-world scenarios. Ongoing mentorship from experienced team members is common, ensuring that newcomers feel supported as they learn protocols and integrate into the team. This structured environment helps build confidence and competence, enabling entry-level SAR professionals to contribute effectively to missions and grow within the field.

What are entry level search and rescue jobs?

Entry level search and rescue jobs involve assisting with locating and helping people who are lost, injured, or in danger, often in outdoor or disaster settings. These positions typically include tasks such as searching for missing persons, providing first aid, and supporting more experienced rescue personnel. Entry level roles may be with government agencies, volunteer organizations, or private rescue teams, and often require physical fitness, basic emergency training, and a willingness to work in challenging conditions. Training is usually provided on the job, and certifications such as CPR and first aid are often required. This field offers a meaningful way to help others and can lead to more advanced rescue positions with experience.

What is the difference between Entry Level Search Rescue vs Search and Rescue Technician?

AspectEntry Level Search RescueSearch and Rescue Technician
CertificationsBasic first aid, CPR, and rescue certificationsAdvanced first aid, technical rescue, and specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, variable terrains, often in remote areasOutdoor, technical rescue scenarios, often in challenging environments
Employer & IndustryVolunteer organizations, local agencies, emergency servicesGovernment agencies, specialized rescue teams, military
Search & Comparison IntentIntroductory roles, entry-level positionsMore experienced, technical roles in search and rescue

Entry Level Search Rescue positions are typically entry-level roles requiring basic certifications and involve outdoor rescue work in various terrains. Search and Rescue Technicians usually have advanced certifications and perform more technical rescue operations. Both roles are vital in emergency response, but they differ in experience, training, and complexity of tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Search Rescue jobs in California? The most popular types of Search Rescue jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Search Rescue jobs in California? For Entry Level Search Rescue jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Search Rescue jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Search Rescue jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Search Rescue jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Search Rescue job openings:
Entry Level Search Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Search Rescue job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,766 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Sheriff's Deputy - Entry Level

Mariposa County, CA

Mariposa, CA • On-site

$5.74K - $6.97K/mo

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Salary: $5,737.68 - $6,974.76 Monthly
Location : Mariposa, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 16-00977
Department: Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator
Opening Date: 02/02/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
The Sheriff's Department has one (1) vacancy for a Sheriff's Deputy- Entry Level
Only online applications accepted.
DEFINITION
To perform general patrol and/or special law enforcement assignments in the protection of life and property; to enforce local, County, and State laws and regulations; and to perform a variety of law enforcement activities and operations associated with crime prevention, traffic enforcement, crime/accident investigation and reporting, and related areas. Employees in this classification receive general supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures. This job class exercises responsibility for maintaining law and order in the community through the enforcement of established laws and regulations. Employees in this class are exposed to potentially life threatening situations which may be unpredictable in nature. Positions in this class may perform specialized law enforcement assignments in addition to their normal patrol functions. Such assignments include, but are not limited to, functioning as canine handler, search and rescue, and boating patrol officer.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from Sheriff's Sergeant - Patrol.
Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Patrols an assigned county beat for the prevention of crime and the enforcement of local, County, and State laws, regulations, and traffic codes.
Patrols assigned area in radio car or on foot.
Responds to calls for the protection of life and property.
Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations of misdemeanors and felonies to include traffic accidents, burglaries, holdups, deaths, suicides, thefts and other law violations.
Performs physical searches of crime suspects and makes arrests of law violators.
Gathers, preserves, and analyzes facts and evidence and secures crime scenes.
Logs and secures evidence and stolen property.
Interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses and interrogates suspects.
Investigates suspicious persons and circumstances.
Testifies and presents evidence in court.
Performs traffic enforcement functions; directs traffic including regulation of vehicle flow during emergency or congested situations.
Issues citations and makes arrests for traffic violations.
Assists in booking suspects and violators into the county jail facility.
Performs coroner and bailiff duties as needed.
Answers complaints and resolves domestic disturbances, animal control complaints, and other ordinance violations.
Administers first aid in emergency cases.
Serves warrants, subpoenas, and civil papers.
Prepares reports of arrests made, investigations conducted, and unusual incidents observed.
Contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies.
Provides direction, information, and medical aid to the general public as required.
Assists with crowd control, parade, and/or riot work.
May perform special law enforcement assignments in conjunction with the field canine operations, boating patrol operations, search and rescue, etc.
Cares for and maintains departmental equipment.
Assists in office and jail operations as necessary.
Performs other related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:
Graduation from high school or equivalent.
POSSESSION OF:
A valid California driver's license. Under certain circumstances, the Human Resources Director may accept a valid driver's license from another state if applicant acknowledges his/her intent to acquire a California driver's license within three months by signing an acknowledgement form.
One of the following two requirements:
1) Possession of a California POST Basic Certificate issued by the Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training
OR
2) Current enrollment in, or successful completion of, a California POST approved basic academy within the last two years. A copy of your valid POST Basic Certificate or a letter verifying your current enrollment in an academy must be attached to your application.
Note: Penal Code Section 832(e) requires that persons who complete a P.C. 832 Course, but: (1) do not become employed as a peace officer within three years of course completion; or (2) who have a three-year or longer break in service as a peace officer, must "requalify" prior to exercising peace officer powers.
Supplemental Information
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of: local, County, and State laws, ordinances, and statutes pertaining to law enforcement; the principles and practices of law enforcement work including patrol, crime prevention, investigation, and custody and identification; courtroom procedures and legal practices; and departmental rules and regulations related to patrol operations.
Ability to: read, interpret, and understand laws, rules and other written materials effectively; react quickly and calmly to emergency situations, isolate and analyze problem causes, and take appropriate action to resolve problems identified; cope with stressful situations firmly and tactfully; learn standard police radio procedures and codes; communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; observe, remember, recall detailed information, names, faces, and facts; and prepare accurate and detailed reports; meet the physical requirements and standards necessary for successful job performance; and establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
To view benefits please click here:
01
Possession of a valid California driver's license is required for this recruitment. Under certain circumstances, the Human Resources Director may accept a valid driver's license from another State if applicant acknowledges his/her intent to acquire a California driver's license within three months by signing an acknowledgement form. Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

02
One of the requirements of this position is a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Did you attach a copy of your valid Basic POST certificate to your application?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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