International Search Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $61,467.12 - $83,369.52 Annually
Location : Grand Island, NE
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 5005-0426
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 04/16/2026
Closing Date: 7/9/2026 3:00 PM Central
Description
Respond to fire alarms, medical emergencies and other emergency calls to protect life and property; operate and maintain a variety of fire and rescue apparatus and firefighting equipment; participate in firefighting activities, emergency medical services, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescue, fire prevention and training activities.
Essential Functions
Display honest, trustworthy, and ethical behavior when dealing with internal and external customers.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Regular attendance that is punctual and dependable is required.
Respond to fire alarms with assigned company; assist in firefighting operations including laying and connecting hoses, maintaining pumping apparatus, holding nozzles and directing water streams and raising and climbing ladders; assist with medical and rescue needs at fire scene.
Respond to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, and other emergency situations involving threat to human life; provide emergency medical services as warranted by the circumstances.
Perform search and rescue for trapped or injured persons and provide medical care to level of training.
Operate numerous types of rescue, salvage and emergency medical equipment; operate and maintain ambulance rescue and all related equipment; operate fire suppression equipment as necessary.
Provide careful transportation of patients to medical care facilities; maintain contact with medical facility to prepare for patient arrival.
Under direction of captains, inspect buildings and property for fire hazards, efficiency of fire protective equipment, adequacy of fire exits and general compliance with fire prevention and hazardous materials laws and standards.
Maintain adequate inventory of supplies and equipment on ambulance and fire apparatus; ensure that the vehicle and equipment are clean and properly cared for; conduct daily vehicle inspections; participate in routine maintenance and repair of emergency vehicles and equipment.
Assist with classes and public education on fire safety and fire prevention methods; conduct fire prevention and first aid classes for schools, churches, civic groups, and the general public; give station tours as necessary.
Under direction of fire investigators, assist in the investigation of fire scenes to determine causes; prepare inspection reports and assist in the preparation of investigative reports.
Participate in fire drills; attend training sessions which include fire fighting techniques, emergency medical care, and the proper use of all equipment, related tools, vehicles, apparatus, equipment and facilities.
Operate and maintain fire apparatus, ambulances and equipment.
Prepare various reports relating to emergency medical services and fire operations.
Perform general maintenance and custodial duties at Fire Department facilities as required.
Assist in performing local and long-distance transfers.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge of, or ability to obtain:
Principles, practices and procedures of modern firefighting.
International Fire Code and International Building Code.
Principles of mechanics, hydraulics and mathematics as related to operating fire equipment and apparatus.
Rescue methods, techniques and equipment.
Emergency medical techniques including CPR.
Nebraska EMT treatment protocols.
Purposes and uses of a variety of vehicles, equipment, tools and apparatus used in firefighting, rescue and medical assistance operations.
Departmental rules, regulations and standard operating procedures (SOP's).
Local geography, including the location of streets, hydrants and the major fire target hazards of the City of Grand Island and Hall County.
Principles, practices and procedures regarding protocol at hazardous materials incidents.
Ability to:
Be tobacco free and remain tobacco free as a condition of employment.
Pass a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) fit test with Department SCBA as a condition of employment.
Use SCBA and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.
Act in accordance with departmental policies, rules, instructions and written material in the field of firefighting.
Apply firefighting techniques and procedures.
Deal with people in an effective manner under adverse conditions.
Retain presence of mind in emergency situations.
Operate voice radio equipment.
Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Work cooperatively with other City employees and the public.
Analyze fire and emergency situations and adopt effective courses of action.
Effectively and safely drive, operate and maintain the full range of fire apparatus and equipment used by the
Department.
Work at heights greater than 10 feet.
Work on uneven surfaces using powered and hand tools.
Properly wear all safety equipment.
See and read gauges, trouble lights and control panel screens. Perceive red, yellow, and blue colors to recognize hazards identified by fire diamonds. Visual acuity of not less than 20/40 in one eye, and 20/100 in the other eye, corrected to 20/20 in one eye, and 20/40 in the other eye. Display adequate color and peripheral vision in both eyes.
Hearing that will allow individual to safely perform all essential job tasks. Examples: voice commands, radio traffic, Personal Alert Safety System device (PASS), audible signal to withdraw.
Work for long periods of time (24 hour periods or more) without sleep or rest due to ongoing emergencies, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
Work in heat/cold, fumes, dust, noise, water, oil and grease.
Work in both outdoor and indoor environmental conditions, confined spaces, and with moving mechanical parts.
Make fine, highly controlled muscular movements to adjust the position of control mechanisms such as operating levers, pedals, and valves. Perform heavy lifting and physical maneuvering.
Lift arms above shoulder level to cut vent holes with an axe or to force entry into automobiles using specialized tools.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions in the English language.
Comprehend and make inferences from written material in the English language.
Operate a computer terminal and applicable programs.
Remain in proper physical condition such that performance of duties and responsibilities is not impaired.
Demonstrate physical aptitude.
Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies.
Supplemental Information
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
No experience is required.
Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
Immunizations and Infectious Disease Screening:
Must be willing to receive immunizations and screening as recommended by NFPA 1581. Vaccinations include but are not limited to: Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus/Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio, Varicella.
License or Certification:
Employee must possess a valid driver's license and maintain insurability as determined by the City's insurance carrier. Click to view our driver eligibility requirements.
Within one (1) year of hire, the ability to obtain and maintain, a State of Nebraska Emergency Medical Technician license.
Within one (1) year of hire, the ability to obtain and maintain, a National Registry Emergency Medical Technician license.
Within three (3) years of hire, the ability to obtain and maintain, a National Registry Paramedic certification and a State of Nebraska Paramedic license, throughout the duration of employment.
Firefighter I & Firefighter II certifications (IFSAC or ProBoard) within two (2) years of hire date.
Residency:
Establish residency within a forty-five (45) mile radius of Grand Island city limits within three (3) months of completion of probation.
Tobacco/Nicotine Free:
Candidates must be tobacco/nicotine free and remain tobacco/nicotine free as a condition of employment.
Salary:
Position will start at the entry level of the City's salary table. Consideration may be given if experience exceeds entry level qualifications.
Lateral Transfer Criteria:
Qualifications needed to qualify for lateral transfer:

• Applicants must be currently employed or have been employed as a full-time Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter/Paramedic for at least 24 consecutive months over the last 36 months.
• Possess the following certifications:
  1. Firefighter I and II (IFSAC or Pro Board)
  2. National Registry EMT or Paramedic certification
  3. Hazardous Materials Operations or Technician certification (IFSAC or Pro Board)

Benefits of lateral transfer

• Higher Starting wage - (start at Step 3 of applicable pay scale)
• Accelerated recruit academy (may be assigned directly to shift)
• Flexible start date

Testing Process

• Same as traditional applicants
• Written test,
• Physical test
• Interview board

Starting wage (Step 3):

• Firefighter/EMT -$66,333.54

Other:
Candidates must be at least 18 years of age.
Candidates are subject to a background check.
Must submit with application copies of: birth certificate and high school diploma or GED (must be from an accredited institution). If you possess one of the following, please submit with your application: current State of Nebraska Emergency Medical Technician license, National Registry Emergency Medical Technician certification and DD214 (Member 4) military discharge form, if applicable.
Tentative Test Date: Friday, July 24, 2026. Applicants will be notified by e-mail of time and location. Applicants must pass the physical exam and obtain an overall composite score of 70% which includes: oral interview and 70% or better on all written exams. Click to view more information about the testing process. Candidates can purchase a study guide to prepare for the written test by clicking .
Rates Effective January 1, 2026 and aresubject to change.
This is a general guide for the purpose of informing all new employees of benefits. Coverage for all benefits, with the exception of the retirement savings plan, is effective the first of the month following one full calendar month of full time employment. Payroll deduction will begin in the month prior to the effective date of coverage. The retirement savings plan is effective on the first day of employment.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage provided to the employee and dependents. There are two options: a Qualified High Deductible Plan with an HSA, or a Traditional PPO plan. If your spouse is eligible for coverage on their employer's group health plan, spousal coverage with the City is not available.
The semi-monthly premiums for the High Deductible Plan: ($3400/$5900 deductible)

• Employee only $ 29.78
• Employee 2/4 $ 85.22
• Employee and Family $173.97

The semi-monthly premiums for the Traditional PPO Plan: ($1000/$2000 deductible)

• Employee only $121.30
• Employee 2/4 $228.04
• Employee and Family $354.94

DENTAL INSURANCE: Delta Dental coverage provided to employee and dependents. The employee is responsible for a portion of the premium. $5.31 for Single, $10.49 for Emp. 2/4 or $21.78 for Family semi-monthly.
VISION INSURANCE: EyeMed Vision coverage is available to employees and dependents. The employee is responsible for the full premium. Employee only - $7.09; Employee/Spouse - $13.88; Employee/Children - $14.61; Family - $21.48. All rates are monthly payroll deductions.
LIFE INSURANCE: Securian/Ochs Life Insurance coverage provided for employee ($50,000), spouse ($10,000), and dependents ($5,000 each), with premiums paid by the City. Supplemental life insurance available for employee and dependents through payroll deduction.
RETIREMENT PLAN: Mandatory Union Bank Retirement Plan, 10.7% of gross earnings. The City contributes 14%. Effective on date of employment. Seven year vesting schedule.
DEFERRED COMP: Five optional Deferred Compensation Plans which allow pre-tax contributions up to $23,500 per year.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY: CIGNA - LTD provided for employee. Pays a portion (60%, maximum of $8500 per month) of employee's salary should he/she becomes disabled.
CAFETERIA/125 PLAN: Optional participation by the employee. Can be used for medical expenses, non-employer sponsored premiums and/or dependent daycare.
VEBA PLAN (HRA): MidAmerica. Health reimbursement plan to be used for post-employment medical expenses. Contributions of $10 per pay period are made by the City.
PAID VACATION: Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments in the following manner: 120 hours in year 1; 144 hours in years 2 - 5; 168 hours in year 6; 192 hours in years 7 - 10; 240 hours in years 11 - 15; 264 hours in years 16 - 20; 276 hours in years 21 - 24; and 288 hours in year 25 and thereafter. No vacation can be used during introductory period.
PAID HOLIDAYS: Nine holidays. One personal holiday paid to the employee's VEBA plan at current hourly rate times 15 hours.
MEDICAL LEAVE: Accrual of 18 hours per month, which is cumulative. Maximum accrua...