Search And Rescue Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $74,604.00 - $105,072.00 Annually
Location : Boulder, CO
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: SH2026-031
Department: Sheriffs Office
Division: SHE Support Services
Opening Date: 07/20/2026
Closing Date: 8/3/2026 12:00 PM Mountain
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Description
Emergency Communications Specialist
Salary Range (depending on qualifications and experience):
Monthly: $6,217 - $8,756
Annual: $74,604 - $105,072
Emergency Communications Specialists (ECS) are cross-trained in four different disciplines: Call-Taking, Law Enforcement dispatching, Fire/EMS/Search & Rescue dispatching, and our Data Channel (law enforcement intelligence and field support). Each ECS becomes proficient at handling complex computer systems and a variety of responsibilities in a stressful and highly technical environment. Our ECS utilize a Viper phone system and Central Square computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, along with many additional software applications while exercising independent judgment. Work involves extended periods of sitting or standing while working with others in a team atmosphere. The Communications Center is staffed 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Employment begins with an ECS Academy, followed by individual, on-console one-on-one training. Initial shift assignments are based on training needs and each person will move to various shifts for job-related experience. Upon completion of training, shifts are allocated based on seniority, and the needs of the Communications Center. You should expect to work any shift, days or nights -- which includes weekends, holidays, and on-call.
Boulder County ECS have been placed in a step plan, which allows for lateral hires to top out in as little as four (4) years, based on experience.
Boulder County is a family-friendly workplace dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment for all employees. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Boulder County requires its employees to reside in the state of Colorado as of the first day of work.
PLEASE NOTE: When submitting your application be sure to include all relevant education and experience, as applications are screened based on the qualifications listed in this position announcement. Applications that do not appear to meet minimum qualifications, as outlined below, will not be considered. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of completed applications.
Please be aware that your cover letter and resume will not be accessed in the initial screening process, so you must complete your application and supplemental questions with as much detail as possible. Any personally identifiable information (PII) such as name and address will be redacted from applications that meet the minimum screening requirements and are forwarded to the hiring manager. If the hiring manager selects you to advance in the hiring process, your cover letter and resume will then be accessible to the hiring team.
Examples of Duties

• Proficiently operate numerous software applications, including but not limited to Viper phone software, Central Square (CAD), EMSystems, VHF and digital trunking emergency radio equipment, CCIC/NCIC, alarm monitoring software, severe weather radar, and numerous additional ancillary applications.

• Requires skill in making effective decisions under stressful conditions, performing and triaging multiple tasks simultaneously, and remaining calm during emergency situations. Must be able to exercise good judgment, use common sense and make sound decisions to ensure safety of both first responders and the public.

• Requires the ability to listen, communicate and speak clearly enough in English to be understood while answering incoming radio, 9-1-1, and administrative telephone calls.

• Question/assist callers in emergency situations; accurately ascertain the location and nature of the emergency.

• Ability to receive, comprehend and rapidly relay accurate information.

• Dispatch applicable emergency law, fire/ems/rescue personnel and equipment based on geographical and protocol knowledge with the aid of computer software systems.

• Ability to successfully pass training and maintain proficiency for all four positions within the Center: 1) Call Taker 2) Law 3) Fire/EMS/Rescue 4) Data.

• Monitor, manage, and coordinate traffic on several radio channels.

• Fulfill all requests for supplemental information, personnel, and equipment in a timely manner.

• Record and monitor the status of personnel and equipment to ensure safety of all personnel.

• Complete and maintain CPR and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certifications (training provided). Provide pre-arrival instructions according to Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols.

• Requires the ability to perform repetitive motion at a keyboard/console on an intermittent basis for extended time periods per work shift.

• Maturity and professionalism are essential as you will be interacting with both the public and other agencies.

• Perform other related duties as requested/required, including emergency callback during large public safety emergencies (e.g., floods, wildfires, active harmer events, etc.).

Required Qualifications
Education and Experience:
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Type a minimum of 40 wpm with accuracy.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English with enough proficiency to effectively communicate under stressful circumstances.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Preferred prior work experience in high-paced, stressful environments.
• Preferred previous Central Square (CAD), IAED or CCIC/NCIC experience.
• Preferred thorough knowledge of Boulder County geography and surrounding areas.
• Experience operating computer systems with multiple displays.
• Ability to read and comprehend mapping systems and understand geographic terminology.
• Preferred Multi-lingual.
Supplemental Information
Physical Requirements:
Primarily sedentary physical work requiring ability to lift a maximum of 40 pounds and frequently be able to reach above shoulder, at or below waist level at the workstation; occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing; frequent hand/eye coordination to operate computer keyboard, mice, and office equipment; vision for reading, recording and interpreting information; speech communication, hearing, and ability to maintain mental capacity to communicate with employees and members of the public during stressful situations.
From "Dictionary of Occupational Titles", U.S. Department of Labor:
Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time.
Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time.
As well as offering competitive pay and a caring work environment, Boulder County offers employees an array of benefits. For all FTE and Term employees, we provide:

• Outstanding options of comprehensive health plans that include vision and dental coverage. Information can be found
• Additional Benefits include
  • Family-forming benefits- infertility treatment, adoption and surrogacy reimbursements
  • 12 weeks Paid Caregiver leave
  • Breast feeding friendly-work environment
  • Infants-at-work policy
  • Access to LifeMart and Benefits Hub discount hub, including discounts on childcare centers, event tickets, travel and more!
  • Access to a nationally-recognized wellness program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • PERA 401k
  • Social Security retirement plans
  • Additional Life and Disability Insurance
  • Critical Illness and Accidental Insurance
  • County-paid tuition assistance
  • Eligible for PSLF-
  • Free EcoPass
  • Hospital Indemnity
  • ID Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • 8 Hours of Paid Public Service Leave
• Generous paid time off
  • Holidays
    • New Year's Day
    • Martin Luther King's Birthday January
    • Presidents' Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Juneteenth
    • Independence Day
    • Labor Day
    • Indigenous People's Day
    • General Election Day November (first Tuesday after the first Monday, even years)
    • Veterans' Day
    • Thanksgiving Day November
    • Friday after Thanksgiving*
    • Christmas Eve- ½ day (full day off depends on day of the week)
    • Christmas Day
    • New Year's Eve- ½ day (full day off depends on day of the week)
  • Vacation**
    • 80-hour bank of vacation at the time of hire
    • Eight hours of vacation per month for the first year of continuous service, then accrue twelve hours of vacation per month after the first year of continuous service.
  • Medical**
    • Eight hours of medical leave for each month employed.
• PERA- The County and all employees pay into both Social Security and PERA
  • Employer contribution to Social Security: 7.65% of salary
  • Employer contribution to PERA (Local Government Division- most county employees: 15.80%

*The District Attorney's Office observe Francis Xavier Cabrini Day on the first Monday in October and omit the Friday after Thanksgiving
**Vacation and Medical leave are based off of full time FTE accruals. Part-time FTE/term employees accrue leave based on the percentage of time they work.
01
It is important that you answer all questions below pertaining to previous life and employment history truthfully, even if previous experiences are not always favorable. Please indicate that you understand the following- I understand that in order for my application to be considered and for me advance through the hiring process, I must answer the following questions truthfully. Any discrepancies between the information that I provide on my application and future testing for this position may disqualify me from the hiring process:

• Yes
• No

02
Please list any and all aliases, maiden name, nicknames, other name changes.
03
List all residences in the last 10 years, beginning with your most recent address, including county of resident. List dates resided at each residence.
04
I acknowledge that in order to be considered for a position with the Boulder County Sheriff's Office I must list all places of employment for the last 15 years.

• Yes
• No

05
Have you ever been discharged (fired), asked to resign, furloughed, or put on inactive status for cause, or subjected to disciplinary action while employed? If so, state place of employment and circumstances.
06
Have you worked for the Boulder County Sheriff's Office previously? If so, state dates employed, position, and supervisor.
07
Have you served in the United States Armed Forces?

• Yes
• No

08
If YES to Military service, were you ever disciplined, arrested, or court marshaled? If so, please explain.
09
Are you now or have you ever been a member of any organization, association, movement, or group which advocates the overthrow of our constitutional form of government, or which has adopted the policy of advocating or approving the commission of acts of force or violence or which seeks to alter the form of government of the United States by unconstitutional means?

• Yes
• No

10
Are you now or have you even been a member of or associated with a group or organization that engages in illegal activities; and/or are you now or have you ever been associated with a group that advocates or engages in hatred, hostility, or violence towards people of a different race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age, or other protected categories?
11
Do you have any tattoos/scars/marks anywhere on your body that are associated with a group that advocates or engages in hatred, hostility, or violence towards people of a different race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age, or other protected category?
12
Litigation Information: Have you ever been the plaintiff of, or named in civil litigation, or received notice of claim or intent to be sued? If yes, please explain.
13
Please tell us about any prior drug usage (including marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms)- drugs used, how often, approximate last time used for each. Sharing this information will not preclude you from employment, however, it is information we need to evaluate your honesty and integrity as part of the hiring process.
14
Driver's License: List all states where you have been licensed to operate a motor vehicle. LIST YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE NUMBER.
15
Traffic summons/tickets: List any traffic tickets/summons or accidents, indicated date (to the best of your knowledge), Police or Military Agency, Location, and Disposition.
16
Criminal Offense Information: List any occurrence for which you were arrested, and/or detained by police, regardless of formality and punishment. List occurrences as an adult and as a juvenile. If none, list N/A
17
List any friends, relatives, or acquaintances employed by Boulder County Sheriff's Office and their relationship to you.
18
Were you referred to this position by a cu