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Search And Rescue Jobs in Olympia, WA (NOW HIRING)

City of Shelton

Police Officer - Lateral

Shelton, WA · On-site

$87K - $94K/yr

... search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree. Effect arrests, forcibly if ... Pursue fleeing suspects and performs rescue operations, which may involve performing of a wide ...

City of Shelton, WA

Police Officer - Lateral

Shelton, WA · On-site

$87K - $94K/yr

... search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree. Effect arrests, forcibly if ... Pursue fleeing suspects and performs rescue operations, which may involve performing of a wide ...

City of Lakewood, WA

Lateral Police Officer

Lakewood, WA · On-site

$7.4K - $9.8K/mo

... search warrants. * Pursue fleeing suspects on foot and in vehicles; perform rescue and pursuit operations. * Provide first aid cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons. * Take immediate ...

City of Lakewood (WA)

Lateral Police Officer

Lakewood, WA

$7.4K - $9.8K/mo

... search warrants. Pursue fleeing suspects on foot and in vehicles; perform rescue and pursuit operations. Provide first aid cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons. Take immediate action to ...

U.S. Navy

OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Olympia, WA · On-site

... Gunfire Support, search and rescue operations and other matters pertaining to the Operations Specialist's area PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll receive: * Competitive salary

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Olympia, WA · On-site

Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy submarines in defense of your ship. NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Lakewood, WA

... search and rescue missions. * As Pilots, operate aircraft from ships and shore, conduct carrier qualifications, and execute missions that require precise flying in demanding environments. * As Naval ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Purdy, WA

... search and rescue missions. * As Pilots, operate aircraft from ships and shore, conduct carrier qualifications, and execute missions that require precise flying in demanding environments. * As Naval ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Bucoda, WA

... search and rescue missions. * As Pilots, operate aircraft from ships and shore, conduct carrier qualifications, and execute missions that require precise flying in demanding environments. * As Naval ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Rochester, WA

... search and rescue missions. * As Pilots, operate aircraft from ships and shore, conduct carrier qualifications, and execute missions that require precise flying in demanding environments. * As Naval ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Belfair, WA

... search and rescue missions. * As Pilots, operate aircraft from ships and shore, conduct carrier qualifications, and execute missions that require precise flying in demanding environments. * As Naval ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Longbranch, WA

... search and rescue missions. * As Pilots, operate aircraft from ships and shore, conduct carrier qualifications, and execute missions that require precise flying in demanding environments. * As Naval ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSearch And Rescue JobsSearch And Rescue Jobs in Olympia, WA

Search And Rescue information

What is search and rescue?

Search and Rescue (SAR) teams are specialized groups trained to locate, assist, and recover individuals who are lost, injured, or in imminent danger, often in remote or hazardous environments. They operate on land, at sea, or in urban settings, and may respond to incidents like natural disasters, missing persons cases, or accidents. SAR teams are typically comprised of professionals and volunteers with expertise in navigation, first aid, survival, and rescue techniques. Their mission is to provide rapid response and life-saving support until further help arrives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a search and rescue professional?

To thrive as a Search and Rescue professional, you need strong physical fitness, navigation and survival skills, and relevant field certifications such as EMT or wilderness first aid. Familiarity with GPS systems, two-way radios, mapping software, and rescue equipment is typically required. Exceptional teamwork, quick decision-making, and resilience under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure effective and safe operations during emergencies, maximizing successful outcomes in challenging and unpredictable environments.

What are the typical work environments and team dynamics in a search and rescue role?

Search and Rescue professionals often work in diverse and challenging environments, including wilderness areas, mountainous terrain, urban disaster zones, and at sea. The role requires close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams that may include emergency medical personnel, law enforcement, firefighters, and volunteers. Team members rely on clear communication, rapid decision-making, and strong trust in one another to ensure safety and mission success. Flexibility and adaptability are essential, as the work schedule can include irregular hours and rapid deployment in response to emergencies.

What is the difference between Search And Rescue vs Emergency Medical Technician?

AspectSearch And RescueEmergency Medical Technician
Required CertificationsRescue certifications, CPR, first aid, specialized rescue trainingEMT certification, CPR, first aid
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, rugged terrains, disaster sites, wilderness areasAmbulances, hospitals, emergency scenes
Employer & IndustryRescue agencies, fire departments, military, NGOsHospitals, ambulance services, emergency response teams

Search And Rescue professionals focus on locating and assisting individuals in wilderness, disaster, or remote environments, often requiring specialized rescue skills. Emergency Medical Technicians provide immediate medical care in emergency settings, primarily within urban or hospital environments. While both roles require CPR and first aid certifications, Search And Rescue emphasizes rescue operations, whereas EMTs concentrate on medical treatment. Understanding these differences helps individuals choose the right career path based on their skills and interests.

Can you be paid to do search and rescue?

Search and rescue (SAR) personnel can be paid professionals, often employed by government agencies, emergency services, or private organizations. These roles typically require specialized training, certifications, and sometimes a willingness to work irregular hours or in challenging environments.

What qualifications do you need to be a Search And Rescue?

To become a Search and Rescue (SAR) team member, candidates typically need relevant training such as wilderness first aid, CPR certification, and specialized rescue certifications like FEMA or NIMS. Physical fitness, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in challenging environments are also essential qualifications.

What cities near Olympia, WA are hiring for Search And Rescue jobs?

Cities near Olympia, WA with the most Search And Rescue job openings:

Search And Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Search And Rescue job openings in Olympia, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Lateral Paramedic/Firefighter

City of Tumwater, WA

Tumwater, WA • On-site

$9.6K - $11K/mo

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Salary: $9,625.00 - $11,106.00 Monthly
Location : Tumwater Fire Department, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-42
Department: Fire Department
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/28/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
General Statement of Duties/Supervision
Classification SummaryUnder general supervision, provides emergency medical care, fire suppression, rescue, and protective services to residents and visitors of the City of Tumwater and Thurston County. Paramedic/Firefighters respond to medical emergencies, fires, hazardous materials incidents, accidents, natural and human-caused disasters, and other situations threatening life or property.
As licensed paramedics, employees provide basic and advanced life support services in accordance with Thurston County Medic One protocols, medical direction, and applicable laws and standards. Employees operate as members of an emergency response team and may direct other emergency personnel or civilians when necessary to support patient care, treatment, transportation, fire suppression, rescue, or scene safety.
The position also performs non-emergency responsibilities, including training, pre-incident planning, fire and injury prevention, public education, inspections, report preparation, equipment and apparatus checks, and station and facility maintenance.
Distinguishing Characteristics
  • This classification performs the combined duties of a career firefighter and paramedic. Positions at this level independently provide advanced life support care while participating in fire suppression, rescue, emergency response, and other Fire Department operations.
  • Employees work within an established chain of command and operate in closely coordinated team environments. Work requires the ability to follow orders, exercise sound judgment, maintain composure, and perform physically and mentally demanding duties under hazardous and rapidly changing conditions.
  • Unlike firefighter classifications without paramedic responsibilities, this position maintains the certifications and medical authorization necessary to provide advanced life support services under Thurston County Medic One protocols.

Essential Job Duties
Emergency Medical Services
  • Works with a paramedic partner and other emergency responders to assess, treat, stabilize, and transport patients experiencing medical or traumatic emergencies.
  • Provides basic and advanced life support services under established medical protocols, standing orders, and physician direction.
  • Determines appropriate emergency medical interventions and assists in selecting appropriate transportation and receiving facilities.
  • Operates, maintains, cleans, inspects, and restocks medic units, medical equipment, medications, and supplies.
  • Completes timely, accurate, and legally compliant patient care reports and related medical documentation.
  • Coordinates patient care with firefighters, emergency medical technicians, ambulance personnel, hospital staff, air transport crews, law enforcement, and other response partners.
  • Directs emergency personnel or civilians regarding emergency medical procedures, treatment, scene operations, and patient transportation when appropriate.
  • Maintains patient confidentiality and protects sensitive medical information.
Fire Suppression, Rescue & Emergency Response
  • Responds to fires, alarms, hazardous conditions, rescue calls, natural and human-caused disasters, and other emergency incidents.
  • Performs fire suppression, search and rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, salvage, overhaul, water supply, and other assigned fireground functions.
  • Operates within the incident command system and follows established orders, operational procedures, and safety practices.
  • Uses personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, fire apparatus, rescue equipment, tools, hoses, ladders, and other emergency-response equipment.
  • Assists with hazardous materials response, technical rescue, disaster response, and other specialized operations within the employee's level of training and authorization.
  • Maintains readiness to respond and may work for extended periods during major emergencies, disasters, or adverse conditions.
Training & Professional Development
  • Participates in required classroom, practical, and scenario-based training to maintain firefighter and paramedic knowledge, skills, and certifications.
  • Attends monthly in-service training, quarterly skills verification, and activities required through the Ongoing Training and Evaluation Program.
  • Participates in drills involving fire suppression, emergency medical care, rescue, hazardous materials, apparatus operation, safety, and other operational disciplines.
  • Maintains current knowledge of emergency-response practices, medical protocols, Department policies, operational guidelines, and applicable laws and standards.
  • Instructs or assists with public and internal classes, including CPR, first aid, fire prevention, injury prevention, and emergency preparedness.
Fire Prevention & Community Services
  • Participates in pre-incident planning and inspections of buildings, facilities, and other structures.
  • Supports fire and injury prevention programs, public education, community outreach, and public-relations activities.
  • Interacts professionally and respectfully with patients, families, community members, business owners, students, partner agencies, and members of the public.
  • Provides information and assistance in a manner consistent with Department policy and assigned authority.
Apparatus, Equipment & Facility Readiness
  • Inspects, tests, cleans, maintains, and inventories fire apparatus, medic units, tools, protective equipment, medical supplies, and emergency-response equipment.
  • Reports damaged, missing, unsafe, or malfunctioning equipment and assists with corrective action.
  • Performs routine station, facility, apparatus, and equipment maintenance to support operational readiness, safety, and professional appearance.
  • Maintains living quarters, work areas, storage areas, and common spaces.
Documentation & Department Operations
  • Completes accurate emergency incident reports, patient care reports, inspection records, training documentation, equipment records, and other required reports.
  • Uses Department computer systems, software, radios, mobile devices, and documentation systems.
  • Participates in meetings, training sessions, conferences, special assignments, and other Department activities.
  • Complies with Department policies, procedures, operating guidelines, safety requirements, medical protocols, and the established chain of command.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Modern principles, practices, equipment, and techniques used in advanced life support, emergency medical care, fire suppression, rescue, and emergency response.
  • Patient assessment, emergency treatment, trauma care, pharmacology, medication administration, airway management, and other paramedic practices authorized under Thurston County Medic One protocols.
  • Fire behavior, fireground operations, incident command, rescue techniques, hazardous conditions, and emergency-scene safety.
  • Ability to assess emergencies, identify hazards, make sound decisions, and perform effectively under stressful and rapidly changing conditions.
  • Ability to maintain composure, self-control, courtesy, tact, and respect when working with patients, families, coworkers, partner agencies, and the public.
  • Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions, medical protocols, operational orders, safety requirements, and Department policies.
  • Ability to work cooperatively within a paramilitary chain of command, small teams, emergency-response crews, and multiagency environments.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and complete accurate medical, incident, inspection, training, and equipment documentation.
  • Ability to establish effective working relationships with people of different backgrounds, identities, cultures, abilities, and experiences.
  • Ability to maintain operational readiness, meet established performance standards, accept direction, and respond promptly to emergency calls and assigned duties.

Selection Criteria
Minimum Qualifications
  1. Currently employed in a full-time, paid, firefighter/paramedic position.
  2. Must have been employed with the current public safety employer for a period of no less than a period of 24 consecutive months as a firefighter/paramedic and must have successfully completed a probationary period.
  3. Currently possess a valid Washington State Paramedic Certification or a National Registered Paramedic Certification.
  4. Have successfully completed IFSAC Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2, and an accredited Fire Academy.
Training/Licenses/Certifications
Required at Appointment
  • Valid Washington State Driver License.
  • Driving record that meets City and Fire Department requirements.
  • Current paramedic certification meeting Washington State requirements.
  • Eligibility for certification and affiliation through the Thurston County Medic One system.
  • Successful completion of required pre-employment background investigation, medical evaluation, drug screening, suitability testing, and other condition-of-employment requirements.

Required Following Appointment
  • Successfully complete a Fire Department-recognized firefighter recruit academy.
  • Obtain IFSAC Firefighter I certification within the first year of employment.
  • Obtain IFSAC Firefighter II certification within the first two years of employment.
  • Obtain HAZMAT Awareness and Operations Certification within first two years of employment.
  • Complete the Washington State Fire Fighters Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee firefighter program within the first three years of employment.
  • Maintain the knowledge, skills, continuing education, and other requirements necessary for paramedic recertification in accordance with applicable Washington State requirements.
  • Maintain authorization from the Thurston County Medic One Medical Program Director to perform advanced life support duties.
  • Maintain all required firefighter, emergency medical, respiratory protection, driver, and Department certifications throughout employment.
  • Successfully complete required fitness-for-duty evaluations and self-contained breathing apparatus or respirator fit testing.

Other information (if any) specific to this position
Decision Rights & Problem Solving
  • Exercises judgment within established medical protocols, emergency-response procedures, the incident command system, and the Department's chain of command.
  • Assesses patients and emergency conditions, identifies immediate hazards, and selects appropriate actions within the employee's training, certification, and assigned authority.
  • Emergency-scene decisions may involve significant risk and must frequently be made under stressful, hazardous, and rapidly changing conditions.
  • Employees follow the direction of incident commanders, company officers, senior paramedics, and medical control and elevate unusual, high-risk, or protocol-related issues as appropriate.
Supervision Received / Exercised
  • Received: Direct supervision is provided by senior Paramedic/Firefighters, Lieutenants, and Battalion Chiefs. Performance evaluations are conducted by a Paramedic Lieutenant in collaboration with the Shift Battalion Chief.
  • Exercised: May provide instruction, coaching, or task guidance to probationary Paramedics and Paramedic students.
Key Relationships
  • Internal: Firefighters, Paramedic/Firefighters, Lieutenants, Battalion Chiefs, command staff, fire prevention personnel, administrative staff, and employees from other City departments.
  • External: Patients, family members, residents, visitors, law enforcement agencies, neighboring fire departments, ambulance providers, hospitals, air medical transport providers, Thurston County Medic One, medical control physicians, schools, businesses, contractors, and community organizations.
Tools & Technology
  • Fire engines, medic units, emergency-response vehicles, and related apparatus
  • Advanced and basic life support equipment
  • Cardiac monitors, defibrillators, airway equipment, medication-delivery systems, and patient-movement equipment
  • Self-contained breathing apparatus and respiratory protection equipment
  • Fire suppression, rescue, forcible-entry, ventilation, and salvage equipment
  • Hoses, ladders, pumps, nozzles, hand tools, and power tools
  • Radios, mobile data terminals, computers, tablets, and communication devices
  • Electronic patient care reporting and emergency incident reporting systems
  • Personal protective equipment and exposure-control equipment
  • Office software and standard office equipment

Working Conditions & Physical Demands
Work is performed in fire stations, emergency vehicles, medical facilities, residential and commercial properties, roadways, outdoor environments, confined spaces, elevated locations, and disaster or emergency scenes.
Duties involve exposure to fire, smoke, extreme heat and cold, inclement weather, hazardous materials, bloodborne and airborne pathogens, contagious diseases, electrical hazards, traffic, unstable structures, loud noise, traumatic injuries, death, violence, and other conditions that may be immediately dangerous to life or health.
The position requires strenuous physical activity while wearing protective clothing and respira

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