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Search And Rescue Jobs in Placerville, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 I get paid for search and rescue?

Search and rescue (SAR) personnel can be paid, especially when working for government agencies, emergency services, or private organizations. Compensation varies based on the employer, location, and level of experience, and may include salaries, stipends, or hourly wages. Many SAR roles also require certifications such as first aid or technical rescue training.

What cities near Placerville, CA are hiring for Search And Rescue jobs?

Cities near Placerville, CA with the most Search And Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Search And Rescue job openings in Placerville, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Fire Engine Operation)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Kyburz, CA

$62K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
Serves as first line supervisor on a High Complexity Fire Engine Module. The primary purpose of the position is to perform wildland firefighting work and to provide leadership for a crew performing such work.
For additional information about the duties and location(s) of these positions, please contact Pacific Southwest Region - Brian Grabowski - brian.grabowski@usda.gov
Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-07: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-06) in the Federal Service. Examples of Specialized Experience are: Evaluated initial fire situations to determine suppression method to use, hose lays, deployment of crew, point of initial attack, type of tools to use, and application of water; Communicated with dispatcher and superiors on the progress on fire situation requesting additional resources when applicable; Demonstrated safety practices relative to all-hazard incident management involving crews, resources, and equipment; Served as a working leader on a wildland fire engine; Directing others and provided leadership in wildland fire operations including prescribed fire.
For the GW-08: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-07) in the Federal Service. Examples of Specialized Experience are: Operated and maintained pump engine and specialized equipment used to respond to wildland and prescribed fire situations; Assisted with search and rescue incidents, victim recoveries, automobile accidents, and hazardous materials incidents during local responses involving multi-jurisdictional and multi-agency co-operators; Served as Initial Attack Incident Commander on wildland and/or urban interface and all-hazard incidents; Directed project work in support of ecosystem management such as prescribed fire, including development of burn plans.
Selective Placement Factors:
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Engine Boss (ENGB) -AND- Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
This position has been identified as (HIGH) Complexity under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER