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Search Rescue Helicopter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MD500 VRLL Fire/HEC/SAR Pilot - Hawaii

Hilo, HI · On-site

$91K - $114K/yr

... search and rescue, hazardous materials response, ocean safety, fire prevention, and public ... Rotorcraft Helicopter Instrument Rating * Ability to work in the United States Flight Time: * 2000 ...

HELICOPTER PILOT

Gulfport, MS · On-site +1

$110K - $144K/yr

Cargo Helicopter (CH-47); Utility Helicopter (UH-60 series), (LUH-72 series) and others when ... Participates in all-weather search and rescue operations as required utilizing a thorough knowledge ...

Helicopter Pilot

Davenport, IA · On-site +1

$110K - $144K/yr

Cargo Helicopter (CH-47); Utility Helicopter (UH-60 series), (LUH-72 series) and others when ... Participates in all-weather search and rescue operations as required utilizing a thorough knowledge ...

Ski Patrol Candidate - EMT

UT · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Knowledge of helicopter protocols and location of landing zones. * Participate with supervisor in ... Carry out search and rescue for persons within and out of bounds of the ski area boundaries.

Knowledge of helicopter protocols and location of landing zones. * Participate with supervisor in ... Carry out search and rescue for persons within and out of bounds of the ski area boundaries.

Knowledge of helicopter protocols and location of landing zones. * Participates with supervised ... Carry out search and rescue for persons within and out of bounds of the ski area boundaries.

Ski Patrol Level 1

UT · On-site

$22/hr

Knowledge of helicopter protocols and location of landing zones. * Participates with supervised ... Carry out search and rescue for persons within and out of bounds of the ski area boundaries.

HELICOPTER PILOT

Gulfport, MS · On-site

$110K/yr

This National Guard position is for a HELICOPTER PILOT, Position Description Number PDD2929000 and ... search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance. Competent in conducting or ...

$140K - $182K/yr

Cargo Helicopter (CH-47); Utility Helicopter (UH-60 series), (LUH-72 series) and others when ... search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance. 6. Experience in conducting or ...

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Search Rescue Helicopter information

See salary details

$59.5K

$96.4K

$102.5K

How much do search rescue helicopter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for search rescue helicopter in the United States is $96,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a search and rescue helicopter?

A Search and Rescue Helicopter is a specialized aircraft used to locate and assist people in distress, often in remote or hard-to-reach areas such as mountains, oceans, or disaster zones. These helicopters are equipped with advanced navigation, communication, and rescue equipment, allowing crews to perform missions such as medical evacuations, hoisting stranded individuals, and delivering emergency supplies. The crews are typically highly trained pilots, paramedics, and rescue specialists who can operate in challenging weather and terrain to save lives.

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

To thrive as a Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a commercial helicopter license, and specialized training in search and rescue operations. Proficiency with navigation systems, night vision goggles, hoist operations, and emergency medical protocols is typically required. Strong decision-making, teamwork, and communication skills help pilots effectively coordinate with rescue teams under high-pressure conditions. These abilities are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and successful rescue missions in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges faced by search and rescue helicopter crew members on the job?

Search and rescue helicopter crew members frequently encounter demanding conditions, such as unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and time-sensitive missions. Adapting quickly to rapidly changing scenarios and maintaining clear communication with the team are critical to ensure successful operations. Crew members must also stay physically and mentally prepared for high-stress situations, as missions can be emotionally taxing and require precision under pressure. Regular training and teamwork help them navigate these challenges and ensure the safety of both the crew and people in need.

What are popular job titles related to Search Rescue Helicopter jobs?

For Search Rescue Helicopter jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Volunteer - Search and Rescue, Sheriff's Office

Florence, AZ • On-site

Pinal County
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support the Search and Rescue division during missions in Pinal County and surrounding counties.

  • Perform physical tasks such as hiking, carrying equipment, and knot-tying during search and rescue activities.

  • Complete required training, including FEMA courses and SAR skills evaluations, to maintain readiness for rescue operations.


Pinal County rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

DESCRIPTION JOB DESCRIPTION The Search and Rescue Posse is a volunteer unit developed to support the Search and Rescue division. The Pinal County Sheriffs' Office currently uses the search and rescue posse to perform missions in Pinal County and surrounding counties if requested. The Pinal County Sheriffs' Office has several different types of resources that are called upon during missions.

These resources include: Ground Searchers, K-9 Tracking, Technical Rescue and Helicopter operations. Please write in the Objective line which type of volunteer team are you interested in: Ground Search, K9, etc. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK High School Diploma or G.E.D.; must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age, a United States citizen or legal resident

Must possess a valid Driver's License. Arizona Driver's License preferred Must have transportation Must possess proof of current auto insurance, at all times Must successfully pass a background examination. Must complete oral interviews Must complete required basic Search and Rescue classes during probation and maintain training throughout out the year.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES NOTES TO APPLICANT Upon review and approval of your application, you will be contacted for an oral board interview. Commitment of one year of service for volunteer Commitment of one semester for interns Commitment of a minimum of 16 volunteer hours per month, on average Commitment to attend ongoing meetings, in-service training and education workshops. Individuals selected will be placed on a one year probationary period This is a voluntary unpaid position.

Must be capable of completing a 7 mile endurance hike in mountainous terrain carrying a 30 lb. All prospective candidates must complete the following before scheduling the background interview: Response Time Requirement Must be able to respond to the Helicopter Pad at Lost Dutchman State Park within one (1) hour. Physical Capability Assessment Must be capable of hiking approximately 1.5 miles uphill while carrying a 30 lb backpack

This activity will be timed and evaluated. Additional physical tasks will be included, such as stokes basket carry and other functional SAR activities. Required FEMA Training (Online / No Cost) Completion of three (3) FEMA online courses prior to the interview (course list will be provided).

CPR/AED Certification Must be current in CPR/AED prior to the interview. SAR Skills Evaluation Candidates will be tested on the ability to correctly perform several essential SAR knots during the interview/testing process Link to the Search And Rescue Volunteer Physical Assessment Waiver: https://www.pinal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/28404/SAR-Liability-Waiver-PDF *This is a volunteer position with the Pinal County Sheriff's Office. Volunteers serve at the discretion of their respective Appointing Authority

The employment relationship of incumbents in this position is "at will" the employee may be terminated at any time, for any reason, with or without cause. This is not a compensated position. We appreciate your interest in our employment opportunities.

At Pinal County, we value professionalism and treating others with respect. If these values are not demonstrated throughout the application and interview process we reserve the right to remove your candidacy from consideration and may impact your future Pinal County applications. The hiring salary for this position is dependent upon experience, qualifications and position funding; starting salaries above the first quartile require additional approval.

All qualified candidates eligible to work in the United States are welcome to apply. However, visa sponsorship is not available. Pinal County does not participate in STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT).

Pinal County requires pre-employment screening, which includes a Motor Vehicle Record check, a comprehensive background check (encompassing employment, education, and criminal history), and drug testing for safety-sensitive roles. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify candidates from employment. Employment offers are contingent on successful pre-employment screening.

If driving is a requirement of the position, you must have a valid Arizona State Driver's License in accordance with Arizona State Law. Work in this classification requires an individual to be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary classification functions herein described.

Since every duty associated with this classification may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in this classification description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties, just as though they were actually written out in this description.


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