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Pascua Yaqui Tribe

Communications Operator

Tucson, AZ

$38K/yr

... search and rescue, life flight support and other surrounding police agencies. Answer non-emergency call for stray or diseased animal pick up; arrest and transportation of individuals with warrants ...

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How much do search rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for search rescue in Arizona is $55,027.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,980.00 and $68,446.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Search Rescue vs Search and Rescue Technician?

AspectSearch RescueSearch and Rescue Technician
CertificationsFirst aid, CPR, basic rescue trainingAdvanced rescue certifications, technical rescue training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, varied terrains, emergency situationsOutdoor, technical rescue scenarios, often specialized
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, NGOs, militaryEmergency services, specialized rescue teams
Search & Comparison IntentGeneral search and rescue rolesTechnical rescue operations, specialized skills

Search Rescue involves basic to intermediate rescue efforts in outdoor environments, often performed by volunteers or general emergency personnel. Search and Rescue Technicians typically have advanced training and perform technical rescues in complex scenarios. While both roles focus on saving lives, Search and Rescue Technicians require specialized skills and certifications for technical rescue operations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Search and Rescue roles, and how can new team members prepare for them?

Search and Rescue professionals often encounter physically demanding environments, unpredictable weather, and high-stress situations requiring quick decision-making. New team members should be prepared for irregular hours, including nights and weekends, and the need to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams such as emergency medical personnel and local law enforcement. Building strong physical fitness, staying current on technical rescue skills, and developing effective communication abilities are key to overcoming these challenges and contributing successfully to the team.

What Are Jobs in Search and Rescue?

Jobs in search & rescue, often abbreviated to SAR, involve supervising, training, planning, and coordinating SAR missions and crews that provide on-call support for emergencies and disasters. The duties and responsibilities of these jobs focus on directing staff during rescue efforts as well as volunteers who are helping search for missing people. These positions are found in law enforcement, national parks, the military, and even some non-profit organizations. SAR missions involve using planes, boats, or other exploration devices to traverse terrain, track signals, and otherwise locate people who need rescuing. Job qualifications include strong leadership and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Search and Rescue professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Search and Rescue professional, you need strong physical fitness, situational awareness, and knowledge of emergency response procedures, often backed by certifications such as EMT or wilderness first responder. Familiarity with GPS navigation, radio communication equipment, and rescue tools like ropes and stretchers is essential. Excellent teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills ensure effective coordination, quick decision-making, and successful outcomes in high-stress, life-saving situations.

What are Search and Rescue professionals?

Search and Rescue (SAR) professionals are trained individuals who locate and assist people who are lost, injured, or in danger, often in remote or hazardous environments. Their work may involve searching for missing hikers, rescuing disaster victims, or providing emergency medical assistance. SAR teams can include volunteers and professionals from various backgrounds such as law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, and the military. Their operations often require specialized skills like navigation, first aid, and survival techniques. These professionals play a crucial role in responding to emergencies and saving lives.

What job pays 400,000 a year without a degree?

In search and rescue roles, such high salaries are uncommon without specialized experience or leadership positions. Typically, high-paying jobs without a degree include certain sales, entrepreneurship, or executive roles, but these are not directly related to search and rescue work. Most rescue positions require training, certifications, and experience rather than high salaries without formal education.
More about Search Rescue jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Search Rescue jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Search Rescue jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Search Rescue jobs in Arizona? For Search Rescue jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Search Rescue jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Search Rescue jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Search Rescue jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Search Rescue job openings:
Search Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Search Rescue job openings in Arizona as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,027 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Communications Operator

Pascua Yaqui Tribe, AZ

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$38K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Salary : $38,792.00 Annually
Location : Tucson, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-00079
Department: LAW ENFORCEMENT
Division: PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS
Opening Date: 02/13/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
*A valid driver's license is required for this position. Please upload a copy to complete your application. Applications without this document will be considered incomplete.*
The Communications Operator, under direct supervision, responds to all 911 emergency and non-emergency incoming calls for Police, Fire, and EMS. The incumbent prioritizes the calls and dispatches emergency personnel to crime scenes, calls for assistance, accidents, request for emergency medical assistance, security officer assistance and all other service calls. The Communication Operator enters and maintains call records and any related documents in both electronic and paper format.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Answer emergency calls and dispatches appropriate personnel for response; determine when additional back up units are needed and checks for safety of personnel on call.
  2. Under direction from the Communications Shift Supervisor or Communications Manager may contact other agencies such as search and rescue, life flight support and other surrounding police agencies.
  3. Answer non-emergency call for stray or diseased animal pick up; arrest and transportation of individuals with warrants; and monitor fire and burglar alarms to determine appropriate personnel response.
  4. Maintain and documents all records of incoming and outgoing calls on Spillman CAD/RMS Systems, as well as, any other system that may be implemented by the police department.
  5. Provide police officers with requested information such as, but not limited to NCIC (National Crime Information Center) and ACIC (Arizona Crime Information Center) information, local information and general police bulletin information.
  6. Monitor radio transmissions for Police, Animal Control, Security, Detention, Fire Department and Probation, and local bus monitors.
  7. Operates all communications center equipment associated with answering, process, and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
  8. Provide pre-approved, pre-arrival instructions, directions intended to enhance the safety of the caller and the field responders.
  9. Assign the appropriate dispatch priority to a call for service based on the criteria presented by the caller; determines the order dispatch of calls for service "holding."
  10. Work closely with alarm companies in reference to silent/panic alarms activated either at any tribal enterprise and/or government facility when required to do so.
  11. Monitor local alarm and camera systems, and dispatch Police and Security Officers, as well as, the Fire Department as needed to respond to alarms
  12. Monitors any police alerting systems
  13. Enter and retrieve information from ACJIS (Arizona Criminal Justice Information System), which may include but not limited to, license and registration confirmation, missing person's information, recovered and stolen vehicles, etc...
  14. Contact resources for Law Enforcement and Fire Department Staff as needed to accomplish any task they are assigned.
  15. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by supervisor or director.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
  • Policies and procedures related to the Pascua Yaqui Communications Center;
  • Applicable federal, state, local and tribal laws, rules, and regulations;
  • Geographic and demographic layout of the Pascua Yaqui Reservation;
  • ACIC and NCIC information date process;
  • Proper application of radio communication codes and terms and the use of radio equipment;
  • Availability and use of auxiliary emergency resource, agencies, personnel, and services;
  • Yaqui culture, customs, resources and traditions and/or a willingness to learn.
Skills and Abilities:
  • Solicit needed information necessary to dispatch appropriate emergency personnel to a scene;
  • Make quick decision during priority calls, and able to work without supervision;
  • Reading and comprehending complex technical documents written in English;
  • Deal tactfully and effectively with a variety of people, often under stressful conditions;
  • Multitask necessary to work on different assignment and/or equipment at any given time;
  • Use the Pascua Yaqui Tribe's street map to locate addresses and streets;
  • Operate a base station two-way radio, computers, printers and telephones;
  • React quickly and calmly in emergency situations;
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and people of varying social background;
  • Read and understand oral and written policies, rules, instructions, and other materials of the Pascua Yaqui Fire Department;
  • Handle confidential information, which includes crime scene information and HIPAA covered medical issues.
  • Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and related software applications;
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, management, Council members, and the public. Have ability to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive verbal and written work instructions.

Education, Certifications and Experience Required
High School Diploma or GED and completed the Pascua Yaqui Training program.
AND
  • Must type at least 35 words per minute;
  • Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred, but not required;
  • Must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor, or any criminal offense involving moral turpitude in Arizona, or any Federal and State jurisdiction, where the commission of such a criminal offense would be a misdemeanor as defined by Arizona Revised Statutes, other than minor traffic violations within the previous one (1) year period;
  • Must not have been convicted of a crime or misdemeanor, or be under a court order, that would restricts the ability to possess firearms;
  • Must not have any felony convictions;
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License.
Special Requirements:
  • This position will require the incumbent to work non-traditional hours, nights, and weekends;
  • Must have a FBI, BIA, Tribal Court, and an Arizona POST Clearance,, which includes a Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card. Failure to maintain a current clearance from the aforementioned agencies will result in termination.

The Pascua Yaqui Tribe provides 22 days of Paid Time Off which increases with years of service and 15 paid Holidays per year. We offer a comprehensive healthcare benefit package that surpasses or rivals the biggest organizations in Tucson. We encourage you to stay healthy by providing an onsite Wellness Center. Additionally, the Tribe offers a 401(k) Plan with a generous match in which you're immediately vested along with a profit sharing plan after one year of employment. Sworn police and and fire employees are eligible to make Pre-Tax and After-Tax contirbutions to the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement Systems ("PSPRS").
01
Do you have a High School Diploma or G.E.D?
  • No
  • Yes

02
Do you have a current valid Arizona Driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have current FBI, BIA, Tribal Court and an Arizona POST Clearance?
  • Yes
  • No

04
This position will require the incumbent to work non-traditional hours, nights, and weekends, are you willing to work non-traditional hours?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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