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Search Rescue Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Climb over obstacles; climb through openings; jump down from elevated surfaces; jump over obstacles, ditches and fences; and crawl in confined areas to pursue, search, investigate and/or rescue.

Police Officer

Ferndale, MI · On-site

$71K - $90K/yr

Climb over obstacles; climb through openings; jump down from elevated surfaces; jump over obstacles, ditches and fences; and crawl in confined areas to pursue, search, investigate and/or rescue.

Police Officer

Ferndale, MI · On-site

$95K/yr

Climb over obstacles; climb through openings; jump down from elevated surfaces; jump over obstacles, ditches and fences; and crawl in confined areas to pursue, search, investigate and/or rescue.

Field Service Deputy

Howell, MI · On-site

$29.27 - $38.39/hr

Climb over obstacles; climb through openings jump down from elevated surfaces; jump over obstacles, ditches and streams; and crawl in confined areas to pursue, search, investigate and/or rescue.

Climb over obstacles; climb through openings jump down from elevated surfaces; jump over obstacles, ditches and streams; and crawl in confined areas to pursue, search, investigate and/or rescue.

Firefighter Paid On-Call

Grand Haven, MI · On-site

$21.83 - $30.81/hr

... search and rescue, ventilation, extrication, and other fire and rescue related activities.4. Climbs over obstacles, climbs through openings, uses ladders to gain access to or egress from elevated ...

Field Service Deputy

Howell, MI · On-site

$29.27 - $38.39/hr

Climb over obstacles; climb through openings jump down from elevated surfaces; jump over obstacles, ditches and streams; and crawl in confined areas to pursue, search, investigate and/or rescue.

... search and rescue operations for personnel within hazardous environments. o Perform ventilation, overhaul, and salvage operations as required. • Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Response: o Identify ...

Monitor waterways for impaired boating, reckless operation, overcrowding, and unsafe conditions. * Assist in search and rescue, water recovery, and emergency management operations. * Educate boaters ...

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Search Rescue information

See Michigan salary details

$14.5K

$49.8K

$101.4K

How much do search rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for search rescue in Michigan is $49,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,736.00 and $61,911.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a search and rescue professional?

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 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?

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 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 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.

Can I get paid for search and rescue?

Search and rescue personnel are often paid employees, especially when working for government agencies, emergency services, or contracted organizations. Compensation varies based on the agency, location, experience, and whether the role is full-time or volunteer; paid positions typically include benefits and require training and certifications such as first aid or technical rescue skills.

What qualifications do you need to be a search and rescue?

To become a search and rescue professional, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant certifications such as CPR and first aid, and specialized training in rescue techniques, navigation, and survival skills. Physical fitness, the ability to work in challenging environments, and often certification in areas like wilderness or urban rescue are also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Search Rescue jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Search Rescue jobs in Michigan are:

What job categories do people searching Search Rescue jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Search Rescue jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Search Rescue jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Search Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Search Rescue job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,773 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

$3.0K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

The City of Ferndale is currently looking for the best of the best. We are not looking for just anyone, we are looking for the right one. If you believe that is you, we are now accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. Lateral pay, competitive salary, a $3,000 signing bonus, generous health benefits, and a robust retirement package are just some of the benefits of working for our great city. Applicants who do not have the required qualifications below, will not be considered for this position.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Affect an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using physical techniques, handcuff and other restraints.
  • Climb over obstacles; climb through openings; jump down from elevated surfaces; jump over obstacles, ditches and fences; and crawl in confined areas to pursue, search, investigate and/or rescue.
  • Communicate effectively over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications, often under adverse conditions such as siren usage and high speed vehicle operations.
  • Conduct searches of buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve walking and/or standing for long periods of time and which requires the ability to distinguish color and perceive shapes.
  • Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
  • Enter and exit vehicles quickly to perform rescue operations, pursue a suspect or answer an emergency call.
  • Exercise independent judgment within legal guidelines, to determine when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree.
  • Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing an obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informants.
  • Load, unload, aim and fire handguns, shotguns and other agency firearms from a variety of body positions in situations that justify the use of deadly force while maintaining emotional control under extreme stress.
  • Manage interpersonal conflicts to maintain order.
  • Operate an emergency vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency and pursuit situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits while exercising due care and caution and in exception to traffic control devices and in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions and environmental conditions such as fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow.
  • Perform law enforcement patrol functions while working rotating shifts and unanticipated overtime.
  • Perform tasks which require lifting, carrying or dragging people or heavy objects while performing arrest, rescue or general patrol functions.
  • Perform searches of persons which involve touching and feeling to detect potential weapons and contraband.
  • Prepare investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.
  • Pursue fleeing suspects on foot both day and night in unfamiliar terrain or surroundings.
  • Read and comprehend rules, regulations, policies, procedures and the law for purposes of ensuring appropriate officer behavior/response and performing enforcement activities involving the public.
  • Subdue resisting subjects using hands and feet while employing defensive tactic maneuvers or approved non lethal weapons techniques.
  • Use bodily force to gain entrance through barriers to search, seize, investigate and/or rescue.
  • Perform other essential tasks as identified by the Ferndale Police Department or the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Training Council's Job-Task Analysis.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must have a valid operator's license.
  • Must have at least two years of college credit (60 credits), or four years of active military duty with an honorable discharge, or a honorably military service and college education acceptable to the department, or 1-year of sworn law enforcement experience.
  • Must be in excellent health; eyes corrected to 20/20.
  • Must be free from criminal background.
  • Must have passed the MCOLES reading and physical tests.
  • Reasonable knowledge of State and Local Laws and ordinances.
  • Reasonable knowledge of the geography, streets and important locations in Ferndale.
  • Reasonable knowledge of modern police practices and procedures.
  • Reasonable knowledge of traffic rules and regulations.
  • Skill or ability to attain skill in the use of firearms.
  • Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
  • Ability to prepare accurate, written records and reports.
  • Mental alertness and good powers of observation.
  • Good physical condition, strength and agility.
  • Ability to work effectively with other employees and the public.