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Search Rescue Jobs in Aspen, CO (NOW HIRING)

Pitkin County, CO

Patrol Deputy

Aspen, CO · On-site

$33.50 - $54.98/hr

May be assigned to special operations, enforcement, intervention, investigative and tactical teams; including search and rescue, K-9, traffic, civil process, School Resource Officer, training, and ...

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Search Rescue information

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.
More about Search Rescue jobs
What cities near Aspen, CO are hiring for Search Rescue jobs? Cities near Aspen, CO with the most Search Rescue job openings:
Search Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Search Rescue job openings in Aspen, CO as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Patrol Deputy

Patrol Deputy

Pitkin County, CO

Aspen, CO • On-site

$33.50 - $54.98/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Salary: $33.50 - $54.98 Hourly
Location : Aspen, CO
Job Type: Full-time with benefits, hourly
Job Number: 202300356
Department: Sheriff's Office
Opening Date: 01/27/2026
Bilingual Stipend: Yes
Hiring Minimum: $33.50
Hiring Maximum: $54.98
Pay Grade: P104
Special Notes: Please Include a resume and cover letter for this position
Hiring Range Description: This position is on a step pay plan, which is a structured pay system that determines employee pay. Employees progress through predetermined pay levels ("steps") based on specific criteria, such as years of service, performance, or additional qualifications/milestones. Each step corresponds to a higher pay rate, providing predictable, incremental raises.
** Early applications are encouraged**
*Job Postings without Closing Dates:
Job postings that do not have a closing date will remain open until filled.
*Job Postings with Closing Dates:
An application deadline may be extended if the original deadline produced fewer applications than expected. Likewise, a job posting may be closed prior to the listed closing date if the number of applications reach the limit for that position.
Job Summary
Protects lives and property and preserves the peace in Pitkin County through the patrolling of assigned areas, impartial enforcement of laws, detaining and interviewing violators, apprehension of suspects, and responding to calls for service; assists the community in the mutual pursuit of a peaceful, safe, and healthy environment.
Job Responsibilities
  • Attends classroom and skills training sessions required to obtain State Peace Officer Certification.
  • Completes written, oral, and skills proficiency examinations for a wide variety of required Peace Officer skills and knowledge, and maintains required levels of proficiency.
  • Participates in physical conditioning training and testing, and maintains required levels of physical fitness; adheres to CO POST academy rules and regulations.
  • Provides courtroom testimony when summoned; provides factual statement of incidents, presents evidence relating to cases before the court, and assists in the prosecution of criminal and civil cases.
  • Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
  • Provides experienced services in enforcing state laws, and compliance with local regulations, according to Pitkin County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP); makes proper decisions using sound judgment; assists Deputies in the performance of their duties; duties may vary according to job assignment.
  • Assists other Sheriff's personnel, County departments, outside organizations, and federal, state, and local law enforcement organizations in order to define and resolve law enforcement issues.
  • May be assigned to special operations, enforcement, intervention, investigative and tactical teams; including search and rescue, K-9, traffic, civil process, School Resource Officer, training, and liaison with other agencies.
  • Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the Sheriff's Office by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
  • Enforces state and federal laws, and enforces compliance with local regulations, according to Pitkin County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP); makes proper decisions using sound judgment.
  • Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the Sheriff's Office by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills
This position follows a sequence:
  • Deputy:
    • High School Diploma or GED equivalent; Bachelor's Degree preferred.
    • Must attend the Colorado Law Enforcement Training Academy (CLETA).
    • Must maintain certification with the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board.
    • Must possess a valid Colorado Driver's License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
    • Up to 3 years of satisfactory PCSO or related law enforcement work experience.
    • Must have satisfactorily completed the internal Pitkin County Sheriff's Office Field Training Officer (FTO) training program.

Additional training
  • Must have successfully completed Basic Crime Scene Investigations Training.
  • Must have successfully completed Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) & Intoxilyzer training.
  • Must have successfully completed Crisis Intervention Training (CIT).

  • Senior Deputy:
    • 4+ years of satisfactory PCSO or related law enforcement work experience.
    • Must have successfully completed the PCSO Patrol Deputy 3 Promotion Taskbook.*
*Lateral placements have one year from hire date to complete the PCSO Patrol Deputy 3 Promotion Taskbook
Knowledge Of:
  • County policies and procedures.
  • State and federal laws and regulations governing work performed.
  • Record keeping and records management rules and standards.

Skill In:
  • Applying governing rules and regulations.
  • Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
  • Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.
  • Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers and other regional agencies.
  • Utilizing standard personal computer software programs and specialized State and County software.
  • Communicating effectively verbally and in writing

Physical Demands and Working Environment
Work is performed in internal and external environments with exposure to inclement weather; subject to physical harm such as dangerous vehicles, ballistic and physical attacks; may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, drugs, infectious and communicable diseases; required to physically restrain persons; subject to extended periods of intense concentration in review of crime scenes, investigations, and preparing law enforcement reports. Must be able to work in uniform during weekdays, weekends, and holidays on any assigned shift; must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet PCSO standards.
**CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION**
Conviction of any of the misdemeanors listed in the linked document below (or their equivalent federal, other state, or local municipal code ordinances) on or after July 1, 2001, will cause peace officer certification to be revoked. Per § 24-31-305 C.R.S., an individual may not be certified if convicted as an adult of any of the misdemeanors, or their equivalents, listed on the Colorado Post website. POST certification candidates may request a variance to allow certification under POST Rule 8.
A ruling on a criminal history variance request must be made by the POST director PRIOR to attending a law enforcement academy. Given the length of our recruitment process, candidates currently involved in a criminal history variance process will not be considered until a final ruling has been made.
An individual convicted of any felony is ineligible for POST certification in Colorado and cannot request a variance.
Per Colorado Revised Statutes, a conviction for POST certification purposes includes:
Deferred judgments and sentencing agreements
Deferred prosecution agreements
Pretrial diversion agreements
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
For more information, click for our 2025 Employee Benefits Guide in English. To review the version in Spanish, click

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