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Search Rescue Jobs in Charlottesville, VA (NOW HIRING)

Ski/Bike Patroller (Seasonal)

VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

They also perform essential tasks such as chairlift evacuation, search-and-rescue, and opening/closing the ski area or bike trails. Required Outdoor Emergency Care certification CPR/AED for the ...

Ski/Bike Patroller (Seasonal)

Mcgaheysville, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

They also perform essential tasks such as chairlift evacuation, search-and-rescue, and opening/closing the ski area or bike trails. Required Outdoor Emergency Care certification CPR/AED for the ...

Search Rescue information

See Charlottesville, VA salary details

$15.5K

$53.3K

$108.6K

How much do search rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for search rescue in Charlottesville, VA is $53,283.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,903.00 and $66,277.00 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.
What cities near Charlottesville, VA are hiring for Search Rescue jobs? Cities near Charlottesville, VA with the most Search Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Search Rescue job openings in Charlottesville, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 27% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,283 per year, or $25.6 per hour.
Economic Empowerment - AmeriCorps

Economic Empowerment - AmeriCorps

International Rescue Committee

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$25K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


International Rescue Committee rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 679 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
Background: The International Rescue Committee helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future
Scope of Service: The Economic Empowerment AmeriCorps will provide services to strengthen client capacity to obtain and retain employment and maintain economic self- sufficiency including job skills training, interview preparation, job placement and retention and employer outreach. This position reports to the Early Employment Coordinator.
Responsibilities:
• Deliver vocational training workshops to prepare clients entering the U.S. workforce, covering topics including, but not limited to, U.S. work culture and expectations, digital literacy skills, work documentation and new hire paperwork, resume writing, and interview preparation.
• Assess the efficacy of vocational training workshops and adjust curriculum and deliverables to address the needs of clients and employers.
• Collaborate with the early employment team to assist clients in developing employment plans, conduct practice interviews, help clients enhance their resumes, and lead career counseling sessions that convey the importance of employment in becoming self-sufficient.
• Coordinate with early employment, adult education, and financial coaching teams to deliver digital and financial literacy for clients individually or in group sessions.
• Conduct sector specific research on industry hiring trends and cultivate relationships with area employers to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients.
• Support clients in accessing pay stubs and through the monitoring of job performance, wage level, and employer/employee satisfaction.
• Maintain case files and database records to track client participation in and progress through employment services and ensure timely and accurate compliance with reporting requirements.
• Ensure necessary steps are taken to obtain relevant data in a timely fashion; follow up with all clients regularly and record all contacts with case notes.
• Provide employment support as needed, including employer outreach for job development and one-on-one client meetings.
• Assist clients and employers as necessary with post placement issues and ongoing employment needs.
• Participate in all program meetings, development activities, and other meetings as needed.
Requirements:
• Demonstrated knowledge of the US job search process and the ability to effectively coach clients through the nuanced process of securing employment
• Strong communication skills, with fluency in written and spoken English. Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired
• Demonstrated experience working in a multicultural environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Must have a valid driver's license and consistent access to reliable transportation
• Must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident and authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must commit to one full year of service
• Must be high school graduates, GED recipients, working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service.
• Must complete a National Service Criminal History check
Compensation: (Pay Rate: $25,200/yr). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings
US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

International Rescue Committee logo

About International Rescue Committee

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 28 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1933