Deputy Sheriff
Chesterfield, VA · On-site
$56K/yr
... search and rescue assets statewide as needed or requested. Perform other work as required. This position is a part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression ...
Deputy Sheriff
Chesterfield, VA · On-site
$56K/yr
... search and rescue assets statewide as needed or requested. Perform other work as required. This position is a part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression ...
Search Rescue information
What is the difference between Search Rescue vs Search and Rescue Technician?
| Aspect | Search Rescue | Search and Rescue Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | First aid, CPR, basic rescue training | Advanced rescue certifications, technical rescue training |
| Work Environment | Outdoor, varied terrains, emergency situations | Outdoor, technical rescue scenarios, often specialized |
| Employer & Industry | Government agencies, NGOs, military | Emergency services, specialized rescue teams |
| Search & Comparison Intent | General search and rescue roles | Technical 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 cities near Chester, VA are hiring for Search Rescue jobs? Cities near Chester, VA with the most Search Rescue job openings:
Job description
Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Chesterfield, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-00482
Department: Sheriff
Opening Date: 01/19/2026
Closing Date: 12/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Minimum Qualifications
Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office is seeking both experienced and non-experienced (recruit) candidates for our upcoming training academy. Recruits will be hired at a starting salary of $56,741. Applicants with prior Police, Sheriff's Office, DCJS Basic Jailor Certification, DOC Officer Certification, and/or Military Security/Patrol experience will be considered for salaries commensurate with experience.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Must be at least 18 years of age if in the active military, Reserve, or Guard or at least 20 years of age otherwise; possess a high school diploma or GED; must be able to show active credentials for prior experience qualifications if applicable; must possess a valid driver's license; be a U.S. citizen; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Current valid driver's license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, record must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months. Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.
This position is subject to working in high security areas governed by the US Department of Justice's "Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy" and therefore requires successfully passing a more stringent criminal background check. Must be a US citizen or have been a lawful resident of the US for the past ten consecutive years.
This position is considered Critical Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing. The use of medical marijuana for this position is prohibited.
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to successfully complete a physical agility test, written test, FBI background check to include but not limited to driving history and criminal history, polygraph exam, panel interview, psychological exam, psychological interview, and medical exam.
Duties
You will be required to maintain a safe and secure environment for employees, citizens, customers and inmates at the courthouses or jail, courtrooms, campuses, holding areas, and special events; enforce all felony and misdemeanor laws of Virginia; serve warrants, summonses, subpoenas, civil and other official papers; transport inmates to and from various jails/prisons in and out of state; work under stressful, high-risk conditions; maintain required level of proficiency in the use of firearms, driving skills and defensive tactics; investigate and report criminal offenses that occur at the jail or courthouses; assist motorists in various situations as needed; provide emergency operations resources to the County during times of crisis; serve as a force multiplier and law enforcement resource for Chesterfield Police Department during man-made or natural disasters, mass arrests events, or national emergencies; enforce all state and local ordinances; provide certified search and rescue assets statewide as needed or requested. Perform other work as required.
This position is a part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications, and experience.
Please note: Position open until filled (first review to begin January 26, 2026).
For more information about employment with the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office, please visit
Shift
Permanent 12 hour shifts to include weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
Work Location
Sheriff's Office
Chesterfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
For information on county benefits, view
Location : Chesterfield, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-00482
Department: Sheriff
Opening Date: 01/19/2026
Closing Date: 12/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Minimum Qualifications
Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office is seeking both experienced and non-experienced (recruit) candidates for our upcoming training academy. Recruits will be hired at a starting salary of $56,741. Applicants with prior Police, Sheriff's Office, DCJS Basic Jailor Certification, DOC Officer Certification, and/or Military Security/Patrol experience will be considered for salaries commensurate with experience.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Must be at least 18 years of age if in the active military, Reserve, or Guard or at least 20 years of age otherwise; possess a high school diploma or GED; must be able to show active credentials for prior experience qualifications if applicable; must possess a valid driver's license; be a U.S. citizen; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Current valid driver's license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, record must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months. Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.
This position is subject to working in high security areas governed by the US Department of Justice's "Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy" and therefore requires successfully passing a more stringent criminal background check. Must be a US citizen or have been a lawful resident of the US for the past ten consecutive years.
This position is considered Critical Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing. The use of medical marijuana for this position is prohibited.
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to successfully complete a physical agility test, written test, FBI background check to include but not limited to driving history and criminal history, polygraph exam, panel interview, psychological exam, psychological interview, and medical exam.
Duties
You will be required to maintain a safe and secure environment for employees, citizens, customers and inmates at the courthouses or jail, courtrooms, campuses, holding areas, and special events; enforce all felony and misdemeanor laws of Virginia; serve warrants, summonses, subpoenas, civil and other official papers; transport inmates to and from various jails/prisons in and out of state; work under stressful, high-risk conditions; maintain required level of proficiency in the use of firearms, driving skills and defensive tactics; investigate and report criminal offenses that occur at the jail or courthouses; assist motorists in various situations as needed; provide emergency operations resources to the County during times of crisis; serve as a force multiplier and law enforcement resource for Chesterfield Police Department during man-made or natural disasters, mass arrests events, or national emergencies; enforce all state and local ordinances; provide certified search and rescue assets statewide as needed or requested. Perform other work as required.
This position is a part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications, and experience.
Please note: Position open until filled (first review to begin January 26, 2026).
For more information about employment with the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office, please visit
Shift
Permanent 12 hour shifts to include weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
Work Location
Sheriff's Office
Chesterfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
For information on county benefits, view