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Search Rescue Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

City of Geneva, IL

Paid On-Call Firefighter

Geneva, IL · On-site

$18.83/hr

... search and rescue operations; and responding to hazardous materials spills. * Participate in training programs by attending classes, participating in drills, simulations etc., studying City geography ...

AMR

Firefighter EMT - Glenwood Fire Dept.

Glenwood, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Operates various pieces of fire equipment and gear for fire suppression and control; drives and operates fire apparatus; conducts search and rescue; ventilation and salvage operations. * Conduct fire ...

AMR

Firefighter EMT - Glenwood Fire Dept.

Glenwood, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Operates various pieces of fire equipment and gear for fire suppression and control; drives and operates fire apparatus; conducts search and rescue; ventilation and salvage operations. * Conduct fire ...

AMR

Firefighter EMT - Glenwood Fire Dept.

Glenwood, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Operates various pieces of fire equipment and gear for fire suppression and control; drives and operates fire apparatus; conducts search and rescue; ventilation and salvage operations. * Conduct fire ...

AMR

Firefighter EMT - Glenwood Fire Dept.

Glenwood, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Operates various pieces of fire equipment and gear for fire suppression and control; drives and operates fire apparatus; conducts search and rescue; ventilation and salvage operations. * Conduct fire ...

AMR

Firefighter EMT - Glenwood Fire Dept.

Glenwood, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Operates various pieces of fire equipment and gear for fire suppression and control; drives and operates fire apparatus; conducts search and rescue; ventilation and salvage operations. * Conduct fire ...

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All JobsSearch Rescue JobsSearch Rescue Jobs in Chicago, IL

Search Rescue information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$16.9K

$58.2K

$118.6K

How much do search rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for search rescue in Chicago, IL is $58,175.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,924.00 and $72,362.00 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.
More about Search Rescue jobs

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For Search Rescue jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Search Rescue jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Search Rescue jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Search Rescue job openings:

Search Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Search Rescue job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,175 per year, or $28 per hour.

Paramedic/Firefighter - La Grange Park

La Grange Park, IL • On-site

Paramedic Services of Illinois
Health Care and Social Assistance • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Paramedic Services of Illinoisexternal

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Us:
 
At Paramedic Services of Illinois, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and high-quality emergency medical care to our community. Our company culture is centered around the belief that every individual deserves prompt and professional medical attention delivered with empathy and respect.
What You’ll Do:
  • As a Paramedic at Paramedic Services of Illinois, you will be an integral part of our team, responding to emergency calls and providing essential medical care to patients in need. Your primary responsibilities will include:
  • Responding promptly to emergency calls and assessing the medical needs of patients.
  • Administering appropriate medical treatment and interventions according to established protocols and guidelines.
  • Demonstrates the ability to safely lift, transfer, and maneuver patients in and out of ambulances, facilities, residences, and other locations.
  • Communicating effectively with patients, families, healthcare professionals and other emergency responders to ensure coordinated and efficient patient care.
  • Completes and maintains accurate records and documentation with regard to transport, equipment inspection, supplies usage incidents, and other forms of documentation inherent in the operation.
  • Demonstrates, by attendance and documentation, compliance with PSI and/or the Department of Health requirements for continuing education and licensure.
  • Maintains a clean and complete uniform, personal hygiene, and professional, pleasant, and polite demeanor to all persons with whom the individual comes in contact while on duty.
  • Inspects and promptly reports damage, deficiencies, safety issues or other problems with ambulances, company vehicles, equipment and supplies, or any other matters relevant to the safe, efficient and proper operation of the company; assists with vehicle and equipment maintenance and station maintenance.
  • Participates in public education, public relations, public health safety programs, emergency medical service training, fire training, fire prevention activities, fire suppression, rescue, extrication, hazardous material situations, demonstrations, instructing, and any other activity that would benefit the company, its contracting communities, or the general public.
  • Respond to fire alarms with assigned company; lay and connect hose; maintain pumping apparatus; hold nozzles and direct water streams; raise and climb ladders; ventilate burning structures; enter buildings to evacuate occupants.
  • Operate all types of fire operation and rescue equipment including portable fire extinguishers, pike poles, hand lines, smoke ejectors, salvage covers, forcible entry tools, aerial ladder equipment and emergency medical equipment.
  • Preserve evidence at fire scenes.
  • Perform search and rescue of individuals in hazardous environments including collapsed buildings, auto accidents, hazardous material spills and confined spaces.
  • Attend special instruction in firefighting emergency medical techniques; perform drills with other engine company staff; become familiar with city layout, established response routes and hydrant system; prepare and maintain a variety of firefighting preplan drawings and schematics.
  • Firefighter/Paramedic employees assist in the training of fire department personnel in emergency medical techniques and medical field activities; maintain inventory of drugs and controlled substances.
Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Current/Valid Illinois Driver’s License of proper classification
  • Successful completion of a Paramedic program and maintain a current/valid Illinois Department of Public Health License
  • Capable of completing continuing education and testing requirements in the system that you are assigned
  • State of Illinois Firefighter Certifications (for Firefighter applicants)
  • Successful completion of a professional and criminal background check
  • Successfully pass pre-employment testing including a Fit for Duty Physical, Drug Screening, Agility and Lifting Evaluation
Preferred Certifications (but not required):
  • ACLS
  • PALS/PEPP
  • PHTLS/ BTLS/ITLS
  • CPR Instructor
Compensation & Benefits Package Includes:
  • Competitive Pay - From $75,000 Annually
  • Paid Time Off/Sick time
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Holiday Pay
  • 24/48-Hour Shifts
  • PPO Health & Dental Insurance
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Credit Union Membership
  • Professional Liability Insurance
  • Scheduled Performance Evaluations
  • Flexible Benefits Plan (FSA)
  • Short & Long Term Off-Duty Disability Insurance
  • Aflac Insurance
  • Service Award Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Switch Time Privileges
  • Selective Tuition Reimbursement
  • Reimbursement for State of Illinois EMS Relicensing Fee
  • Uniforms Provided
  • Retirement Award Program
Company Culture:
 
At Paramedic Services of Illinois, our company culture is built on the foundation of compassion, professionalism, and teamwork. For over 50 years, we have been committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. Our philosophy extends not only to our patients but also to our employees, who play a vital role in fulfilling our mission of providing exceptional emergency medical care to our communities.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.