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Search Rescue Jobs in Clearwater, FL (NOW HIRING)

Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR)

Clearwater, FL

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Perform search and rescue (SAR) operations in open water and hazardous conditions. * Provide emergency medical care during recovery missions. * Operate from helicopters such as the MH-60 Seahawk.

Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR)

Tampa, FL

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Perform search and rescue (SAR) operations in open water and hazardous conditions. * Provide emergency medical care during recovery missions. * Operate from helicopters such as the MH-60 Seahawk.

... search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier and expeditionary strike groups, mine ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

... search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier and expeditionary strike groups, mine ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

... search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier and expeditionary strike groups, mine ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

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Search Rescue information

See Clearwater, FL salary details

$15K

$51.4K

$104.7K

How much do search rescue jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for search rescue in Clearwater, FL is $51,377.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,726.00 and $63,906.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Search Rescue jobs in Clearwater, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Search Rescue jobs in Clearwater, FL are:
What cities near Clearwater, FL are hiring for Search Rescue jobs? Cities near Clearwater, FL with the most Search Rescue job openings:
Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR)

Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR)

U.S. Navy

Saint Petersburg, FL

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 6 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

About

As an Aviation Rescue Swimmer, you will be trained to perform daring rescues in dangerous conditions, saving lives in both combat and humanitarian missions.

What You’ll Do

  • Perform search and rescue (SAR) operations in open water and hazardous conditions.
  • Provide emergency medical care during recovery missions.
  • Operate from helicopters such as the MH-60 Seahawk.
  • Support humanitarian and disaster relief missions.
  • Train in survival skills, underwater egress, and free-fall parachuting.

Why Choose AIRR?

  • Elite training in aviation and rescue operations.
  • Adventure and impact by saving lives worldwide.
  • Opportunities for career growth into leadership and specialized fields.
  • Competitive benefits, including healthcare, education, and travel.

Ideal Candidate

  • Physically and mentally resilient.
  • Strong swimmer, comfortable in high-stress environments.
  • Team player with excellent problem-solving skills.

What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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