1

Search Rescue Jobs in Gig Harbor, WA (NOW HIRING)

Deputy Sheriff - Entry Level

Tacoma, WA ยท On-site

$44.96 - $59.50/hr

The Sheriff's Office has additional duty assignments available for patrol deputies in Search and Rescue, Marine Services, Dive Team, SWAT Team, Hazardous Device Team, Special Investigations Unit ...

Deputy Sheriff - Entry Level

Tacoma, WA ยท On-site

$44.96 - $59.50/hr

The Sheriff's Office has additional duty assignments available for patrol deputies in Search and Rescue, Marine Services, Dive Team, SWAT Team, Hazardous Device Team, Special Investigations Unit ...

Deputy Sheriff - Lateral

Tacoma, WA ยท On-site

$44.96 - $59.50/hr

The Sheriff's Office has additional duty assignments available for patrol deputies in Search and Rescue, Marine Services, Dive Team, SWAT Team, Hazardous Device Team, Special Investigations Unit ...

Deputy Sheriff - Lateral

Tacoma, WA ยท On-site

$44.96 - $59.50/hr

The Sheriff's Office has additional duty assignments available for patrol deputies in Search and Rescue, Marine Services, Dive Team, SWAT Team, Hazardous Device Team, Special Investigations Unit ...

Showing results 21-25

Search Rescue information

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.

What cities near Gig Harbor, WA are hiring for Search Rescue jobs?

Cities near Gig Harbor, WA with the most Search Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Search Rescue job openings in Gig Harbor, WA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 4% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Experienced/Lateral Police Officer

Kent, WA โ€ข On-site

City of Kent, WA
Public Administrationย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$8.1K - $10K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Join Our Team

Come work at a place where you have a direct impact on the quality of life for Kent residents, business owners and visitors alike!

Base Salary (depending on experience): $97,296.00- $126,636.00 annually

$8,108.00- $10,553.00 monthly

City contributions include: 3% of base salary towards deferred compensation plan, 1% of base salary for Body Worn Camera, 1% of base salary for Accreditation, and an Education Premium of 4% for an Associate Degree or 6% for a Bachelor's Degree.

For a listing of benefits, please refer to the link: Employee Benefits | City of Kent

Additional information may also be found in the Teamsters Sergeants and Officers labor agreement and at Lateral Police Officer Careers.

General Purpose

Positions in this class are responsible for general duty police work involving the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, prevention and investigation of crimes, and maintenance of order within a designated area on an assigned shift, in patrol car, motorcycle, bicycle other conveyance for which training has been received, or on foot. Work is performed according to departmental regulations and procedures, duty assignments, general and special instructions are received from supervisors who review work by personal inspection, checking of reports, and general appraisal of the effectiveness of the employee and adherence to established policies.

Reports To:

Police Sergeant

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Responds to emergency and routine calls for service.
  • Performs computer inquiries from the patrol vehicle and stationary terminals.
  • Documents, thoroughly and clearly, incidents and actions by writing case reports, field interview cards, maintaining daily logs and preparing other related reports.
  • Patrols designated area of city in police vehicle, on foot patrol, bicycle patrol and/or other conveyances on an assigned shift; patrols business and residential districts to provide an element of safety by obvious visibility; looking for crimes or potential crimes in progress.
  • Acts as primary investigator of all crimes occurring within assigned areas during duty hours. Makes on scene arrests when warranted. Uses varying degrees of physical force to overcome resisting suspects and to protect himself/herself and others from injury.
  • Pursues fleeing suspects on foot and in vehicles. Performs rescue and pursuit operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting patrol vehicles; climbing over and pulling oneself up over obstacles; jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams; and using physical force to gain entry through barriers.
  • Takes immediate action to remedy hazards and protect life and property. Must be physically able to hear conversations, instructions and common warnings. Must have adequate vision to effectively perform these functions in hours of darkness or low light.
  • Investigates and/or handles complaints involving family disputes, juveniles disputes, mentally disabled persons; provides first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons.
  • Must be prepared and capable of physical exertion to protect themselves and provide immediate life saving measures to others.
  • Stops traffic violators and takes appropriate remedial action; identifies suspicious individuals and questions their activities. Apprehends violators or offenders of the law, sometimes involving a substantial element of personal danger. In instances where lawful arrests are resisted the officer must be prepared and able at times through high levels of physical exertion to protect citizens, themselves, fellow officers and overcome the resistance.
  • Attempts to tactfully diffuse any verbal or physical abuse which may occur in the course of performing work assignments. Endures verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and others encountered in an antagonistic environment.
  • Communicates effectively in court and other formal settings.
  • Searches for lost or wanted persons over varying terrain and conditions for extended periods of time.
  • Performs searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.
  • Determines when a lawful search or arrest can or should be attempted; determines when and to what extent physical force should be use, as governed by law and department regulations. Must be able to recognize when the application of deadly force is appropriate under state law and department policy. Must have the mental and physical capabilities to employ deadly force in order to protect human life.
  • Physically directs traffic when required. Investigates traffic accidents in various weather and traffic conditions. Places temporary traffic control devices such as portable stop signs, barricades and other forms of directional signing as needed.
  • Reads, reviews, interprets, serves and enforces various court orders.
  • Develops knowledge about known offenders and correlates reported offenses; recovers lost or stolen property. Officer is expected to be able to lift and move commonly recovered items such as bicycles, televisions, stereo components, tools, automotive wheels and parts, and small safes without destroying or damaging those items. Prepares affidavits for search warrants; interviews witnesses and suspects. Develops and uses informants and other investigative aids; appears in court to present evidence and to testify against persons accused of crimes.
  • Provides assistance and referrals for domestic violence cases, indigent persons and stranded individuals.
  • Writes reports; maintains daily logs and other related reports.
  • Takes direction from police supervisor as necessary.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of City ordinances and applicable state and federal laws and WAC rules. Department policy and procedure. Modern police methods and procedures. Geography and street locations. Laws of arrest, search and seizure including legal ramifications of action taken. Principles of crime and accident investigation. Basic techniques of crime prevention. Basic techniques of criminal investigation. Identification and preservation of evidence. First aid principles and application. Organization and planning.

Skilled in Use and care of firearms. Operation of police vehicle and other police equipment. Dealing with the public courteously, firmly and effectively. Interpersonal relationships. Analyzing dangerous situations rapidly and accurately. Maintaining control in stressful, hostile and hazardous conditions. Enforcement of all applicable laws. Preparing clear and concise reports.

Ability to Act without direct supervision and exercise independent discretion. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Communicate effectively with co-workers, superiors and the general public, both orally and in writing. Cope with situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others. Effectively deal with violations of rules, policies, and procedures on an impartial basis. Maintain standards of physical fitness.

Machines, Tools and Equipment Used:

Operate a motor vehicle, computers/keyboards, B.A.C. verifier machines, telephones, police radios, mobile data terminals, tape recorders, firearms, batons, handcuffs and other police related equipment.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:

Frequently required to sit and talk or hear. Occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, controls or tools listed above; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Minimum Education and Experience Required:

Graduation from a standard high school, or a General Education Diploma (GED) or the equivalent. Applicants for the Lateral positions shall have successfully completed a state law enforcement academy training program and been employed as a commissioned full-time general authority law enforcement officer with a municipal, county, or state law enforcement agency with a break in service not longer than five (5) years.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

  • United States citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient (DACA)
  • Not less than 21 years of age at the time of hire
  • Ability to fluently speak, read, and write the English language, using proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
  • Must meet minimum medical and health standards adopted by the Civil Service Commission.
  • Positions in this class must meet Civil Service Rules and Regulations.