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Search Rescue Jobs in Orange, CA (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Logistics Manager

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch, located in Anaheim, CA is one of the world's leading providers of Search & Rescue (SAR) and Human External Cargo (HEC) advanced mission equipment for civil, commercial ...

Marine Mechanic

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $84K/yr

THE DIVISION The Harbor Patrol/Marine Operations Bureau provides around-the-clock law enforcement, marine firefighting and search/rescue services along the 48 miles of Orange County coastline and ...

Marine Mechanic

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $84K/yr

THE DIVISION The Harbor Patrol/Marine Operations Bureau provides around-the-clock law enforcement, marine firefighting and search/rescue services along the 48 miles of Orange County coastline and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Search Rescue information

See Orange, CA salary details

$16.7K

$57.5K

$117.2K

How much do search rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for search rescue in Orange, CA is $57,521.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,520.00 and $71,548.00 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.

What cities near Orange, CA are hiring for Search Rescue jobs?

Cities near Orange, CA with the most Search Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Search Rescue job openings in Orange, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,521 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Receiving Quality Inspector (2nd Shift)

Hornet Acquisition Co LLC

Anaheim, CA โ€ข On-site

$27.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform inspections, measurements, and tests of products during receiving, in-process, and final inspections in accordance with documented procedures and work instructions.

  • Support quality engineering and management initiatives by collecting data, implementing corrective actions, and maintaining compliance with standards and regulations.

  • Interface with other departments to support audits, certifications, evaluations, inspections, and tests.


Job description

Description:

Signia Aerospace is a global, integrated provider of high-performance systems and specialized components for the aerospace industry. Signia currently operates two complementary business segments: Thermal Management (key brands include ACE Thermal Systems and Mezzo Technologies) and Mission Systems (key brands include Onboard Systems, Lifesaving Systems, and Meeker Aviation). The Signia brands are leaders in their respective markets and provide a compelling value proposition to both aerospace and defense OEMs and end-users.


Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch, located in Anaheim, CA is one of the world’s leading providers of Search & Rescue (SAR) and Human External Cargo (HEC) advanced mission equipment for civil, commercial, and military helicopters.


Position Overview 


Location: Anaheim, CA (On-site) 

Schedule: Monday - Friday 

Pay: $27.50 per hour 


This is a union position covered under a collective bargaining agreement. 

Starting pay is $27.50 per hour, per the union contract.

The ability to pass a pre-employment background check and an FAA-regulated drug test is required.


The Quality Inspector will be responsible for performing inspections, measurements, and tests on products throughout the production process. This role will also support quality engineering and management initiatives by collecting data, implementing corrective actions, and maintaining compliance. 


What You’ll Do

  • Perform inspections, measurements and tests of products during the receiving, in-process and final inspections in accordance with documented procedures and work instructions. Collect and record inspection and test results. Complete all required forms and documentation completely and accurately.
  • Support Quality Engineering and Quality Management by helping to assure compliance with the AS9100, ISO 9001, IPC 610 and IPC 620 and applicable FAA standards and regulations (Part 24 and Part 145, 8130-2’s)
  • Collect data used to generate key quality metrics that drive efforts to assure continual improvement of Onboard Systems processes and products
  • Support the implementation and maintenance of effective corrective actions, as directed, to prevent failure recurrence of Onboard Systems products
  • Interface directly with other departments in support of required audits, presentations, certifications, evaluations, inspections and tests.

Who You Are

  • This position requires the ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, to complete inspection reports and understand safety and quality standards.
  • Inspection experience of complex electro-mechanical parts
  • Ability to read and comprehend complex documents to include, but not limited to, drawings, procedures, work instructions, forms and schematics
  • Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and problem-solving capabilities

What’s In It for You

  • This position is part of union, offering negotiated benefits and protections.



All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status 

Requirements: