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Search Rescue Jobs in Roanoke, VA (NOW HIRING)

County of Roanoke Virginia

Firefighter/EMT

Roanoke, VA

$50K - $63K/yr

Engages directly in fire fighting; rescue and fire prevention activities; drives and operates fire ... Subject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results. Must also be able ...

Roanoke County, VA

Firefighter/EMT

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$50K - $63K/yr

Fire & Rescue Opening Date: 02/13/2026 Closing Date: Continuous GENERAL DESCRIPTION Perform ... Subject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results. Must also be able ...

Roanoke County, VA

Paramedic/Firefighter

Roanoke, VA

$57K - $72K/yr

Fire & Rescue Opening Date: 02/13/2026 Closing Date: Continuous GENERAL DESCRIPTION Performs ... Subject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results.Must also be able ...

Roanoke County, VA

Paramedic/Firefighter

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$57K - $72K/yr

Fire & Rescue Opening Date: 02/13/2026 Closing Date: Continuous GENERAL DESCRIPTION Performs ... Subject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results.Must also be able ...

Roanoke County, VA

Police Officer Recruit 2026

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$52K - $54K/yr

... search, and probable cause to arrest a suspect. ~ Performs rescue operations at accidents, disasters, and other emergency situations. ~ Performs protective services in situations that may involve ...

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All JobsSearch Rescue JobsSearch Rescue Jobs in Roanoke, VA

Search Rescue information

See Roanoke, VA salary details

$14.4K

$49.6K

$101.1K

How much do search rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for search rescue in Roanoke, VA is $49,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,634.00 and $61,706.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 Roanoke, VA are hiring for Search Rescue jobs? Cities near Roanoke, VA with the most Search Rescue job openings:
Search Rescue jobs near you

Paramedic - Non-Fire Suppression - Part Time

Roanoke County, VA

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$22.48/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Salary: $22.48 Hourly
Location : Roanoke, VA
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 201003537
Department: Fire & Rescue
Opening Date: 12/05/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Performs responsible protective services work responding to calls involving rescue and advanced life support by using advanced emergency life support and stabilization procedures at the scene of an accident or illness and during transport to medical facilities. Provides rescue training; drives and operates rescue vehicles; assists in the maintenance and repair of stations and equipment. Supervises rescue unit on call. Must work well with the other emergency services and fire personnel often under hazardous and stressful conditions, responding promptly to directions given by the on-site supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned. This is a non-fire suppression position
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Works at stations responding to calls for emergency assistance, acting as supervisor of the rescue unit on call.
  • Provides emergency medical services using advanced emergency life support and stabilization procedures at the scene of the accident or illness and during transport to medical facilities.
  • Performs rescue from life-threatening situations and assists in the protection of the property.
  • Drives and operates equipment on emergency vehicles, including the replenishing of supplies and required vehicle maintenance following a call.
  • Prepares and maintains records and reports on emergency responses and patient responses, including legal accountability.
  • Through continuing training, keeps informed of the latest techniques in advanced life support.
  • Provides emergency medical services training to schools, organizations and the public as requested.
  • Monitors health, safety and the physical condition of personnel at fires or other hazardous sites.
  • Operates medical radio equipment.
  • Assists in routine maintenance of building and grounds at assigned stations.
  • Must adhere to all applicable Roanoke County and Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department policies and procedures.
NON ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Assists in routine maintenance of building and grounds at assigned stations
  • Provides emergency medical services training to schools, organizations and the public as requested

REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES
Education
Required: High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience
Preferred: Emergency medical services.
Certifications/ Licenses
Required: Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license, have a good driving record, and comply with state regulations covering drivers of emergency vehicles. Must have current EMT-Intermediate or EMT-Paramedic certification from the Virginia Department of Health, Office of EMS. Must acquire and maintain Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) or Pre-hospital Life Support (PHTLS) and Pediatric Education for the Prehospital Professional (PEPP) certifications. Must successfully complete Roanoke County Fire/Rescue medical program before serving as ambulance ALS attendant.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Extensive knowledge of emergency medical care and advanced life support techniques.
  • Knowledge of the geographical layout of the County, including the street and road network.
  • Ability to supervise other emergency medical services personnel, often under hazardous or stressful conditions; manage major emergency medical services incidents making appropriate decisions with regard to patient care; work well with others; follow oral and written instructions; keep complex incident reports; accept orders from telemetry radio personnel; and to have an aptitude for mechanical work.

Additional Requirements
Must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older; successfully complete a physical agility test; and be in excellent physical condition and maintain good physical fitness standards. Subject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results.Must also be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description.
Supervisory Responsibilities
May supervise subordinate staff
OTHER INFORMATION
Benefits are available to full-time positions only.

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