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Search Rescue Jobs in Selah, WA (NOW HIRING)

Yakama Nation

Fuels Crewmember II

Toppenish, WA

$16.53/hr

Incumbent will participate in burn unit prep, fire operations; mop up, monitoring, search and rescue, tree planting, fuels reduction, maintenance and repair of Fuels/Fire tools, equipment, supplies ...

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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.
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Infographic showing various Search Rescue job openings in Selah, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Fuels Crewmember II

Toppenish, WA • On-site

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
See more jobs at Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nationexternal

$16.53/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Announcement #2026-170Issue Date:08-18-26Closing Date:08-31-26 Fuels Crewmember IIFuels ManagementDepartment of Natural ResourcesHourly Wage: $16.53/Regular/Furlough Position functions under the Yakama Nation Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Tribal Forestry Fuels Management program. Primary responsibilities include hazardous fuels reduction and restoration of fire adapted ecosystems. Incumbent will participate in burn unit prep, fire operations; mop up, monitoring, search and rescue, tree planting, fuels reduction, maintenance and repair of Fuels/Fire tools, equipment, supplies, vehicles, and facilities along with assisting the Yakama Nation community. Examples of Work Performed:Primary responsibility includes working as a Fuels crewmember, participating in a variety of hazardous fuels reduction projects. The projects may include but are not limited to the following: thinning of timber, woodlands, or shrubs with chainsaws; utilizing prescribed fire to reduce fuels; piling and chipping of slash; chemical application to undesirable fuels; monitoring pre and post fire effects; and fire suppression. Fuels crewmembers are skilled in a variety of hand tools and chainsaws use.Participates in wildfire suppression and pre-suppression activities. Attends various fire and fuels training courses.Moves dirt, chops brush, small trees to construct control lines using various hand tools including: Pulaskis, Shovels, McLeods, power tools, chainsaws, and portable pumps to control prescribed fire and/or to prepare control lines prior to burning. Patrol prescribed fire line to locate and extinguish sparks, flare-ups, and hotspot fires that may threaten control lines.Participate in safe techniques, practices, and methods of prescribed fire/fire suppression and the safe use of tools, equipment and vehicles used in prescribed fire and wildland fire activities. Must participate in crew proficiency checks, drills, safety sessions and After-Action Reviews (AAR). Ensures own and others welfare and safety in all aspects of projects and assignments.Other duties as assigned, which may include but are not limited to: cleaning outdoor recreational facilities, mows grass, trim shrubs, pull weeds, performs trail building maintenance, completes resources management projects, may go to off-reservation fire assignments, removes and disposes of hazard trees, tree planting, tree thinning, tree marking, cone collection, stand exams, and pole collection. Any task will be asked of the incumbent to perform whether its Fuels/Fire related or non-fire related.  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Ability to perform arduous work involving considerable physical effort, stamina, and exposure to various weather conditions and extreme temperatures. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.  Minimum Requirements:Must be 18 years of age or older.Must be able to pass the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) national standards for arduous work level which includes pack test, physical and mandatory firefighting training.Must be willing to participate in Prescribed Fire Operations and Wildland Fire suppression in a variety of roles, including night and weekend activities.The hazardous nature of the job requires that protective clothing be worn (hard hat, leather gloves, leather boots, flame resistant clothing and other personal protective equipment).Must be able obtain certification of Introduction to ICS (1-100), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), and Firefighting Training (S-130).Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit. Required to pass a pre-employment drug test. Preferred Requirements:At least one season of working with Fuels Management or Fire Management is preferable but not required.Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.