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Search Rescue Jobs in Victoria, TX (NOW HIRING)

Respond to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents and other situations involving threat to human life; perform search and rescue for trapped or injured persons; provide necessary emergency ...

Firefighter/EMT

Victoria, TX · On-site

$19.55 - $22.66/hr

Respond to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents and other situations involving threat to human life; perform search and rescue for trapped or injured persons; provide necessary emergency ...

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 job categories do people searching Search Rescue jobs in Victoria, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Search Rescue jobs in Victoria, TX are:

What cities near Victoria, TX are hiring for Search Rescue jobs?

Cities near Victoria, TX with the most Search Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Search Rescue job openings in Victoria, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Firefighter/EMT

Victoria, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


City Of Victoria (Texas) rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

JOB SUMMARY Up to a $10k sign-on bonus, amount of bonus is determined by years of experience. Testing phase to fill current vacancies and to build eligibility list for future vacancies. The Firefighter/EMT responds to fire alarms, hazardous materials incidents, medical emergencies and other calls to protect life and property; operates and maintains a variety of fire and rescue apparatus and equipment; and participates in fire prevention, training, and station and equipment maintenance activities.

The Victoria Fire Department has a 48/96 shift schedule. Additional Incentives: Paramedic I Certification - $3,000/annually Paramedic II Certification - $4,000/annually (Assigned to the Fire Division as a Firefighter/Paramedic). .Paramedic III Certification - $5,000/annually (Must be assigned to the EMS Division as a Paramedic Crew Leader)

Firefighter Intermediate Certification - $600/annually Firefighter Advanced Certification - $1,200/annually Firefighter Master Certification - $1,800/annually Consideration of lateral entry for full-time service experience will be evaluated as part of the contingent job offer. Full-time paid experience may qualify an applicant to start at a step higher than the entry step. In order to complete the Firefighter/EMT online application, please attach TCFP Basic Firefighter Certification and TDSHS EMT Certification.

Selected applicants will be invited to participate in the testing which will be held on (day of week), (month) (day), (year). Applicants who pass the written test will be invited to participate in the Physical Ability Test. Applicants who pass the Physical Ability Test will be invited to a panel interview.

A video of the Physical Ability Test is available online here. A Study Guide for the written test is available for purchase online here. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Perform variety of duties relating to fire prevention and suppression, emergency medical services, and incidents involving hazardous materials.

Respond to emergency alarms with assigned company; provide appropriate services as required including rescue and fire suppression; lay and connect hose; maintain pumping apparatus; hold nozzles and direct water streams; raise and climb ladders; clean up site after extinguishing fire. Respond to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents and other situations involving threat to human life; perform search and rescue for trapped or injured persons; provide necessary emergency medical services as appropriate; respond to natural and man-made disasters and provide emergency services as necessary. Participate in the maintenance, upkeep and cleaning of departmental equipment, facilities, apparatus and grounds, ensure that the station is in a constant state of readiness for emergency calls.

Assist in providing public fire education; conduct fire station tours and give demonstrations of operation of fire equipment and apparatus; visit schools and community groups to provide information about fire suppression and prevention. Maintain necessary certification through constant training. Attends training sessions coordinated by department staff and outside agencies as assigned.

Participates in daily physical training. Participates in the inspection of buildings, hydrants, and other structures in fire prevention programs. May operate fire equipment in absence of driver, including working pump, and checking equipment.

May drive or work on the ambulance as needed. Performs all duties in a safe and orderly manner, complying with all City and departmental rules and policies. Regular attendance at work and arrives on time.

Performs all other job-related duties as assigned or as become apparent. Ability to get along with other employees and the public. PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear; and taste or smell. Employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 150 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, co-peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places; occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock and vibration.

Possibility of severe injury or loss of life while fighting fires or providing medical services. Noise level is usually moderate. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education, Certifications, and Experience: High School diploma or equivalent 24 hours of college preferred Previous experience preferred Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) EMT-Basic or Paramedic certification and Texas Commission Fire Protection Basic Structural Fire Protection Certification A Valid Texas Class B driver's license is required within one (1) year of employment.

Driving record that meets City guidelines. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The requirements for a firefighter must be met, as outlined in the current edition of the NFPA 1010 Standard on Professional Qualifications Firefighter. Know the location of streets, fire alarm boxes, fire hydrants, and the types of building construction in the city.

Know the rules and regulations of the fire department. Know modern firefighting, fire prevention practices, and first aid. Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Know the medical protocols established by the medical director. Operate mechanical and automotive fire equipment. Must meet the health and physical fitness standards.

Ability to climb ladders and work at considerable heights. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public


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