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Volunteer Search And Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Elko County, NV

Volunteer Firefighter

Elko, NV · On-site

The Volunteer Firefighter serves the County and communities by responding to a wide variety of ... rescue personnel and observers. Participates in search parties enters hazardous environments, and ...

County of Crow Wing, MN

Mounted Patrol Volunteer

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Volunteer Job Number: 2025-00036 Department: Sheriffs Office - Volunteers Opening Date: 04/04/2025 ... Search and Rescue Support : Assist law enforcement agencies in search and rescue operations in ...

Hanover County, VA

VOLUNTEER- Fire-EMS

Hanover, VA · On-site

Performs heavy rescue operations; * Administers first aid to injured persons; * Takes vital signs ... Assists in the search and recovery of drowned victims; * Operates emergency lighting appliances;

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How much do volunteer search and rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer search and rescue in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Volunteer Search and Rescue team members during missions?

Volunteer Search and Rescue (SAR) team members often face challenges such as working in unpredictable weather, navigating difficult terrain, and operating under tight time constraints. Missions can be physically demanding and require quick decision-making, teamwork, and adaptability. Additionally, volunteers must balance their SAR responsibilities with their personal and professional lives, which can sometimes lead to scheduling conflicts or fatigue. Despite these challenges, strong camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose are common within SAR teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Volunteer Search and Rescue member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Search and Rescue member, you need strong outdoor survival skills, basic first aid certification, and physical fitness, often supported by specialized SAR training courses. Familiarity with GPS navigation, radio communication systems, and rescue equipment is typically required. Teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience are vital soft skills for managing high-pressure situations and collaborating with diverse teams. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure effective, safe, and timely responses during emergency rescue missions.

What are the 4 types of search and rescue teams?

Search and rescue teams typically include ground teams, which conduct land-based searches; aerial teams, using helicopters or drones for aerial reconnaissance; technical rescue teams, specializing in high-angle, confined space, or water rescues; and medical rescue teams, providing emergency medical care. These teams often work together and require specialized training and equipment to effectively respond to different rescue scenarios.

How much does a search and rescue person make?

Search and rescue personnel typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they are volunteers or paid staff. Paid rescue workers often have certifications such as CPR and first aid, and may work irregular hours or in challenging environments.

What are Volunteer Search and Rescue personnel?

Volunteer Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel are trained individuals who assist in locating and helping people who are lost, injured, or in danger, often in wilderness or disaster settings. These volunteers work closely with law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency services, responding to a variety of situations such as missing persons, natural disasters, and accidents. They often undergo specialized training in navigation, first aid, and rescue techniques to ensure they can operate safely and effectively in challenging environments.

How do I become part of a search and rescue team?

To join a search and rescue team, individuals typically need to complete relevant training such as first aid, CPR, and technical rescue courses, and often must pass background checks and physical fitness assessments. Many teams require volunteers to commit to ongoing training and be prepared to work in challenging environments, often under the supervision of experienced team members.

How hard is it to become search and rescue?

Becoming a search and rescue volunteer typically requires physical fitness, training in navigation, first aid, and rescue techniques, and often passing background checks. Many organizations also require completion of certification courses and ongoing training to ensure preparedness for emergency situations.

What is the difference between Volunteer Search And Rescue vs Volunteer Firefighter?

AspectVolunteer Search And RescueVolunteer Firefighter
Required CertificationsFirst aid, CPR, search and rescue trainingFirefighter certification, basic EMT
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, remote, wilderness or urban search areasFire scenes, emergency response sites, urban or rural areas
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, government agencies, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency services, volunteer fire brigades
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in emergency response and rescue operationsDifferent emergency response roles, firefighting duties

Volunteer Search And Rescue and Volunteer Firefighter roles both involve emergency response but focus on different scenarios. Search and Rescue teams specialize in locating and assisting missing persons in various environments, requiring specific rescue training. Volunteer Firefighters primarily combat fires and handle related emergencies. While both roles serve in emergency services, their training, work environments, and responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Volunteer Search And Rescue jobs
What cities are hiring for Volunteer Search And Rescue jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer Search And Rescue job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Search And Rescue jobs? The most popular types of Search And Rescue jobs are:
What states have the most Volunteer Search And Rescue jobs? States with the most job openings for Volunteer Search And Rescue jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Volunteer Search And Rescue jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Volunteer Search And Rescue jobs are:
Volunteer Search And Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Search And Rescue job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Volunteer Firefighter

Elko County, NV

Elko, NV • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Responds to fire, rescue, emergency medical, and hazardous materials incidents as directed by the Fire District.

  • Maintains equipment, apparatus, and fire station to ensure readiness and compliance with District policies.

  • Participates in and attends mandatory training and onsite training sessions as required by the District.

Job description

Salary: $0.00 Hourly
Location : Elko
Job Type: Volunteer
Job Number: 202200020
Department: Fire District
Opening Date: 11/04/2022
Job Description
This job description identifies the requirement and expectations for both Attack and Support Volunteers, generally referred to as Volunteer Firefighter.
The Volunteer Firefighter serves the County and communities by responding to a wide variety of situations, ranging from emergencies that immediately threaten life or property to routine citizen requests for information or assistance. They perform within the scope and policies and procedures of Elko County Fire Protection District, and they perform their duties in the following general categories: fire suppression, emergency medical aid or rescue, hazardous material responses, training, public education, and other activities associated with the District and/or assigned Volunteer Department, including station and equipment maintenance.
The Volunteer Firefighter is required to attend regularly scheduled training in order to maintain the level of knowledge, skill and ability necessary to function safely and effectively as a firefighter in accordance with state law, county protocols and standard operating procedures.
The work performance of a Volunteer Firefighter is continuously evaluated for general knowledge, skill proficiency, and ability to work as part of a team. Any deficiencies are corrected through remedial training.
The Volunteer Firefighter is a non-compensated position. Volunteers are not normally assigned shifts, but are expected to respond from home or work (as permitted) to District calls.
Individuals fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a Volunteer Firefighter will at all times present themselves in a courteous, professional and responsible manner.
Education and Experience
Support Firefighter:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid Nevada Drivers License
  • Valid CPR certification

Attack Firefighter:
  • All minimum qualifications for Support Firefighter
  • State of Nevada Emergency Medical Responder Certification (or higher)
  • Firefighter I Certification
  • NWCG Basic Wildland Firefighter

Must successfully complete the following:
  • Criminal history and background check
  • Physical exam, including respirator clearance fit test
  • Physical agility test

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Drives or rides in an emergency vehicle in response to fire, rescue, and emergency medical events, hazardous materials response/mitigation, and routing requests for assistance.
  • Responds to medical emergencies; ability to size up the situation, render aid based on personal level of certification, training, and Fire District service levels and document events in written report.
  • Responds to fire emergencies; ability to operate engine and pump, and firefighting equipment, perform fire ground operations, establish an incident command system, evaluation the situation, and document events in incident reports based on level of certification and training.
  • Responds to hazardous materials emergencies; ability to identify potential hazardous material solutions and determine appropriate actions based on personal level of certification and training and Fire District service level and document events in written reports.
  • Performs rescue efforts; ability to determine tactics to use and ensures the safety of all rescue personnel and observers. Participates in search parties enters hazardous environments, and administers appropriate techniques to accomplish rescues, based on personal level of certification training.
  • Maintains equipment, apparatus, and fire station; ensures that all equipment is in a state of readiness at all times, checks equipment according to schedule, cleans and maintains the station in accordance with District policies and standards.
  • Participate in training; ability to read and follow District policy and procedures, trade journals and fire science literature. Attends mandatory training classes, and participates in onsite training sessions.

Knowledge of:
  • Modern fire service principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
  • Applicable district policies and procedures.
  • Fire protection systems, evacuation considerations, and building construction regulations for fire safety.

Ability to:
  • Work with a combination fire district, which utilizes volunteer and paid firefighters on a daily basis.
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions using the English language.
  • Perform basic mathematical calculations.
  • Solve practical problems with limited resources.
  • Maintain physical conditioning necessary to perform efficiently in emergency situations; meet medical and physical agility standards as established.
  • Learn the geography of the District, including street systems.
  • Participate in training drills; attend classes on firefighting, hydraulics, first aid and emergency medicine, fire equipment and apparatus, and other classes associated deemed appropriate by the Volunteer Department or District.
  • Learn and apply technical information pertaining to the volunteer work.
  • Assist District in performing protective inspections of structure and businesses in the community for fire hazards and pre-incident surveys for tactical planning.
  • Assist in conducting fire-safety education classes.
  • Analyze and cope with a variety of emergency situations, including confrontation, calmly, but effectively and to react quickly to secure accurate and precise information on location, extent of nature of fires and emergency aid.
  • Sustain heavy physical labor during periods of intense activity in emergency situations.
  • Work within a para-military organization and readily respond to directives.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-volunteers and chiefs, District staff, supervisors, and the general public; to work effectively as a team member.
  • Assist in updating map book for new additions, streets and complexes for use in emergencies.
  • Service and operate all equipment and apparatus.
  • Perform necessary maintenance, testing and care of fire hoses, trucks and auxiliary equipment and apparatus.
  • Prevent waste and damage of materials, supplies and equipment.
  • Perform general maintenance and minor repairs to statin factilities; perform assigned janitorial and minor maintenance and painting.
  • Perform community service activities.
  • Maintain necessary records and reports, incident forms, and daily shift operation logs, including computer data entry.

Physical Demands and Working Environment
Work is performed primarily in the fire station, then on emergency medical scenes, mass casualty, fire scenes, and extraordinary events as they occur. Performing tasks under emergency conditions may require strenuous exertion. Exposure to death, emotional stress, patients with contagious diseases, and terminal illness can be expected. Must be able to list and move up to 50 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 150 lbs.
While performing the duties of this position, the volunteer will regularly be required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information, and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; and interact with fire district members, other organizations, and the public.
Physical hazard from fire, equipment, traffic, smoke inhalation, and falling objects at emergency scenes, and exposure to health risks may occur. Performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as limited visibility, exposure to hazardous or toxic chemicals and gasses, extremes in temperatures, cramped surroundings, and contact with death, emotional stress, contagious diseases, and terminal illnesses.
Elko County offers a complete benefits package for all regular, full-time employees including a minimal fee for health care, dental and vision, flex spending accounts, and life insurance,100% County paid PERS retirement (Public Employee Retirement System), and deferred compensation plans. We offer 13 paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, Family Medical Leave, Military Leave, Educational Assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program, in addition to no state income tax.
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Which Location do you prefer to volunteer?
  • Clover Valley
  • Deeth
  • Independence Valley
  • Jarbidge
  • Jiggs
  • Lamoille
  • Metropolis
  • Midas
  • Mountain City
  • North Fork
  • Ryndon
  • Ruby Valley
  • S.A.N.E
  • Spring Creek
  • Tecoma/Pilot Valley
  • Ten Mile

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