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Volunteer Search And Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Sunrise

... light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training ... Potential volunteers will need to submit the online application and may be subject to background ...

Fairfax County

Firefighter (Firefighter/EMT)

Fairfax, VA

$69K - $121K/yr

Approximately 2,000 uniformed, professional, and volunteer staff work across 39 strategically ... FCFRD is also home to VATF-1/USA-1, an internationally recognized urban search and rescue team that ...

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

As of Jun 8, 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 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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Locum Tenens, 71% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Firefighter (Paramedic)

USAJOBS - Search

Whitehall, OH

$64K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

See below for important information regarding this job.Qualifications:To qualify for a Firefighter (Paramedic), your resume and supporting documentation must support:
A. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position and is directly in or related to this position. For current and former Federal civilian service employees, to qualify for the GS-09 grade level, specialized experience must be at the GS-07 grade level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military or private sector. For all other applicants to qualify for the GS-09 grade level, specialized experience must be at the GS-08 grade level or equivalent in the military or private sector. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including time-in-grade (General Schedule (GS) positions only), time-after-competitive appointment, minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement. Creditable specialized experience includes:
GS- 07:
  • Assisting in performing a full range of firefighting duties such as combating fires, operating hose lines, making forced entries, and search and rescue.
  • Assisting in rescue operations.
  • Performing basic life support at the emergency medical technician basic level.
  • Determining proper emergency response/equipment needs in an emergency situation.

GS-08:
  • Performing a full range of firefighting duties such as combating fires, operating hose lines, making forced entries, and search and rescue.
  • Performing or assisting in rescue operations.
  • Performing emergency medical care at the intermediate/advanced level.
  • Driving and operates emergency vehicles.

AND
B. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR (SPF):
Department of Defense (DoD) 6055.06-M, "Fire and Emergency Services Certification Program" identifies the level of performance required for all DoD Fire and Emergency Services personnel. The certifications listed below are the minimum mandatory certification requirements for this position. DoD Incumbents shall possess DoD Certifications, or equivalent accredited certifications from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the National Professional Qualifications System (Pro-Board):
Accredited Certification:
  • Firefighter I & II
* Note: Driver Operator Certification requirements are determined locally based on duty assignments.
State of Ohio Certifications:
  • Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic**
  • Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
** If you do not possess a certification for the state in which you are applying, you MUST have National Registry certification and be eligible for reciprocity requirements.
Other Requirements:
  • Valid State Driver's License
Other training requirements that must be obtained within two years of employment and maintained: Emergency Vehicle Operator, (EVOC), Driver Operator - Aerial, and Driver Operator-Pumper
AND
C. Minimum Age Requirement:
  • Will be less than 37 years of age at the time of appointment. OR
  • Will be 37 years of age or older at the time of appointment, but meet the following: (1) previously served in a DoD Firefighter position that was approved for Special Retirement Coverage and (2) after appointment to a, be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered service as a Firefighter by the last day of the month in which I reach age 57.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
This position has been designated as a Mission Essential Position (e.g., snow emergency days, holidays, increased security periods, national emergency). The position cannot be vacated during war or national emergency without seriously impairing the mission. Assignments may be performed at any job site within the organization.
Physical Demands: The work involves extended periods of heavy moving and lifting. Generally, the work requires recurring bending, stooping, stretching, and positioning of fire hoses, fire extinguishers, and other equipment. Must be able to wear protective clothing and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds, while working in extreme heat and cold under adverse conditions, such as fire and smoke.
Work Environment: The employee works outside in all types of weather conditions. Employee is exposed to out of control fires, emergency medical scenes, and other dangerous situations. Is also exposed to the possibility of burns and other effects of smoke inhalation, heat, falling materials, explosions, toxic materials, and other dangerous substances.Education:Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.Employment Type: OTHER

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