Volunteer Wilderness Search Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $0.00 Annually
Location : Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, VA
Job Type: Volunteer
Job Number: 202600013
Department: Fire/EMS - Volunteers
Opening Date: 01/15/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
General Description: This is a skilled, technical position. The incumbent performs routine and complex tasks to provide emergency services to include fire suppression and emergency medical care. Under direct supervision, responds to fire alarms and other emergency calls to protect life and property; combats extinguishes, and prevents fires; drives emergency apparatus, including a life support unit; participates in rescue extrication operations and provides emergency medical care to the sick or injured; stocks and distributes firefighting and emergency medical supplies and equipment; and performs related work as required.
Essential Functions:

• Responds to fire alarms and a variety of emergency calls;
• Connects hose to hydrant, and pulls and deploys pre-connected hose lines;
• Wearing self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing, enters burning buildings with hose lines;
• Operates a nozzle and places a stream of water on a fire;
• Mounts and operates master stream appliances from an aerial ladder or elevating platform;
• Ventilates burning buildings by opening windows/skylights or by opening holes in roofs/floors;
• Positions ventilation fans to safely inject fresh air and exhaust heat, smoke, and gases;
• Performs salvage operations (e.g., removes fire debris and water, locates hidden fires, and operates shut-off valves for gas, electricity, oil, and water);
• Operates chemical and hand extinguishers;
• Raises, lowers and climbs ladders;
• Uses radio and computer-aided dispatch equipment;
• Drives motorized apparatus in emergency and non-emergency conditions;
• Operates fire pumps at proper pressures and flows;
• Searches for victims in burning, smoke-filled buildings or other hazardous environments; Removes persons from danger; Performs heavy rescue operations;
• Administers first aid to injured persons;
• Takes vital signs and stabilizes patient;
• Collects pertinent information for patient assessment, including the patient's medical history;
• Conducts assessment for treatment of a patient with trauma-induced injuries;
• Performs water rescues from land and boats;
• Assists in the search and recovery of drowned victims;
• Operates emergency lighting appliances;
• Operates self-contained breathing apparatus in hazardous environments and confined spaces;
• Identifies and protects flammable or hazardous materials at fire scene;
• Restores apparatus and equipment to service after use;
• Refills self-contained breathing cylinders;
• Maintains specialized fire equipment and protective gear;
• Studies area geography, street names and locations, target hazards, pre-plans, water supply, and other firefighting resources;
• Studies building construction to identify structural weaknesses and fire behavior;
• Instructs citizens in fire prevention and life safety techniques;
• Examines building plans for pre-fire planning purposes;
• Pre-plans for fires in residential areas to provide information regarding hydrant locations, exposures, types of occupancy, and areas of high life or monetary loss risk;
• Pre-plans for fires in industrial and commercial buildings to provide information regarding the location of hydrants and standpipes, building layout, hazardous material storage, occupancy patterns, and structural information;
• Participates in the inspection of businesses and public places for fire and life safety hazards;
• Inspects wiring and heating systems, basements, and attics of residences, and recommends ways to eliminate fire hazards;
• Inspects storage of hazardous and flammable materials and refers unsafe practices to the Fire Prevention Division;
• Inspects heating, cooling, ventilating, and electrical systems in commercial buildings and refers unsafe practices to the Fire Prevention Division;
• Inspects exits at public assemblies to ensure they are clearly marked, operate properly, and are clear of obstructions;
• Prepares inspection reports; Recognizes and preserves evidence on the causes of fires;
• Performs public relations duties (e.g., teaching school children about fire safety).
• Drives a Basic Life Support Unit or Advanced Life Support Unit in response to emergency calls, transporting victims to a medical facility;
• Conducts primary and secondary patient surveys;
• Provides and assists in rendering emergency care, such as opening and maintaining a victim's airway, giving positive pressure ventilation and cardiac resuscitation in a pulseless, non-breathing patient, controlling hemorrhages, treating for shock, immobilizing fractures, bandaging wounds, assisting in childbirth, and initiating poison and burn treatments;
• Performs triage assessment in a multi-casualty incident;
• Inspects scene of poisoning or drug overdose to determine the nature of poison, and identify antidote or treatment procedure;
• Treats a range of injuries requiring emergency care techniques within the scope of an Emergency Medical Technician -Basic (EMT-B);
• Assists in the extrication of entrapped victims, using prescribed techniques and appliances for removing the patient safely;
• Assures prompt medical care on delivery by reporting via radio, directly to the emergency department or control center, the nature and extent of injuries or the medical situation, as well as the estimated time of arrival;
• Performs routine preventive maintenance on the rescue vehicle;
• Stocks and maintains and participates in the inventory of supplies and medical equipment in the vehicle;
• Participates in medical equipment checks.
• Must volunteer a minimum of 12 hours per month/36 hours per quarter to active member status.

Working Conditions:
A. Hazards

• Chemicals/carcinogens - May be exposed to conditions, including routine exposure to severe weather, dust, smoke, noise, and fumes.
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens
• Exposure to extreme temperatures and Immediately Dangerous to Life & Health environments
• Exposure to extreme physical and mental stress consistent with emergency environments
• Exposure to potential acts of violence
• Exposure to potential high-velocity impacts while working on roadways

B. Environment

• Field

C. Physical Effort

• Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks in all weather situations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
(The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, departmental policies and procedures, standard operating procedures, training manuals and safety bulletins
• Knowledge of the purpose and operating characteristics of various nozzles, hose connections, and master stream devices;
• Knowledge of the friction loss/carrying capacity characteristics of various fire hose sizes/types;
• Knowledge of the chemistry and physics of fire, fire hazards, fire causes, and fire suppression;
• Knowledge of fire behavior, especially involving the likelihood of extension
• Basic knowledge of mechanics and hydraulics
• Basic knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of fire, smoke, and heat;
• Ability to understand and use a variety of modern firefighting and emergency medical techniques;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions;
• Ability to apply judgment and deductive reasoning to information about fire situations, recognize the relevancy of each item of information, reach logical conclusions, and adopt an effective course of action using accepted techniques;
• Ability to define operational problems and devise appropriate solutions;
• Ability to remain composed in difficult or stressful situations requiring emergency action, and to make sound decisions promptly under emergency conditions;
• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to organize ideas and present them effectively;
• Ability to read, understand and apply job-related, written material;
• Ability to learn streets, hydrant locations, location of target hazards, geography, and similar information concerning the response area to which assigned;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Ability to accept constructive criticism;
• Ability to utilize computers, the computer-aided dispatch system, and related equipment;
• Sufficient hand-eye coordination and dexterity to operate and regulate Fire Department pumps and perform physical firefighting tasks that involve tying knots, raising and climbing ladders, and connecting and disconnecting hose couplings and other hose appliances;
• Ability to drive pumping apparatus and perform firefighting tasks that involve pulling, lifting, and carrying;
• Ability to do strenuous firefighting work for occasional extended periods, and to change from a state of rest to a state of strenuous activity in a short period;
• Ability to effectively use the Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) handheld device.
• Attends training sessions and participates in drills
• Performs housekeeping tasks in fire stations and on the grounds of fire stations;
• Utilizing computers and other related equipment, maintaining records as necessary, and completing incident reports;
• Participates in firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical service duties.

Education, Experience, and Training: High school diploma or equivalent required with related education, experience, and training desired. Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities is acceptable. (Volunteer High School Program excluded)
Special Conditions:

• Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License Number (if applicable)
• Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting
• Pre-membership Physical Examination/Drug test/Alcohol Screening, and repeated by policy thereafter (for operational personnel only)
• Shift Work, including weekends, holidays, and nights, and work beyond the normal work schedule
• Must wear the uniform, including safety equipment

• Junior members shall be enrolled in high school or junior high school, as required, and shall maintain a minimum grade of "C" in each class taken, as evidenced by copies of grade reports submitted by prescribed Standard Operating Procedures. Failure to maintain a "C" grade in each class shall result in suspension from the Department until the next scholastic grading period or receipt by Department administration of an interim report to provide proof the grade has been improved.

Revised Date: Jan 2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
PHYSICAL EXAM PROTOCOL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATIONAL VOLUNTEER APPLICANTS
Purpose: This protocol intends to provide Hanover Fire EMS Operational volunteer applicants an entry or non-entry physical, as part of the application process to become a full member at the Fire Station or Rescue Squad. Non-operational administrative members are not required to have physicals unless their membership status changes to Operational. The life safety of all volunteer members is paramount, and this protocol will provide the initial step in ensuring the well-being of department members.
Procedure: When being onboarded, the applicant must pass all other steps before conducting the physical exam. The Volunteer Membership Coordinator will contact him/her about setting up a physical appointment at Hanover's Occupational Health Provider. It is the station's responsibility to notify the Volunteer Membership Coordinator the prospective member is ready for an entry or non-entry physical. Those applicants planning to attend the fire academy will require an entry physical. The entry and non-entry exams include the following tests for prospective members:
ENTRY: complete physical examination and history; urine drug screen/urinalysis; spirometry/Pulmonary Function Test (PFT); Electrocardiogram (EKG); and Tuberculin Skin Test (PPD).
NON-ENTRY: complete physical examination and history; urine drug screen/urinalysis; and Tuberculin Skin Test.
All parts of the physical must be complete for the Occupational Health Provider to provide written clearance to Hanover Fire-EMS. The prospective member will not receive final approval until this notification is received. Should an applicant be under the age of eighteen, a parent or legal guardian must accompany to the physical; or be available by phone to provide personal information and permission.
1. The Virginia Office of EMS (OEMS), for EMS ONLY Volunteers, requires all applicants to be fingerprinted for a criminal background check. Fingerprinting will be coordinated through OEMS and instructions will be given during onboarding from the Volunteer Membership Coordinator.
Supplemental Information
Hanover County is proud to provide the following benefits to volunteer emergency responder

• Free basic training in both fire and EMS disciplines
• Uniforms (as available) and personal protective equipment
• Personal Property Tax Relief for the vehicle the volunteer uses for response

(Applies to motor vehicles owned or leased by volunteer rescue squad or fire company members.
One motor vehicle which is owned by each volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member, or leased by each volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member if the member is obligated by the terms of the lease to pay tangible personal property tax on the motor vehicle, may be specially classified under this section, provided the volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member regularly responds to emergency calls.
The volunteer shall furnish the commissioner of revenue with a certification by the chief or head of the volunteer organization, that the volunteer ...