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Search Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DeKalb County

Firefighter- Pre-Qualified

Decatur, GA

$57K/yr

Provides protection of life and property; suppresses, controls and extinguishes fires; performs search, rescue, extrication of victims, and forcible entries; assists individuals from burning ...

DeKalb County

Firefighter, Recruit

Decatur, GA · On-site

$55K/yr

Provides protection of life and property; suppresses, controls and extinguishes fires; performs search, rescue, extrication of victims, and forcible entries; assists individuals from burning ...

DeKalb County

Firefighter, Recruit

Decatur, GA

$55K/yr

Provides protection of life and property; suppresses, controls and extinguishes fires; performs search, rescue, extrication of victims, and forcible entries; assists individuals from burning ...

Hornet Acquisition Co LLC

Program Manager

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch, located in Anaheim, CA is one of the world's leading providers of Search & Rescue (SAR) and Human External Cargo (HEC) advanced mission equipment for civil, commercial ...

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$16.5K

$56.7K

$115.5K

How much do search rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for search rescue in the United States is $56,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,000.00 and $70,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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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What states have the most Search Rescue jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Search Rescue jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Search Rescue jobs are:

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Infographic showing various Search Rescue job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,677 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Firefighter- Pre-Qualified

DeKalb County

Decatur, GA

$57K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Dekalb County (Georgia) rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

715th of 848 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Hiring Rate $57,750

IF YOU ARE NOT CURRENTLY A CERTIFIED FIREFIGHTER, APPLY TO FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to prevent, suppress and extinguish fires and to perform other related firefighting activities. Incumbents in this classification have successfully completed training at the fire academy.

This classification is safety sensitive, subject to random drug testing in accordance with the County's Drug & Alcohol Policy.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Responds to emergency calls for fire suppression, medical assistance, hazardous materials incidents, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, explosions, bomb threats, downed power lines, and other emergency situations; responds to instructions from dispatcher; and contacts appropriate related agencies as needed.

Provides protection of life and property; suppresses, controls and extinguishes fires; performs search, rescue, extrication of victims, and forcible entries; assists individuals from burning structures; establishes openings in buildings for entrance, ventilation, or salvage; ventilates smoke and gas from buildings; performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris; assists with cleanup activities; and exercises control of emergency situations until relieved by a superior officer.

Responds to a variety of emergency calls requiring the administration of basic first aid and medical treatment.

Maintains a state of readiness/preparation for emergency response; checks/maintains stock of equipment and supplies on fire vehicles and in fire station; re-loads equipment and apparatus following response to emergency calls; assists in preparing apparatus for subsequent emergencies and in testing personal equipment, hoses/pumps, and other tools and apparatus; and ensures the emergency medical service equipment is properly stocked and operational.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures; maintains an awareness of new equipment, procedures, trends and advances in the profession; participates in physical fitness training, training drills and other continuing education activities; and attends shift meetings, workshops and seminars as appropriate.

Participates in fire prevention, pre-fire planning and other fire education activities; conducts fire safety programs, apparatus displays and skills demonstrations; conducts tours of fire station and fire trucks; and participates in community events and fund raisers.

Performs general maintenance tasks necessary to keep vehicles, buildings, quarters, apparatus, equipment and tools in operable condition, which may include inspecting/testing equipment, replacing fluids, greasing equipment, replacing parts, washing/cleaning equipment, cleaning quarters, or grounds maintenance; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; and reports faulty equipment for necessary maintenance work.

May train as a fire apparatus operator to obtain engine operator license.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED required; previous work experience is preferred.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license or equivalent license from state of residence; must possess and maintain Georgia State Firefighter Certification, NPQ Firefighter II and Emergency Medical Technician-B.  May be required to obtain and maintain additional certifications as deemed necessary by Fire Rescue career path.

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