Urban Search & Rescue Responder - Part Time - Public Safety Specialist I

The Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) responders will respond to technical rescue and weather-related emergencies involving, but not limited to, structural collapse, trench, technical search, confined space, rescue at height, subject vs. machine, and water-based rescues. US&R responders are expected to have an in-depth working knowledge of specialized equipment that is utilized in both technical and water-based rescues, while also operating in personal protective equipment. This position is also responsible to staff apparatus for planned events as needed. Reports directly to the Urban Search and Rescue Program Manager or Urban Search and Rescue Officers. Please complete the Montgomery County US&R Training Checklist and submit it with your application/resume.

Checklist link:

2026 Certification Check Sheet PDF Fillable.pdf Questions can be directed to MCDPSrescueteam@montgomerycountypa.gov

• Responds to technical rescue incidents and perform rescue or mitigating actions to protect life and property.
• Attends Urban Search and Rescue Team training or other training as required to maintain skills at a Rescue Technician or Specialist level as required by NFPA 1670/1006 and the Montgomery County Special Operations Policy Manual (minimum 45 hours per year).
• Staff apparatus and special teams for planned events as needed.
• Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and perform tasks related to technical rescue, including the use of self-contained breathing apparatus or air-purified respirators
• Adhere to safety guidelines and follow standard operating guidelines.
• Attend ongoing training in order to analyze technical rescue incidents to determine the magnitude of the problem and/or to plan a response within the capabilities of available personnel and personal protective equipment.
• Display professionalism while operating with or representing the Urban Search and Rescue Team.
• Performs all other duties as assigned within the scope and range of job responsibilities. Education and Credentials
• High school Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Certification in First Aid/CPR/AED or higher.

NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 700 & 800.

Experience and Skills

• Strong technical rescue training portfolio.
• Experience operating at technical rescue incidents, preferred.
• Knowledge of Montgomery County geography, preferred.
• Meets the requirements of a Water Rescue Technician, preferred.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work in stressful situations following strict safety and response procedures and guidelines.
• Ability to react to changing situations for the safety of himself/herself, other responders, and the general public.
• Ability to follow protocol and standard operating guidelines as defined in the Montgomery County Special Operations Policy Manual.
• Ability to establish priorities and remain focused on daily operations.
• Ability to use common sense understanding to carry out written or verbal instructions.
• Ability to carry tasks to completion.
• Strong professional ethics.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must live within a reasonable commuting distance to Montgomery County.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, drive an emergency vehicle, wear Personal Protective Equipment (including respiratory protection), and participate in physically strenuous activities.
• These physical activities may include reaching or working with arms above shoulders; bending, twisting, or rotating at the waist; kneeling, crouching, or squatting; climbing stairs; climbing ladders; pushing, lifting, or carrying objects 50 pounds or heavier; and work in a noisy environment; and work in adverse weather conditions.
• The employee must successfully pass a medical evaluation as outlined in the Montgomery County Special Operations Policy Manual.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions f this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.