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Avalanche Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patrol Manager

Sandy, UT

$108K - $110K/yr

Coordinates with the AMD Manager and Director of Patrol regarding avalanche mitigation operations, staffing, snow safety, terrain management, rescue readiness, and route leadership responsibilities.

Patrol Manager

Kamas, UT

$113K - $116K/yr

Coordinates with the AMD Manager and Director of Patrol regarding avalanche mitigation operations, staffing, snow safety, terrain management, rescue readiness, and route leadership responsibilities.

Patrol Manager

Taylorsville, UT

$107K - $109K/yr

Coordinates with the AMD Manager and Director of Patrol regarding avalanche mitigation operations, staffing, snow safety, terrain management, rescue readiness, and route leadership responsibilities.

Patrol Manager

West Jordan, UT

$106K - $108K/yr

Coordinates with the AMD Manager and Director of Patrol regarding avalanche mitigation operations, staffing, snow safety, terrain management, rescue readiness, and route leadership responsibilities.

Patrol Manager

Solitude, UT

$114K - $116K/yr

Coordinates with the AMD Manager and Director of Patrol regarding avalanche mitigation operations, staffing, snow safety, terrain management, rescue readiness, and route leadership responsibilities.

Patrol Manager

West Valley, UT

$109K - $111K/yr

Coordinates with the AMD Manager and Director of Patrol regarding avalanche mitigation operations, staffing, snow safety, terrain management, rescue readiness, and route leadership responsibilities.

Patrol Manager

Murray, UT

$107K - $109K/yr

Coordinates with the AMD Manager and Director of Patrol regarding avalanche mitigation operations, staffing, snow safety, terrain management, rescue readiness, and route leadership responsibilities.

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Avalanche Rescue information

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How much do avalanche rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for avalanche rescue in the United States is $19.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does Avalanche Ski Patrol make?

Avalanche ski patrol members typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and certification levels. Salaries can increase with advanced training, certifications, and years of service, especially in high-demand ski resort areas.

How much do avalanche technicians make?

Avalanche technicians typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. The role often requires knowledge of snow conditions, rescue equipment, and safety protocols, with some positions offering overtime or seasonal pay.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Avalanche Rescue position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Avalanche Rescue, you need extensive knowledge of avalanche behavior, outdoor survival skills, first aid/CPR certification, and physical fitness, often supported by relevant training or certification (such as from recognized mountain safety organizations). Mastery of technical equipment such as avalanche transceivers, probes, shovels, GPS units, and rescue sleds—along with familiarity with incident management systems—is critical. Strong communication skills, adaptability, and a calm demeanor under pressure are important soft skills in this dynamic field. These abilities ensure rapid, coordinated response and increase the chances of successful rescue operations in hazardous mountain conditions.

What are the main challenges faced by professionals working in Avalanche Rescue?

Professionals in Avalanche Rescue often work in extreme weather conditions, on difficult terrain, and under time-sensitive pressures to locate and assist victims. The unpredictable nature of avalanches and rapidly changing mountain environments require continuous technical training, preparedness, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions. Teamwork is crucial, as rescues are typically coordinated with other rescuers, search and rescue teams, and sometimes with canine units. Overcoming both physical and mental stress is essential, and those who succeed in this field are dedicated to ongoing learning and safety protocols. This challenging but rewarding career is well-suited to individuals who thrive in high-stakes outdoor environments and value helping others in critical situations.

How to become an avalanche forecaster?

To become an avalanche forecaster, individuals typically need a background in geology, meteorology, or related fields, along with experience in snowpack analysis and avalanche prediction. Certification from organizations like the American Avalanche Association and familiarity with snow science tools and fieldwork are also important. Many forecasters gain experience through outdoor education, guiding, or working in snow safety roles before advancing to forecasting positions.

What is an Avalanche Rescue job?

An Avalanche Rescue job involves locating, assisting, and recovering individuals caught in avalanches. Rescuers use specialized equipment like transceivers, probes, and shovels to quickly find and extract victims. They often work in mountainous regions, collaborating with ski patrols, emergency responders, and search-and-rescue teams. This role requires extensive training in avalanche safety, first aid, and survival techniques. Rescuers must be physically fit and prepared to work in extreme conditions to save lives.

Can you make a career in search and rescue?

A career in search and rescue, including avalanche rescue, involves working in emergency response roles that require physical fitness, training, and often certifications such as first aid and rescue techniques. These jobs are typically found with government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private firms, and may involve irregular hours and challenging environments.
More about Avalanche Rescue jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Avalanche Rescue jobs? The most popular types of Avalanche Rescue jobs are:
What states have the most Avalanche Rescue jobs? States with the most job openings for Avalanche Rescue jobs include:
Infographic showing various Avalanche Rescue job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 5% As Needed, 15% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 72% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,083 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Patrol Manager

$108K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Year Round
About the Job
Year Round
The Patrol Manager is a senior leadership position within Solitude Ski Patrol and Mountain Operations. Reporting directly to the Director of Patrol, this position oversees daily patrol operations, staffing, training coordination, operational readiness, emergency response, and strategic departmental support for both winter ski patrol and summer bike patrol operations.
The Patrol Manager helps lead up to 45 winter patrollers and approximately 20 summer bike patrol employees, including supervisory staff, while fostering a professional, accountable, safety-focused, and guest-service-oriented culture across year-round mountain operations.
This role combines field leadership with administrative oversight and requires strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, expert skiing ability, strong downhill mountain biking ability, and the ability to lead effectively within a unionized work environment. The Patrol Manager works closely with the Avalanche Mitigation Department (AMD) Manager and Director of Patrol to coordinate staffing, training, avalanche mitigation support, operational priorities, and emergency response readiness across the mountain.
SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS
  • Minimum 8 years of ski patrol experience preferred, with 3-5 years of patrol supervisory or leadership experience preferred.

  • Avalanche Pro 1 certification required ; Avalanche Pro 2 preferred.

  • Avalanche mitigation experience at a Class “A” resort preferred, including route leader-level responsibilities.

  • Current Utah EMT, National EMT, or OEC certification required . Utah EMT licensure required for EMTs.

  • Current BLS CPR certification required .

  • Ability to obtain and maintain an ATF possessor clearance.

  • Valid driver’s license required and must pass an insurance driving history inquiry.

  • Expert skiing ability required , including the ability to safely operate a loaded toboggan in steep and variable terrain.

  • Strong downhill mountain biking ability and proficiency operating in lift-served bike park terrain preferred.

  • Exceptional leadership, communication, coaching, conflict-resolution, guest service, organizational, and decision-making skills.

  • Understanding of ski resort operations, avalanche mitigation, mountain safety, emergency response, risk management, and guest service standards.

  • Proficiency with scheduling, payroll, HR systems, incident documentation, Microsoft Office, budgeting, and operational reporting tools.

  • Ability to prioritize workload effectively and adapt to changing operational demands.

  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, storm cycles, on-call periods, and extended operational hours as required .

  • Must pass criminal history and background checks.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provides daily management, leadership, and operational support for ski patrol and bike patrol staff in alignment with resort values and leadership expectations.

  • In coordination with the Director of Patrol and AMD Manager, assists with hiring, onboarding, scheduling, payroll review, training, evaluations, coaching, retention, accountability conversations, and disciplinary processes.

  • Supports strategic planning, patrol procedures, emergency response planning, training standards, and risk management initiatives.

  • Oversees daily patrol operations including staffing assignments, terrain status, openings and closures, sweeps, operational follow-up, hazard mitigation, and enforcement of resort policies and the skier responsibility code.

  • Coordinates with the AMD Manager and Director of Patrol regarding avalanche mitigation operations, staffing, snow safety, terrain management, rescue readiness, and route leadership responsibilities.

  • Oversees summer bike patrol operations and coordinates with internal departments, public safety partners, and outside agencies to support safe and efficient year-round mountain operations.

  • Leads year-round mountain safety initiatives including speed control, guest education, hazard mitigation, signage, closures, rope lines, fencing, padding, and boundary management.

  • Oversees patrol training, continuing education, scenario-based exercises, CPR instruction, avalanche rescue, bike patrol training, and competency documentation.

  • Performs ski patrol duties at both managerial and functional levels, including emergency medical care, patient transport, guest assistance , mountain safety, incident documentation, and field leadership during routine and complex operations in varied terrain and weather conditions.

  • Coordinates and participates in lift evacuations, avalanche response, search and rescue operations, high-angle rescue, cliff rescue, missing person incidents, night operations, and complex rescue efforts involving Wasatch Backcountry Rescue and other partner agencies as assigned.

  • Participates in incident investigations, documentation review, legal follow-up, and risk management processes in accordance with resort guidelines.

  • Oversees patrol equipment, rescue gear, medical supplies, operational inventories, patrol facilities, and shared workspaces to ensure operational readiness and professionalism.

  • Maintains professional working relationships with employees, union representatives, resort leadership, EMS partners, and outside agencies.

  • Represents Patrol in cross-departmental planning and fills in for the Director of Patrol as assigned.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS
  • Ability to mentor employees and support leadership development within the patrol team.

  • Ability to maintain professionalism and composure during stressful situations.

  • Proficient understanding of Solitude Mountain Resort terrain, patrol operations, and communication systems preferred.

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding personnel, operational, medical, and legal matters.

  • Must be available for year-round operations, preseason training, and required refresher days.

PHYSICAL AND OPERATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
  • Ability to work in severe winter weather and high alpine environments.

  • Ability to reason and respond effectively in emergency situations under high stress.

  • Ability to lift, maneuver, and carry at least 50 pounds while skiing, hiking, or biking in variable terrain and conditions.

  • Ability to hike and travel in steep, exposed terrain with packs weighing approximately 30 -50 pounds.

  • Proficient and safe skiing ability to operate a loaded rescue toboggan in varying snow conditions and terrain.

  • Adequate sight, speech, hearing, and manual dexterity to safely perform duties and communicate via radio.

  • Ability to work extended hours until all guests, staff, and patrollers are safely off the mountain.

Job description is not inclusive of all responsibilities and may be modified as deemed necessary by operational needs.
POSITION: Solitude Patrol Manager
DIVISION: Mountain Operations
REPORTS TO: Director of Patrol
LOCATION: Resort Wide Solitude
CLASSIFICATION: Full Time / Year Round
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
Solitude Mountain Resort is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Company to recruit, hire, train, assign, promote, and transfer the best qualified individual for each job opening and provide such employment opportunities without regard to sex, race, religious creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, nationality, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, pregnancy, sexual preference, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law.
The Company makes all employment decisions, including selection , training, job assignment, compensation, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and access to benefits without regard to these protected statuses. Solitude Mountain Resort also provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during the selection process, please contact Human Resources at HR@solitudemountain.com.
Perks of Working Here:
Work & Play in the Mountains:
  • Embrace the stunning Wasatch Mountains.
  • Connect with fellow mountain enthusiasts.

Benefits:
  • Access to select Alterra Mountain Company Destinations.
  • Free Solitude season pass for you and eligible dependents.
  • Discounts on solitude lift tickets for friends and family.
  • Discounts on food, rentals, retail, and lessons.

Other Perks:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for eligible employees
  • Pro deals with outdoor brands.
  • Generous 401(k) plan with company match.
  • Free counseling service through Employee Assistance Program.