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Avalanche Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alterra

Patrol Manager

Solitude, UT · On-site

$114K - $116K/yr

Coordinates andparticipatesin lift evacuations, avalanche response, search and rescue operations, high-angle rescue, cliff rescue, missing person incidents, night operations, and complex rescue ...

Solitude Mountain Resort

Patrol Manager

Provo, UT

$107K - $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.

Forest Service

Meteorological Technician

Jackson, WY · On-site +1

$19.52/hr

At the request of the Supervisor, provides training on avalanches and avalanche rescue to Forest Service or other personnel. * Conducts preliminary avalanche incident investigation when Avalanche ...

Forest Service

Meteorological Technician

Ketchum, ID · On-site +1

$26.78/hr

Advanced skills, experience and confidence in companion avalanche rescue scenarios. Proven experience forecasting mountain weather and avalanche conditions. Experience conducting and presenting ...

Forest Service

Meteorological Technician

Flagstaff, AZ · On-site +1

$26.78/hr

Advanced skills, experience and confidence in companion avalanche rescue scenarios. Proven experience forecasting mountain weather and avalanche conditions. Experience conducting and presenting ...

Forest Service

Meteorological Technician

Sandpoint, ID · On-site +1

$26.78/hr

Advanced skills, experience and confidence in companion avalanche rescue scenarios. Proven experience forecasting mountain weather and avalanche conditions. Experience conducting and presenting ...

Vail Resorts

Manager: Ski Patrol

Crested Butte, CO · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Oversee initial and continued avalanche mitigation and avalanche rescue training for the patrol team * Assist with maintaining a positive work culture that has an unwavering commitment to employee ...

Forest Service

Meteorological Technician

Girdwood, AK · On-site +1

$26.78/hr

Advanced skills, experience and confidence in companion avalanche rescue scenarios. Proven experience forecasting mountain weather and avalanche conditions. Experience conducting and presenting ...

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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:
What job categories do people searching Avalanche Rescue jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Avalanche Rescue jobs are:
Avalanche Rescue jobs near you
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.

Meteorological Technician

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Jackson, WY

$26.78/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

This position is located within a National Forest. The incumbent serves as a Meteorological Technician providing avalanche forecasts to the general public, utilizing multiple sources of information.

Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
GS-08: (1) One year of specialized experience at the GS-7 level. For the GS-08 there is no substitution of education for this position.
Examples of specialized experience includes: Expert ability to ski and snowmobile in a backcountry setting (outside of ski area boundaries), proven ability to effectively and safely travel in and around avalanche terrain, and the ability to read snowpack, weather and avalanche trends in a field setting. Advanced skills, experience and confidence in companion avalanche rescue scenarios. Proven experience forecasting mountain weather and avalanche conditions. Experience conducting and presenting contemporary snow and avalanche research.
Selective Placement Factors
  • Applicant must have the ability to safely and efficiently navigate mountainous terrain in a harsh winter environment using backcountry skis and snowmobiles.

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.
To receive consideration for this position, you must meet all qualification requirements on the closing date of this announcement.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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