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Coast Guard Rescue Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

The Rescue 21 Project Manager reports to the Director of Coast Guard Operations as well as the US Coast Guard ILMS Program Manager and will perform assignments that directly and indirectly support ...

Coast Guard Rescue information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do coast guard rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for coast guard rescue in Virginia is $16.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $18.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Coast Guard Rescue member, and why are they important?

To thrive in Coast Guard Rescue, you need strong physical fitness, emergency response training, and knowledge of maritime operations, typically supported by completion of Coast Guard-specific training programs. Familiarity with navigation systems, rescue equipment, and radio communication tools is essential. Quick decision-making, teamwork, and resilience under pressure are crucial soft skills for excelling in high-stress, life-saving situations. These skills ensure effective rescues, crew safety, and mission success in challenging maritime environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Coast Guard Rescue personnel during search and rescue missions?

Coast Guard Rescue personnel often encounter challenging weather conditions, unpredictable sea states, and time-sensitive situations that demand quick decision-making and adaptability. They must remain calm under pressure while coordinating closely with fellow crew members, other agencies, and distressed individuals. Additionally, maintaining physical fitness and up-to-date training is essential, as missions can require both technical rescue operations and extended hours in demanding environments.

What are Coast Guard Rescue teams?

Coast Guard Rescue teams are specialized units within the United States Coast Guard that are trained to respond to emergencies at sea and along coastlines. Their primary responsibilities include search and rescue operations, providing medical assistance, and ensuring the safety of mariners and the public during maritime emergencies. These teams operate a variety of vessels, helicopters, and equipment to quickly reach people in distress and perform lifesaving missions in challenging conditions.

What is the difference between Coast Guard Rescue vs Coast Guard Search and Rescue?

AspectCoast Guard RescueCoast Guard Search and Rescue
CertificationsRescue swimmer certification, CPR, first aidRescue swimmer certification, CPR, first aid
Work EnvironmentOpen water, ships, coastlinesOpen water, coastlines, remote areas
Job FocusPerforming rescue operations in emergenciesLocating and rescuing persons in distress at sea

Both roles involve rescue operations at sea, requiring similar certifications and work environments. Coast Guard Rescue specifically emphasizes performing emergency rescues, often in immediate response situations, while Coast Guard Search and Rescue focuses on locating and rescuing individuals in distress, sometimes involving extensive search efforts. Both are vital for maritime safety and require specialized training and certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Coast Guard Rescue jobs in Virginia? For Coast Guard Rescue jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Coast Guard Rescue jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Coast Guard Rescue jobs in Virginia are:
Project Manager

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Overview

The Rescue 21 system is a Command, Control, and Communications mission critical system that provides dual mode (digital and analog) VHF, UHF and DSC communications. It was designed to utilize technology to accurately locate the source of maritime distress calls. The Rescue 21 system consists of three separate variants: Coastal, Western Rivers and Alaska.

The Rescue 21 Project Manager reports to the Director of Coast Guard Operations as well as the US Coast Guard ILMS Program Manager and will perform assignments that directly and indirectly support all tasks to maintain the Coast Guards Rescue 21 system to meet all performance specifications. Performs routine, non-routine and complex assignments involving responsibility for planning and conducting day-to-day operations in the sustainment of 54 sites geographically dispersed throughout the center of the country.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILIITES:

Manage established processes and assign appropriate resources to effectively administer all requirements needed to maintain Rescue 21 Western Rivers. Work with Program Manager and team ensuring that proper attention be given to minimizing interruptions or delays to work in progress that would impact the mission Assist team in Analyzing technical data to determine applicability to design problems; selects from several possible design layouts; calculates design data; and prepares layouts, detailed specifications, parts lists, estimates, procedures, etc. May check and analyze drawings or equipment to determine adequacy of drawings and design. Ensure that employees performing work under this contract have the appropriate qualifications, technical skills, professional certifications, and/or licenses and are in compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements and laws Ensure all employees comply with all applicable safety and occupational health requirements set forth in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) General Industry Standards, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, and the Coast Guard Safety & Environmental Health Manual, COMDTINST M5100.47 (series). Responsible for creating, maintaining, delivering, and disposing of Government required records that are specifically cited in this PWS or required by the provisions of a mandatory directive listed in other sections of this contract. Oversee all Project management, technical management, logistics management, financial management, technical coordination, and administrative services to meet Project requirements specified in the Performance Work Statement. Conduct Contract Management & Performance Reviews (CMPRs) per year in person and two CMPR per year using media services. The contractor will present and discuss, at a minimum, the program status, potential risks, and mitigation strategies within seven areas: (1) System technical performance, (2) supportability, (3) KPPs, (4) cost, (5) schedule, (6) programmatic issues and (7) risks. Participate in Monthly and or Bi-monthly IPT meetings Guide project team in all aspects of Rescue 21 Sustainment support for the Coast Guards Western Rivers. Assist as needed in the proposal process for all Rescue 21 Contract Modifications and Contract recompetes. Assist the Director Of Coast Guard operations in pursuit of and identification of Coast Guard contracting and business development activities.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Experience, Education and Licensure:

Must be a US citizen and possess or be able to read, write, speak, and understand English. Ability to obtain/maintain a SECRET clearance preferred. Bachelor's Degree or 2 years relevant Rescue 21 or ELMR Project Management experience. Or High School diploma, US Coast Guard or Navy "C" or "A" school 8 years experience in US Coast Guard or US Navy C4I system installation integration support, US Coast Guard preferred Rescue 21 preferred. Demonstrated competency in Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Cyber (C5I) system project management, sustainment engineering, and/or C5I logistics sustainment as applicable. Project Management Professional certification desired.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Occasionally there may be a need to move or lift moderately light items up to 20 pounds. Near visual acuity to review written documentation; ability to hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone; lift horizontally and vertically.Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Job is performed in an office setting with exposure to computer screens and requires extensive use of a computer, keyboard, mouse and multi-line telephone system. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:Directly manage a team of 10 to 20 Full and Part time employees as well as service providers supporting Rescue 21.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFYING FACTORS:

As a condition of employment, must pass a pre-employment drug screening, as well as have acceptable reference and background check results.

As an equal opportunity employer, The Tatitlek Corporation recognizes that our strength lies in our people. Discrimination and all unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment, in employment is not tolerated. We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or employment. We support and obey laws that prohibit discrimination everywhere we do business.

Salary$85-125k/annuallyEmployment Type: FULL_TIME