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Entry Level Mountain Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vail Resorts

Skilled: Ski Patrol- Union

Park City, UT · On-site

$21.51 - $25.30/hr

... Summary Entry Level Ski Patrollers are responsible for creating a safe and enjoyable mountain ... Transport injured guests using rescue toboggans and patrol equipment. * Maintain trails through ...

City of Boise, ID

Entry Level Firefighter

Boise, ID · On-site

$72K/yr

Fire Training Opening Date: 07/01/2026 Closing Date: 8/23/2026 5:00 PM Mountain Summary Statement ... Studies fire prevention, fire protection, firefighting, emergency medical techniques, rescue ...

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Entry Level Mountain Rescue information

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$12

$16

$22

How much do entry level mountain rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level mountain rescue in the United States is $16.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become part of a rescue team?

To become part of an entry-level mountain rescue team, candidates typically need to have strong physical fitness, basic first aid and CPR certifications, and relevant outdoor or technical skills such as navigation or climbing. Many teams require volunteers or trainees to undergo training programs and gain experience through certifications like Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT). Joining local rescue organizations or emergency services and demonstrating commitment and teamwork are essential steps in the process.

What training is needed for mountain rescue?

Entry level mountain rescue personnel typically need training in first aid, CPR, navigation, and rescue techniques such as rope work and patient handling. Certification programs like Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) are often required, along with physical fitness and experience in outdoor environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Mountain Rescue vs Search and Rescue Technician?

AspectEntry Level Mountain RescueSearch and Rescue Technician
CertificationsBasic wilderness first aid, CPR, rescue trainingWilderness first aid, CPR, technical rescue certifications
Work EnvironmentMountain terrains, outdoor, remote areasVaried environments including urban, wilderness, and remote areas
Employer & IndustryRescue teams, outdoor organizations, government agenciesEmergency services, government agencies, volunteer organizations

Entry Level Mountain Rescue focuses on outdoor, mountain terrain rescue with basic certifications, while Search and Rescue Technicians often work in diverse environments with more technical rescue certifications. Both roles are vital in emergency response, but the scope and environment may differ.

Do you get paid for mountain rescue?

Entry level mountain rescue volunteers are typically not paid, as the role is often voluntary or part of a rescue team that relies on donations and grants. Paid positions may exist in professional rescue organizations or emergency services, which require certifications and specialized training. Compensation varies depending on the organization and location, but many rescue roles are unpaid or offer stipends for expenses.

How to be part of mountain rescue?

To become part of mountain rescue, individuals typically need to have strong outdoor skills, physical fitness, and experience in first aid and navigation. Many teams require volunteers to complete specialized training and certifications, such as wilderness first responder or technical rescue courses, and to be prepared for irregular schedules and challenging environments.
More about Entry Level Mountain Rescue jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Mountain Rescue jobs? The most popular types of Mountain Rescue jobs are:
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Entry Level Mountain Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mountain Rescue job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,227 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Skilled: Ski Patrol- Union

Park City Mountain

Park City, UT

$21.51/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Create Your Experience of a Lifetime!

Come work and play in the mountains!  Whether it’s your first-time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means discovering (or re-discovering!) a passion for the outdoors while building lifelong connections with teammates and guests from around the world.

With 40+ resorts across 3 continents, you can join our team for a season or stay to build a career. From day one, you'll receive some of the highest compensation rates in the industry, free pass(es) along with free ski and snowboard lessons, 40% retail discounts, the chance to grow through Epic Service - our leading training and development experience, and wellness benefits to fuel your success.

Hiring for our seasonal positions occurs on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted until December 15th or until the positions are filled (whichever is first).

Employee Benefits

•    Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons 
•    MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
•    401(k) Retirement Plan 
•    Employee Assistance Program
•    Excellent training and professional development
•    Referral Program

To Learn More, please review the Benefits Eligibility Summary

Job Summary 

Entry Level Ski Patrollers are responsible for creating a safe and enjoyable mountain experience by providing emergency medical care, maintaining trails and safety systems, educating guests, and supporting mountain operations. This role requires strong skiing ability, sound judgment, excellent guest service, and a commitment to teamwork in a dynamic alpine environment.

Job Specifications:

  • Starting Wage: $21.51/hr - $25.30/hr 

  • Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027  

  • Shift Type: Full Time hours available 

  • Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age  

  • Housing Availability: Yes  

Job Responsibilities 

  • Promote guest safety through education and proactive mountain presence. 
  • Respond to medical emergencies and provide emergency care to injured or ill guests. 
  • Transport injured guests using rescue toboggans and patrol equipment. 
  • Maintain trails through hazard marking, fencing, closures, padding, and other safety materials. 
  • Assist with avalanche mitigation activities and complete required avalanche training. 
  • Participate in lift evacuations and other emergency response operations. 
  • Deliver exceptional guest service and assist with guest inquiries and concerns. 
  • Complete accurate incident documentation and reports. 
  • Support other mountain operations departments as needed. 
  • Maintain patrol equipment and facilities in a clean, organized manner. 
  • Complete all Entry Level Patroller competencies during the first season. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned. 

Job Qualifications:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age. 
  • Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification. 
  • Current CPR certification. 
  • Successfully pass the Park City Mountain Ski Patrol ski test. 
  • Ability to ski advanced and expert terrain with confidence and control. 
  • Fluent in English with strong communication and guest service skills. 
  • Ability to work outdoors in a physically demanding, high-alpine environment in all weather conditions. 

Physical Requirements 

  • Ski advanced terrain while carrying patrol equipment. 
  • Lift, carry, push, and pull patients and rescue equipment. 
  • Perform physically demanding work in steep terrain, deep snow, and adverse weather conditions.

The expected pay range is $21.51/hr - $25.30/hr. This is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. 

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID  515507
Reference Date: 07/14/2026 
Job Code Function: Ski Patrol  

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