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Entry Level Mountain Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... mountain setup and hazard mitigation to promote a safe environment, avalanche reduction and rescue ... An Entry-Level 1 patroller must demonstrate a willingness to learn patrol procedures and an ...

... 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 ...

Firefighter Cadet

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$61K/yr

Fire Opening Date: 08/01/2026 Closing Date: 10/20/2026 5:00 PM Mountain FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining ... entry level firefighter and EMT-Basic. Please note: EMT-B and EMT-I applications are also being ...

Entry Level Mountain Rescue information

See salary details

$12

$16

$22

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

As of Sep 4, 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.

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.

How do you get into entry level mountain rescue?

To get into entry-level mountain rescue, candidates typically need to have strong outdoor skills, physical fitness, and basic first aid or wilderness rescue certifications. Volunteering with local rescue teams or outdoor organizations can provide experience, and many agencies require background checks and training courses before starting.

How much does entry level mountain rescue get paid?

Entry-level mountain rescue personnel typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on the region, organization, and whether they are volunteers or paid staff. Pay may increase with experience, certifications, and additional responsibilities such as technical rescue skills or leadership roles.

What training is needed for entry level mountain rescue?

Entry level mountain rescue personnel typically need basic wilderness first aid and CPR certification, along with training in navigation, rope skills, and rescue techniques. Many programs also require completion of a wilderness rescue course and physical fitness assessments to ensure readiness for 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:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Mountain Rescue job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,227 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

$21 - $25.05/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 23 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/hr - $25.05/hr 
  • Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027  
  • Shift Type: Full Time and Part Time hours available 
  • Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age  
  • Housing Availability: No  

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.
  • Performing sweeps at the end of the day to ensure that all guests are safely off the mountain.
  • Transporting supplies and heavy equipment to areas of need on skis/snowboard.
  • 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.
  • Participation in continued on the job training program
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18+ years of age.
  • Current Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or must complete Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) during the first season.
  • Current AHA BLS Provider card.
  • Successfully pass the Hunter Mountain Ski Patrol ski test.
  • Ability to ski 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/hr - $25.05/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  516604
Reference Date: 08/11/2026 
Job Code Function: Ski Patrol