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Freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rescue Techician

Chouteau, OK · On-site

$14 - $19.25/hr

The Rescue Technician provides ongoing support to the GRDA Police Department, assisting with emergency response operations including, but not limited to, confined space rescue, swift-water rescue ...

The Rescue Technician provides ongoing support to the GRDA Police Department, assisting with emergency response operations including, but not limited to, confined space rescue, swift-water rescue ...

Confined Space Rescue Technician Are you a recent municipal fire academy graduate, a student in a ... Function effectively as part of a highly coordinated rescue team to ensure swift and safe ...

Confined Space Rescue Technician Are you a recent municipal fire academy graduate, a student in a ... Function effectively as part of a highly coordinated rescue team to ensure swift and safe ...

Confined Space Rescue Technician Are you a recent municipal fire academy graduate, a student in a ... Function effectively as part of a highly coordinated rescue team to ensure swift and safe ...

Confined Space Rescue Technician Are you a recent municipal fire academy graduate, a student in a ... Function effectively as part of a highly coordinated rescue team to ensure swift and safe ...

Function effectively as part of a highly coordinated rescue team to ensure swift and safe ... Awareness, Operations, or Technician * High Angle Rope Rescue: * Awareness, Operations, or ...

Function effectively as part of a highly coordinated rescue team to ensure swift and safe ... Awareness, Operations, or Technician * High Angle Rope Rescue: * Awareness, Operations, or ...

Function effectively as part of a highly coordinated rescue team to ensure swift and safe ... Awareness, Operations, or Technician * High Angle Rope Rescue: * Awareness, Operations, or ...

Function effectively as part of a highly coordinated rescue team to ensure swift and safe ... Awareness, Operations, or Technician * High Angle Rope Rescue: * Awareness, Operations, or ...

Function effectively as part of a highly coordinated rescue team to ensure swift and safe ... Awareness, Operations, or Technician * High Angle Rope Rescue: * Awareness, Operations, or ...

Function effectively as part of a highly coordinated rescue team to ensure swift and safe ... Awareness, Operations, or Technician * High Angle Rope Rescue: * Awareness, Operations, or ...

Function effectively as part of a highly coordinated rescue team to ensure swift and safe ... Awareness, Operations, or Technician * High Angle Rope Rescue: * Awareness, Operations, or ...

Function effectively as part of a highly coordinated rescue team to ensure swift and safe ... Awareness, Operations, or Technician * High Angle Rope Rescue: * Awareness, Operations, or ...

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Freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician information

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$16

$35

$49

How much do freelance swift water rescue technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance swift water rescue technician in the United States is $35.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.37 and $43.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician?

To thrive as a Freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician, you need strong swimming ability, knowledge of swift water dynamics, and completion of specialized rescue training courses such as NFPA 1006 or Rescue 3 certifications. Familiarity with technical rescue equipment like throw bags, ropes, and personal protective gear, along with GPS and communication systems, is typically required. Quick decision-making, situational awareness, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for effective rescue operations. These competencies ensure safety, operational efficiency, and the ability to respond effectively under high-pressure, life-threatening scenarios.

What is a freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician?

A Freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician is a trained professional who specializes in rescuing individuals from swift-moving water environments, such as rivers or flood zones. They work on a contract or freelance basis, providing their expertise to emergency services, outdoor adventure companies, or during specific events where water safety is a concern. Their responsibilities include conducting water rescues, providing safety briefings, and assisting with training or risk assessments. These technicians are highly skilled in using specialized equipment and techniques to ensure the safety of both victims and rescue personnel. Certification and ongoing training are essential to maintain their skills and readiness for a variety of challenging conditions.

What is the difference between Freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician vs Lifeguard?

AspectFreelance Swift Water Rescue TechnicianLifeguard
CertificationsSwift water rescue, CPR, first aidLifeguard certification, CPR, first aid
Work EnvironmentRivers, rapids, flood zonesSwimming pools, beaches, lakes
Employer & IndustryFreelance, rescue agencies, outdoor eventsPublic pools, beaches, water parks

Freelance Swift Water Rescue Technicians specialize in high-risk water environments like rivers and rapids, requiring advanced rescue certifications. Lifeguards primarily work in controlled environments such as pools and beaches, focusing on prevention and basic rescue skills. Both roles require CPR and first aid, but the environments and specific skills differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance Swift Water Rescue Technicians when working on diverse assignments?

As a freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to unfamiliar sites, rapidly assessing unique hazards, and integrating with new teams on short notice. Assignments often vary in location and scale, requiring you to stay current with best practices and maintain a high level of physical fitness. Clear communication and quick decision-making are essential, especially when coordinating with local agencies or multidisciplinary emergency response teams in high-pressure environments.
More about Freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Swift Water Rescue Technician jobs? The most popular types of Swift Water Rescue Technician jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician jobs are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,478 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

$14 - $19.25/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Grand River Dam Authority rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Rescue Technician

We deliver affordable, reliable ELECTRICITY, with a focus on EFFICIENCY and a commitment to ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP. We are dedicated to ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, providing resources and supporting economic growth. Our EMPLOYEES are our greatest asset in meeting our mission to be an Oklahoma Agency of Excellence.

The Rescue Technician provides ongoing support to the GRDA Police Department, assisting with emergency response operations including, but not limited to, confined space rescue, swift-water rescue, and medical response.

Essential job functions include, but are not limited to:

  • Assist GRDA Police with emergency rescue situations involving electrical, confined space, elevated, and water-based environments.
  • Support personnel in the execution of operational objectives and emergency response activities across GRDA and affiliated facilities.
  • Assist in the development, enhancement, and continuous improvement of GRDA Police Department rescue capabilities.
  • Maintain current certifications and actively participate in training related to rescue operations and emergency medical response, providing support in training efforts as needed.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge, Qualities:

  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in high-pressure situations.
  • Ability to work effectively in physically demanding and hazardous environments.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Attention to detail and commitment to safety.
  • Ability to follow detailed procedures and protocols.

Education, Training, Experience:

  • Minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of first responder experience.

Certificates, Registrations, Licenses:

  • Required: Confined Space Technician, Ropes I & II, and EMT (or higher) certifications.
  • Preferred: CLEET certification, Trench Rescue, Swift Water Technician (Level II), High-Angle Rescue (or ability to attain such training within one (1) year of employment) and instructor-level certifications in rescue, safety, or medical disciplines.
  • Valid Oklahoma driver's license, or the ability to convert within 30 days for those with an out of state driver's license that are an Oklahoma resident.

Physical/Mental Requirements & Working Conditions:

  • Exposure to extreme weather conditions, noise, and hazardous materials.
  • Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and in varying environmental conditions.
  • Must be able to wear respiratory protection and other PPE as required.
  • Ability to stand, climb, kneel, and perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods.
  • Capable of performing rescues in moving water conditions.
  • Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds or more for short distances on an irregular basis.

Other information:

  • Position varies across GRDA locations primarily in Northeast, Oklahoma.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.

If you're passionate about growth, teamwork, and making an impact, you'll love building your career with us.


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