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Freelance Swift Water Rescue Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hazardous Materials Response and Mitigation, Technical Rescue, Dive Rescue, and Swift Water Rescue. Maintain a high level of physical and mental preparedness through education, training, and physical ...

Hazardous Materials Response and Mitigation, Technical Rescue, Dive Rescue, and Swift Water Rescue. * Maintain a high level of physical and mental preparedness through education, training, and ...

Firefighter/EMT

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$47K - $54K/yr

Roanoke Fire-EMS is comprised of over 270 full time personnel and is a full service organization providing fire suppression, EMS, local and regional technical rescue, local and regional swift water ...

Performs a wide variety of administrative and technical tasks and functions in support of fire suppression, fire prevention, rescue operation, emergency management, swift water rescue and hazardous ...

Firefighter - Paramedic

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$54K - $93K/yr

... swift water rescue, local and regional hazmat and community risk reduction programs for the City of Roanoke. Home to approximately 100,000 residents, Roanoke is a mountain city and hub for innovation ...

Firefighter/EMT

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$47K - $54K/yr

Roanoke Fire-EMS is comprised of over 270 full time personnel and is a full service organization providing fire suppression, EMS, local and regional technical rescue, local and regional swift water ...

... swift water rescue, local and regional hazmat and community risk reduction programs for the City of Roanoke. Home to approximately 100,000 residents, Roanoke is a mountain city and hub for innovation ...

Performs a wide variety of administrative and technical tasks and functions in support of fire suppression, fire prevention, rescue operation, emergency management, swift water rescue and hazardous ...

National Registry Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (NREMT-P) certified * Desired Advanced ... water rescue, and wilderness search and rescue Benefits Base Compensation: VIGILINT is proud to ...

National Registry Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (NREMT-P) certified * Desired Advanced ... water rescue, and wilderness search and rescue Benefits Base Compensation: VIGILINT is proud to ...

May be involved in additional specialized functions such as: hazardous materials, aircraft rescue, swift water rescue. Assists with jail bookings. Assists Sergeant as needed and directed.

Performs a wide variety of administrative and technical tasks and functions in support of fire suppression, fire prevention, rescue operation, emergency management, swift water rescue and hazardous ...

National Registry Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (NREMT-P) certified * Desired Advanced ... water rescue, and wilderness search and rescue Benefits Base Compensation: VIGILINT is proud to ...

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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 Sep 1, 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 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 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 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.

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.

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 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,478 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Full-Time Firefighter/Paramedic

City of Burlington

Burlington, WI • On-site

$20.11 - $26.95/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


City Of Burlington (North Carolina) rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 854 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The City of Burlington Fire Department (CBFD) is seeking highly motivated, dedicated fire service and emergency personnel to fill a Full-Time Firefighter/Paramedic position. We provide Fire and EMS services to the City of Burlington. Hourly pay is: $20.11/hr-$26.95/hr, DOQ with an additional $1.30/hr worked for employees with a paramedic license. We are a combination department consisting of: twelve full-time, career Firefighter/EMTs, one Fire Inspector, one Administrative Assistant, one full-time Fire Chief, and twenty-five volunteer Firefighters.
A City of Burlington Employment Application form is required to be submitted as part of this position recruitment. This form may be obtained here:
http://burlington-wi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1005/Application-for-Employment-Fillable-Form
Complete the application form and upload it in the as part of the online application.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Respond to fire and emergency calls.
  • Provide BLS/ALS and first aid treatment in accordance with laws, protocols, and directions.
  • Perform firefighting duties.
  • Write reports documenting incident data, patient assessment, and treatment.
  • Operate radios and other communication equipment.
  • Perform general maintenance work of equipment, vehicles, apparatus, facilities, and grounds.
  • Present fire prevention and education activities to the public.
  • Inspect existing structures/businesses for compliance with fire codes.
  • Instruct classes in assigned subjected areas.
  • Assists in special assignments such as emergency preparedness, hazardous communications, training programs, firefighting, hazardous materials, and emergency aid activities.
  • Provide input for department goals and objectives.
  • Responsible for driving and operating apparatus and other equipment at an emergency scene.
  • Participate in drills, meetings, attend classes, and assist in training of all personnel.
  • Provide input on personnel, hiring, promotion, suspension, and performance.
  • Perform equipment and apparatus checks and inspections, monthly, performing repairs as needed.
  • Notify supervisor of all problems or defects with equipment or apparatus.
  • May serve on a specialty team to include Technical Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, or Hazardous Materials.
  • Assists in other department administrative activities as assigned.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
  • Be 21 years of age or older.
  • Have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Must possess a valid Wisconsin State driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.
  • Be legally eligible to be employed in the United States.
  • Meet insurability requirements of the City's insurance carrier.
  • Must be able to read, write and speak in the English language.
  • Have 2-3 years of service in the Fire industry.
  • Have the following certifications:
    • Wisconsin State Certified Firefighter I
    • Wisconsin Driver Operator/Pumper Certification
    • Paramedic License (Wisconsin or NREMT)
    • Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Certification

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Wisconsin State Certified Firefighter II (must have the ability to obtain within 18-24 months of hire)
  • Wisconsin Driver Operator/Aerial Certification
  • Wisconsin State Fire Inspector
  • Wisconsin State Fire Instructor
  • Wisconsin State Certified Fire Officer

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Working knowledge of:
    • Fire suppression and prevention principles.
    • Emergency medical and rescue techniques and their applications.
    • Computers and basic software programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)
    • Current firefighting, hazmat, and rescue techniques and methods.
    • Driver safety, laws, ordinances, department guidelines, and the City of Burlington geography (streets, alleys, buildings, hydrants, etc.)
    • Safety rules, regulations, procedures, and practices as outlined in the department directives. Maintain situational awareness and ensure operation resource management.
  • Ability to:
  • Apply standard firefighting and emergency medical techniques.
  • Follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Handle the arduous physical requirements of the job under stressful and adverse conditions.
  • Work effectively and timely to analyze and resolve issues.
  • Take effective decisive action under stressful and adverse conditions.
  • Effectively communicate in both written and verbal format.
  • Operate a variety of tools, equipment, and machinery used in the department.
  • Develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations. Shares knowledge with membership for mutual and departmental benefit.

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE:
Full-Time firefighter/Paramedic is scheduled on a 24/48 shift. They may be requested to come in outside of meetings and general department training to assist with training set up, equipment issues, etc. They may be asked to fill in for uncovered shifts.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by all personnel to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualifying disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, personnel are frequently required to stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, use hands, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
Frequently required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl.
Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 200 pounds.
Wearing personal protective equipment including a self-contained breathing apparatus while performing firefighting duties.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Computer, telephone, and two-way radio. Vehicles such as: car, fire truck, van and ambulance. Measuring devices. Power tools, hand tools, chainsaws, shovels, brooms, ladders, air tools, exhaust fans, and generators. Patient restraints, first aid equipment, oxygen, blood pressure equipment, defibrillators, test equipment, general medical equipment and patient lifting devices. Breathing apparatus, steel tip boots, hearing and eye protection, firefighting turnout clothing and hazardous materials protective clothing.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those personnel encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed in an office, vehicle, or outdoor setting in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations.
Personnel are exposed to sirens and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including infectious substances, smoke, noxious odors, chemicals, solvents, and oils.
Personnel occasionally work near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and are occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, radiation, risk of electrical shock and vibration.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or EMS activities then noise levels may be extreme.
SELECTION GUIDELINES:
Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview and reference check. Successful completion of pre-employment background check which may include, but not limited to: criminal background check, motor vehicle history review, physical exam, psychological evaluation, and drug screen. Job related tests may be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
The City of Burlington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace.

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