Full Time Mountain Rescue information
See Clayton, GA salary details
$13.94 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$9.41 - $14.23
27% of jobs
$14.23 - $19.05
0% of jobs
$19.05 - $23.87
19% of jobs
The median wage is $25.35 / hr.
$23.87 - $28.69
14% of jobs
$28.69 - $33.51
4% of jobs
$33.51 - $38.33
0% of jobs
$38.33 - $43.15
0% of jobs
$43.15 - $47.98
0% of jobs
$52.58 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$47.98 - $52.80
12% of jobs
$52.80 - $57.62
6% of jobs
$57.62 - $62.44
18% of jobs
$9
$35
$62
How much do full time mountain rescue jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time mountain rescue in Clayton, GA is $35.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $56.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a full time mountain rescue professional?
Full Time Mountain Rescue personnel are professionally trained responders who specialize in search and rescue operations in mountainous or rugged terrain. Their duties include locating and assisting lost, injured, or stranded individuals, often in extreme weather or hazardous conditions. They work closely with local authorities and emergency services, using specialized equipment and techniques such as rope rescue, avalanche response, and wilderness first aid. These professionals typically undergo extensive training and are available around the clock to respond to emergencies.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time mountain rescue professional?
To excel as a Full Time Mountain Rescue professional, you need advanced outdoor survival skills, physical fitness, first aid/EMT certification, and typically experience in search and rescue or emergency services. Familiarity with GPS navigation, rope rescue systems, avalanche beacons, and incident command systems is essential. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective, safe rescues in hazardous environments and support the wellbeing of both victims and rescue teams.
What are some of the most common challenges faced by full time mountain rescue professionals during operations?
Full-time mountain rescue professionals frequently encounter challenging weather conditions, difficult terrain, and rapidly changing environments that can complicate rescue efforts. Team members must be prepared for physically demanding tasks, long hours, and the need to make quick, critical decisions in high-pressure situations. Effective communication and coordination with fellow rescuers, emergency services, and sometimes even the individuals being rescued are essential to ensure successful outcomes. Additionally, ongoing training and maintaining proficiency with specialized equipment are crucial to staying safe and effective on the job.
What is the difference between Full Time Mountain Rescue vs Search and Rescue Technician?
| Aspect | Full Time Mountain Rescue | Search and Rescue Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Wilderness First Responder, Rope Rescue, Mountain Rescue Certification | Wilderness First Responder, Rope Rescue, Search and Rescue Certification |
| Work Environment | Mountain terrains, remote outdoor locations, high-altitude areas | Varied terrains including urban, wilderness, and remote areas |
| Employer & Industry | Mountain rescue teams, outdoor agencies, emergency services in mountainous regions | Emergency services, government agencies, volunteer rescue organizations |
Full Time Mountain Rescue specialists focus primarily on high-altitude, rugged mountain terrains, requiring specific certifications and skills for remote rescue operations. Search and Rescue Technicians work across diverse environments, including urban and wilderness areas, with overlapping certifications. While both roles involve rescue operations, mountain rescue emphasizes mountain-specific skills and terrain, whereas search and rescue technicians have broader scope across various environments.
How to become part of full time mountain rescue?
To become a full-time mountain rescue team member, candidates typically need relevant outdoor skills, such as mountaineering, first aid, and rescue techniques, often gained through specialized training and certifications. Applicants usually undergo a selection process that includes physical fitness assessments, background checks, and practical rescue exercises, with many teams requiring prior volunteer experience in rescue or outdoor activities.
Lifeguard
Sylva, NC • On-site
Jackson County, NC
$35K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 26 days ago
Key responsibilities
Monitor pool activities to ensure safety of staff, participants, and the public.
Perform lifeguard responsibilities including monitoring pool activities, enforcing rules, and providing first aid and lifesaving care.
Instruct swimming lessons according to prepared lesson plans.
Job description
Salary: $35,528.33 Annually
Location : 88 Cullowhee Mountain Road -- Cullowhee, NC
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Job Number: 20260139
Department: Recreation-6128
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Overview
Monitor pool activities to ensure the safety of staff, participants, and the public in and around the county's aquatic facilities. Grade 18
Duties and Responsibilities
Education and Experience
Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of Hire. Possess a High School Diploma and two years of experience as a lifeguard and/or swim instructor working in an aquatics program.
Licenses or Certifications (required):
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Statement of Equal Employment Opportunity
Jackson County recognizes its continued success in meeting the needs of its citizens requires the full and active participation of talented and committed individuals, regardless of their gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or political affiliation. It is the policy of the County to foster, maintain, and promote equal opportunity by use of a systematic, consistent recruitment program, and to identify and attract the most qualified applicants for employment with the County. This policy is to be achieved by announcing all position vacancies, by evaluating all applicants using the same criteria, and by applying testing methods through the NC Career Works Office. Selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
Jackson County provides a robust offering of employee benefits including: employer paid medical and dental benefits, participation in the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System, paid leave (vacation, sick, and holiday), Employee Clinic, Wellness program, and supplemental benefit offerings. A full overview of benefits is available at
Location : 88 Cullowhee Mountain Road -- Cullowhee, NC
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Job Number: 20260139
Department: Recreation-6128
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Overview
Monitor pool activities to ensure the safety of staff, participants, and the public in and around the county's aquatic facilities. Grade 18
Duties and Responsibilities
- Maintain active surveillance of the pool area.
- Perform all lifeguard responsibilities including monitoring pool activities.
- Enforce rules fairly and politely.
- Participate and attend in-service training.
- Perform duties in accordance with established safety regulations and policies.
- Instruct swimming lessons according to prepared lesson plans.
- Ensure safety protocols and policies are followed by aquatics facility participants, spectators, and staff.
- Provide first aid and lifesaving care in case of injury or sudden illness.
- Maintain all required certifications and training, including but not limited to: first aid, CPR and all water rescue techniques, American Red Cross Lifeguarding.
- Assist the Parks and Recreation Department with necessary duties related to inclement weather situations.
- Perform other related job duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of Hire. Possess a High School Diploma and two years of experience as a lifeguard and/or swim instructor working in an aquatics program.
Licenses or Certifications (required):
- Possession of a valid, State of North Carolina driver's license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
- American Red Cross or equivalent certifications for:
- Lifeguard
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the Professional Rescuer
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Prefer certification for Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or a willingness to pursue certification.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of principles and practices of program administration and project management.
- Knowledge of effective leadership and management principles to lead and motivate aquatic staff.
- Knowledge and understanding of local, state and federal aquatic safety regulations.
- Knowledge of lifeguarding techniques, rescue procedures and first aid.
- Knowledge of various swimming instruction methods for different age groups and skill levels.
- Knowledge of operational aspects of aquatic facilities, including water quality, maintenance and equipment.
- Knowledge of emergency response protocols.
- Skilled in problem-solving skills in emergency situations.
- Skilled in fostering a positive and cohesive team environment.
- Skilled in supervision and training.
- Skilled in presenting information one-on-one or to small groups of children, parents and community members.
- Ability to assess and mitigate risks associated with aquatic activities.
- Ability to create and implement an emergency action plan.
- Ability to interpret and apply applicable policies, laws, codes, regulations and standards relevant to the position.
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage schedules, programs and facility operations.
- Ability to effectively communicate and interact with management, employees, members of the general public and other groups involved in the activities of the County as they relate to the department.
Statement of Equal Employment Opportunity
Jackson County recognizes its continued success in meeting the needs of its citizens requires the full and active participation of talented and committed individuals, regardless of their gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or political affiliation. It is the policy of the County to foster, maintain, and promote equal opportunity by use of a systematic, consistent recruitment program, and to identify and attract the most qualified applicants for employment with the County. This policy is to be achieved by announcing all position vacancies, by evaluating all applicants using the same criteria, and by applying testing methods through the NC Career Works Office. Selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
Jackson County provides a robust offering of employee benefits including: employer paid medical and dental benefits, participation in the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System, paid leave (vacation, sick, and holiday), Employee Clinic, Wellness program, and supplemental benefit offerings. A full overview of benefits is available at