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Helicopter Rescue Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Acadian Ambulance Service

Flight Paramedic

Galliano, LA · On-site

... helicopter-based search-and-rescue missions. Applicants must be licensed paramedics with critical ... National AND State Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic * BLS/CPR, ACLS Card (AHA guidelines)

Acute Rescue and Transport Inc

EMT PT

Boise, ID · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Acute Rescue employs EMT-Basics with a passion for customer service, and a heart for helping others ... ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Emergency Medical Technician * Performs essential functions of an EMT-Basic as ...

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Acute Rescue and Transport Inc

EMT PT

Nampa, ID · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Acute Rescue employs EMT-Basics with a passion for customer service, and a heart for helping others ... ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Emergency Medical Technician * Performs essential functions of an EMT-Basic as ...

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Helicopter Rescue Technician information

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$59.5K

$96.4K

$102.5K

How much do helicopter rescue technician jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter rescue technician in the United States is $96,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Helicopter Rescue Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Helicopter Rescue Technician, you need strong physical fitness, advanced first aid or paramedic certification, and proficiency in rope access and rescue techniques. Familiarity with helicopter safety protocols, rescue hoist operations, and communication systems is crucial. Excellent teamwork, decision-making under pressure, and adaptability are standout soft skills for this demanding role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and effective rescue operations in high-risk environments.

What are the typical challenges faced by Helicopter Rescue Technicians during missions, and how are they addressed?

Helicopter Rescue Technicians frequently encounter challenging weather conditions, difficult terrain, and time-sensitive emergencies during missions. These challenges are addressed through rigorous training in technical rescue procedures, teamwork, and adaptability. Technicians regularly participate in simulated drills to ensure readiness and rely on clear communication with pilots and ground crews for mission success. Safety protocols and ongoing skill development are emphasized to manage risks and ensure the best possible outcomes for those in need of rescue.

What is the difference between Helicopter Rescue Technician vs Paramedic?

AspectHelicopter Rescue TechnicianParamedic
CertificationsEmergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic certification, specialized rescue trainingEMT or Paramedic certification, advanced life support training
Work EnvironmentHelicopter rescue missions, remote or difficult terrainsAmbulance, hospitals, emergency scenes
Industry UsageSearch and rescue, emergency response teamsPre-hospital emergency care, ambulance services

While both Helicopter Rescue Technicians and Paramedics provide emergency medical care, Helicopter Rescue Technicians specialize in rescue operations from helicopters in challenging environments, often requiring additional rescue certifications. Paramedics focus on advanced pre-hospital medical treatment across various emergency settings. The roles overlap in medical skills but differ mainly in rescue-specific training and work environment.

What is a Helicopter Rescue Technician?

A Helicopter Rescue Technician is a trained professional responsible for performing search and rescue operations from helicopters, often in challenging or hazardous environments. They are skilled in aerial extraction, emergency medical care, and technical rescue techniques such as hoisting or rappelling. These technicians work closely with pilots and other crew members to ensure safe and efficient rescues during emergencies like natural disasters, accidents, or remote-area evacuations. Their duties also include maintaining rescue equipment and participating in regular training exercises to stay prepared for a variety of rescue scenarios.
More about Helicopter Rescue Technician jobs
What states have the most Helicopter Rescue Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Helicopter Rescue Technician jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Helicopter Rescue Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Helicopter Rescue Technician jobs are:
Helicopter Rescue Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Rescue Technician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,397 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Mountain Rescue Program Coordinator

Mountain Region Ambulatory

Centennial, CO

$28.50 - $52.83/hr

Part-time

Medical, Life

Posted 5 days ago

Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Mountain Rescue Program Coordinator, you will be a vital asset to Flight for Life (FFL), directly supporting program leadership and crew as a dedicated subject matter expert in backcountry helicopter search and rescue (SAR) operations. You will play a crucial role in enhancing the safety and effectiveness of our critical mountain rescue missions, contributing significantly to our life-saving services.

Every day, you will actively monitor backcountry SAR safety issues and emerging trends, developing and delivering essential safety education for helicopter SAR operations. You'll contribute your expertise to discussions aimed at improving safety protocols and training, not only within Flight for Life but also across Colorado. This role demands a proactive approach to identifying potential risks and implementing best practices to safeguard our teams and the public.

To be successful in this role, you will possess a deep understanding of backcountry helicopter SAR operations and a strong commitment to safety. Exceptional communication skills are key for collaborating with FFL leadership, crew, and external stakeholders. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a proactive mindset, an ability to analyze complex safety data, and a passion for continuous improvement in mountain rescue practices.

  • Serves the Flight for Life Program Director, leadership, and staff in development of all backcountry helicopter SAR Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs).
  • Develops operational checklists and SAR member checkoff protocols of key FFL interagency SAR training programs.
  • Serves as Subject Matter Expert and develops SOPs/SOGs, checklists, and internal Operational Policies for SAR technology.
  • Makes recommendations pertaining to backcountry helicopter SAR operations to ensure safety of FFL crew and SAR rescuers.
  • Communicates protocols and procedures to the mountain rescue community, and represents Flight for Life on issues pertaining to backcountry helicopter SAR operations.
  • Serves on the Flight for Life Safety Committee, participating on matters pertaining to backcountry helicopter SAR operations, including review and assessment of specific SAR rescues as well as incident After Action Reviews as necessary.
Job Requirements

Required

  • High School Diploma/G.E.D.
  • Two (2) years Mountain Search and Rescue experience
  • Helicopter SAR Operations experience
  • Valid Colorado driver's license and ability to pass the annual review of driving record for safe vehicle operations
  • Search and Rescue Technician or HEMS Certificate

Preferred

  • Degree in Emergency Management, EMS, or equivalent
  • Prehospital experience
  • Air Medical and/or Rotorwing experience in alpine environments
Where You'll Work

Proudly part of CommonSpirit Health, Flight For Life Colorado® was the first civilian, hospital-based emergency medical helicopter program in the United States. For over 50 years, we have set the standard for over 300 air medical services worldwide that have modeled our concept. We proudly partner with search and rescue agencies, offering specialized services such as aerial search support and our Avalanche Deployment Program. Our reputation for rigorous training, comprehensive coverage, and proven expertise has made us the air medical program of choice for hospitals, EMS agencies, ski patrols, and rescue teams. With industry leading technology and a highly experienced team, we provide critical care transport across several states in the Rocky Mountain Region, including the Denver Metro area, Summit County, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Durango, northern New Mexico, southeastern Utah, and western Kansas. 

Qualifications:

Required

  • High School Diploma/G.E.D.
  • Two (2) years Mountain Search and Rescue experience
  • Helicopter SAR Operations experience
  • Valid Colorado driver's license and ability to pass the annual review of driving record for safe vehicle operations
  • Search and Rescue Technician or HEMS Certificate

Preferred

  • Degree in Emergency Management, EMS, or equivalent
  • Prehospital experience
  • Air Medical and/or Rotorwing experience in alpine environments
Employment Type: Part Time

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