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Helicopter Rescue Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

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Showing results 1-20

Helicopter Rescue information

See Arizona salary details

$55.4K

$89.8K

$95.5K

How much do helicopter rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter rescue in Arizona is $89,831.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,800.00 and $91,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by helicopter rescue professionals during emergency missions?

Helicopter rescue professionals often encounter rapidly changing weather conditions, challenging terrain, and the need to make quick, critical decisions under pressure. Working as part of a tightly coordinated team, they must communicate effectively with pilots, medical staff, and ground teams to ensure a successful rescue. Physical and mental stamina are crucial, as missions can be unpredictable and require long hours. Continuous training and adaptability help professionals overcome these challenges and maintain safety for both the rescue team and those being assisted.

What Are Helicopter Rescue Jobs?

As a helicopter rescue pilot, your job is to help provide emergency services in response to sudden needs. In this role, you may keep your helicopter ready to head out on a flight, coordinate with emergency rescuers, and perform various airborne tasks as needed. This job particularly focuses on search and rescue operations, such as finding and recovering people who are lost in the wilderness. Pilots do not provide medical care for rescued passengers, but other personnel onboard might. Related jobs include flight crew, paramedic, or maintenance positions. Helicopter rescue jobs should not be confused with air ambulance jobs. While you may deliver people to hospitals, this job does not always involve rescuing sick or injured passengers and may involve flying into dangerous situations.

What is the difference between Helicopter Rescue vs Search and Rescue Technician?

AspectHelicopter RescueSearch and Rescue Technician
CertificationsFAA helicopter pilot license, rescue trainingFirst aid, CPR, rescue operations training
Work EnvironmentHelicopter, outdoor, remote locationsGround-based, varied terrains
Employer & IndustryRescue agencies, emergency servicesFire departments, rescue teams

Helicopter Rescue involves operating helicopters to perform aerial rescues, often requiring pilot licenses and specialized rescue training. Search and Rescue Technicians typically work on the ground, conducting search operations and providing emergency aid. While both roles focus on saving lives, Helicopter Rescue emphasizes aerial operations, whereas Search and Rescue Technicians are ground-based responders.

What are helicopter rescue workers?

Helicopter rescue workers are trained professionals who use helicopters to perform emergency rescue operations, often in hard-to-reach or dangerous locations. They may be paramedics, pilots, or specialized crew members responsible for reaching people in distress, such as those stranded by natural disasters, accidents, or medical emergencies. Their duties include flying to the scene, providing medical care, and safely transporting individuals to safety or medical facilities. These workers undergo rigorous training in both aviation and emergency response to handle a wide range of challenging scenarios. Helicopter rescue missions are critical for saving lives when traditional ground-based rescues are not possible.

Is 30 too old to become a helicopter pilot?

Helicopter rescue pilots can typically start training at age 18 and there is no strict upper age limit, as long as candidates meet medical and physical requirements. Many pilots begin their careers later in life, and experience, skills, and certifications are often more important than age. Age may influence training duration or physical fitness assessments but does not generally disqualify someone at age 30 from becoming a helicopter rescue pilot.

How much does a rescue helicopter make?

A helicopter rescue pilot or crew member's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Specialized skills, certifications, and working in emergency response environments can influence compensation levels.

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

To thrive as a Helicopter Rescue Specialist, you need advanced knowledge of search and rescue operations, aviation safety, and emergency medical response, typically supported by certifications such as EMT or paramedic and specialized rescue training. Familiarity with navigation systems, radio communication tools, winching equipment, and survival gear is essential. Exceptional decision-making skills, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are critical soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, efficient rescues and optimal outcomes in challenging and often life-threatening environments.

How to become a helicopter rescue crewman?

To become a helicopter rescue crewman, candidates typically need a background in emergency services, such as paramedics, firefighters, or military personnel, along with specialized training in helicopter operations and rescue techniques. Certifications like CPR, first aid, and sometimes aviation safety are required, and physical fitness is essential due to the demanding nature of the job. Experience in high-stress environments and familiarity with rescue equipment are also important for this role.

How long does it take to get 1500 hours in a helicopter?

For helicopter rescue pilots, accumulating 1500 flight hours typically takes about 1 to 2 years, depending on flight schedules and training programs. Many rescue operations require additional certifications and experience, which can extend the time needed to reach this milestone.
What are popular job titles related to Helicopter Rescue jobs in Arizona? For Helicopter Rescue jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Helicopter Rescue jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Helicopter Rescue job openings:
Volunteer - Search and Rescue, Sheriff's Office

Volunteer - Search and Rescue, Sheriff's Office

Pinal County

Florence, AZ

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description JOB DESCRIPTION The Search and Rescue Posse is a volunteer unit developed to support the Search and Rescue division. The Pinal County Sheriffs' Office currently uses the search and rescue posse to perform missions in Pinal County and surrounding counties if requested. The Pinal County Sheriffs' Office has several different types of resources that are called upon during missions.

These resources include: Ground Searchers, K-9 Tracking, Technical Rescue and Helicopter operations. Please write in the Objective line which type of volunteer team are you interested in: Ground Search, K9, etc. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK High School Diploma or G.E.D.; must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age, a United States citizen or legal resident

Must possess a valid Driver's License. Arizona Driver's License preferred Must have transportation Must possess proof of current auto insurance, at all times Must successfully pass a background examination. Must complete oral interviews Must complete required basic Search and Rescue classes during probation and maintain training throughout out the year.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES NOTES TO APPLICANT Upon review and approval of your application, you will be contacted for an oral board interview. Commitment of one year of service for volunteer Commitment of one semester for interns Commitment of a minimum of 16 volunteer hours per month, on average Commitment to attend ongoing meetings, in-service training and education workshops. Individuals selected will be placed on a one year probationary period This is a voluntary unpaid position.

Must be capable of completing a 7 mile endurance hike in mountainous terrain carrying a 30 lb. All prospective candidates must complete the following before scheduling the background interview: Response Time Requirement Must be able to respond to the Helicopter Pad at Lost Dutchman State Park within one (1) hour. Physical Capability Assessment Must be capable of hiking approximately 1.5 miles uphill while carrying a 30 lb backpack

This activity will be timed and evaluated. Additional physical tasks will be included, such as stokes basket carry and other functional SAR activities. Required FEMA Training (Online / No Cost) Completion of three (3) FEMA online courses prior to the interview (course list will be provided).

CPR/AED Certification Must be current in CPR/AED prior to the interview. SAR Skills Evaluation Candidates will be tested on the ability to correctly perform several essential SAR knots during the interview/testing process Link to the Search And Rescue Volunteer Physical Assessment Waiver: https://www.pinal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/28404/SAR-Liability-Waiver-PDF *This is a volunteer position with the Pinal County Sheriff's Office. Volunteers serve at the discretion of their respective Appointing Authority

The employment relationship of incumbents in this position is "at will" the employee may be terminated at any time, for any reason, with or without cause. This is not a compensated position. We appreciate your interest in our employment opportunities.

At Pinal County, we value professionalism and treating others with respect. If these values are not demonstrated throughout the application and interview process we reserve the right to remove your candidacy from consideration and may impact your future Pinal County applications. The hiring salary for this position is dependent upon experience, qualifications and position funding; starting salaries above the first quartile require additional approval.

All qualified candidates eligible to work in the United States are welcome to apply. However, visa sponsorship is not available. Pinal County does not participate in STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT).

Pinal County requires pre-employment screening, which includes a Motor Vehicle Record check, a comprehensive background check (encompassing employment, education, and criminal history), and drug testing for safety-sensitive roles. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify candidates from employment. Employment offers are contingent on successful pre-employment screening.

If driving is a requirement of the position, you must have a valid Arizona State Driver's License in accordance with Arizona State Law. Work in this classification requires an individual to be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary classification functions herein described.

Since every duty associated with this classification may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in this classification description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties, just as though they were actually written out in this description.