ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Helicopter Rescue Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Evans, CO

Key Responsibilities Operate as enlisted aircrew during flight operations; perform helicopter sea ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Lyons, CO

Key Responsibilities Operate as enlisted aircrew during flight operations; perform helicopter sea ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHelicopter Rescue JobsHelicopter Rescue Jobs in Colorado

Helicopter Rescue information

See Colorado salary details

$62.6K

$101.4K

$107.8K

How much do helicopter rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter rescue in Colorado is $101,363.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,600.00 and $103,600.00 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.

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.
More about Helicopter Rescue jobs
What are popular job titles related to Helicopter Rescue jobs in Colorado? For Helicopter Rescue jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Helicopter Rescue jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Helicopter Rescue jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Helicopter Rescue jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Helicopter Rescue job openings:
Helicopter Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Rescue job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,363 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Mountain Rescue Program Coordinator

Mountain Region Ambulatory

Centennial, CO • On-site

$28.50 - $52.83/hr

Part-time

Medical, Life

Posted 3 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

Apply