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Helicopter Rescue Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Flagler County Sheriff's Office

FL · On-site

$74K - $92K/yr

Helicopter Pilot Responsibilities: * Operates agency helicopter during law enforcement, emergency ... Supports search and rescue operations involving missing persons, fleeing suspects, maritime ...

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Dover, FL

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

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

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

Jay, FL

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 ...

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All JobsHelicopter Rescue JobsHelicopter Rescue Jobs in Florida

Helicopter Rescue information

See Florida salary details

$44.5K

$72K

$76.6K

How much do helicopter rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter rescue in Florida is $72,037.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $73,600.00 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 Florida? For Helicopter Rescue jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Helicopter Rescue jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Helicopter Rescue jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Helicopter Rescue jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Helicopter Rescue job openings:
Helicopter Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Rescue job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, and 91% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,037 per year, or $34.6 per hour.
Helicopter Pilot

Helicopter Pilot

Flagler County Sheriff's Office

FL • On-site

$74K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office is seeking a highly motivated, professional, and safety-oriented Law Enforcement Helicopter Pilot to support airborne flight operations throughout Flagler County. The selected candidate will operate agency rotary-wing aircraft in support of patrol operations, search and rescue missions, tactical response, aerial surveillance, disaster response, suspect apprehension, criminal investigations, and emergency public safety aviation missions.
Helicopter Pilot Responsibilities:
  • Operates agency helicopter during law enforcement, emergency response, and public safety missions;
  • Conducts pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight procedures in accordance with FAA regulations and agency policy;
  • Maintains operational readiness of assigned aircraft, avionics systems, mission equipment, cameras, radios, and support equipment;
  • Conducts airborne patrol and rapid-response aviation missions in support of countywide law enforcement operations;
  • Coordinates flight operations with Communications personnel, incident commanders, patrol supervisors, and mutual aid agencies;
  • Operates aircraft in compliance with FAA regulations, air traffic control instructions, and agency flight procedures;
  • Monitors weather conditions, airspace restrictions, NOTAMs, TFRs, and operational hazards;
  • Conducts aerial surveillance, thermal imaging operations, search missions, perimeter containment, pursuit monitoring, and tactical support missions;
  • Operates aviation navigation systems, airborne camera systems, moving map displays, mission planning systems, and communications equipment;
  • Supports search and rescue operations involving missing persons, fleeing suspects, maritime incidents, and natural disaster events;
  • Supports crime scene documentation and aerial photography missions;
  • Assists in large-scale event security operations and emergency management missions;
  • Deploys rapidly during critical incidents including barricaded subjects, active threats, manhunts, and natural disasters;
  • Participates in safety meetings, operational briefings, and after-action reviews;
  • Maintains required certifications, qualifications, and training standards;
  • Maintains mission logs, maintenance records, and operational documentation;
  • Completes reports, flight logs, evidence documentation, and operational summaries accurately and in a timely manner;
  • Maintains confidentiality of sensitive law enforcement information;
  • Assists with equipment inventories, maintenance tracking, and operational readiness inspections;
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Selection Criteria:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Must possess and maintain throughout employment, a valid Florida driver license without any restrictions affecting job performance
  • FAA Commercial Rotorcraft Certificate and Instrument Rating.
  • FAA Second Class Medical Certificate at minimum; First Class preferred
  • Minimum five hundred (500) flight hours as a pilot-in-command rotorcraft-helicopter; 1,000 hours preferred
  • One hundred (100) hours rotorcraft-helicopter night flight time preferred
  • Prior Law Enforcement experience preferred.

Special Selection Criteria:
  • Required to complete a Bell 505 initial training course (flight and ground), Mission Training checkout, Emergency Egress familiarization.
  • Must be able to function in all-weather / environmental conditions, be exposed to noise, fumes and the physiological effects of flight.
  • Prior rotary-wing aviation experience in law enforcement, military, EMS, or public safety aviation.
  • Must be able to swim and tread water while wearing flight gear.
  • Must be able to climb up and down on aircraft during preflight to a height of approximately 12 feet.
  • Must be able to position aircraft (with assistance from others) with the use of ground handling equipment.
  • Must have excellent written communications skills, ability to accurately complete detailed reports and correctly maintain logs and activity reports.
  • Must demonstrate good oral communication skills with a high proficiency in radio procedures during high stressful situations.
  • This position requires rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays and work schedule changes at short notice.
  • CFI and CFII Rotorcraft-Helicopter rated preferred; prior law enforcement helicopter experience preferred.
  • Trained and qualified in the use of Aviator's Night Vision Imaging System preferred.

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office is committed to providing its citizens with a diverse, competent, trained and professional workforce by hiring highly qualified candidates. The FCSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to reflect the diversity found in the community we serve.

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