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Helicopter Rescue Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... helicopter vegetation services, and departments of transportation. A family-owned and operated ... Performs tree and bucket rescue. * Uses hand tools, such as axes, hand-lines, saws, block and ...

... helicopter vegetation services, and departments of transportation. A family-owned and operated ... Performs tree and bucket rescue. * Uses hand tools, such as axes, hand-lines, saws, block and ...

... helicopter vegetation services, and departments of transportation. A family-owned and operated ... Performs tree and bucket rescue. * Uses hand tools, such as axes, hand-lines, saws, block and ...

... helicopter vegetation services, and departments of transportation. A family-owned and operated ... Performs tree and bucket rescue. * Uses hand tools, such as axes, hand-lines, saws, block and ...

Bucket Operator Union

Gordonsville, VA · On-site

$16.93 - $23.61/hr

... helicopter vegetation services, and departments of transportation. A family-owned and operated ... Performs tree and bucket rescue. * Uses hand tools, such as axes, hand-lines, saws, block and ...

Bucket Operator Union

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.93 - $23.61/hr

... helicopter vegetation services, and departments of transportation. A family-owned and operated ... Performs tree and bucket rescue. * Uses hand tools, such as axes, hand-lines, saws, block and ...

Helicopter Rescue information

See Virginia salary details

$59K

$95.6K

$101.6K

How much do helicopter rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter rescue in Virginia is $95,570.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,700.00 and $97,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a helicopter rescue?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a helicopter rescue specialist?

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.

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 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.

How much do helicopter rescue personnel make?

Helicopter rescue personnel, such as rescue pilots and crew members, typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Advanced certifications and specialized skills can lead to higher salaries, especially in emergency response or military settings.

What qualifications do you need to work on helicopter rescues?

To work in helicopter rescue, candidates typically need emergency medical training such as EMT or paramedic certification, along with specialized rescue training. Pilots require a commercial helicopter pilot license, and rescue personnel often need physical fitness, strong teamwork skills, and experience in high-stress environments.

What are popular job titles related to Helicopter Rescue jobs in Virginia?

For Helicopter Rescue jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Helicopter Rescue jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Helicopter Rescue jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Helicopter Rescue jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Helicopter Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Helicopter Rescue job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,570 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR / EVALUATOR (Title 32) with Security Clearance

Sterling, VA • On-site


Department of the Army
National Security • 10K+ employees

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 495 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks

Learn new skills


$90K - $113K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Duties As a HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR / EVALUATOR (Title 32) with the Texas Army National Guard, your duties will include, but will not be limited to: * Performs preflight weather analysis, route and altitude selections, alternate airport selection, fuel, cargo and passenger load computations, selection of refueling stops, preflight inspections, flight plan filing, and firing ranges route planning/coordination. Incorporates precision, non-precision, and GPS route navigation and instrument approaches in all mission planning and must be knowledgeable in all aspects of their operations. Maintains and studies current and complete files of aeronautical publications, navigation charts, instrument approach procedures, and air traffic control procedures. * Performs one or more of the following major functional duties: * a. Serves as rotary wing Instrument Flight Examiner (IE): Conducts instrument flight qualifications and training which includes, instrument flight planning, precision handling and maneuvering of the aircraft, navigation using the aircraft navigation instruments and systems, air traffic control operations, approach, departure, and holding procedures, and use of the ILS. Conducts initial instrument standardization rides for new air crew members and as a minimum conducts annual check rides for assigned and attached pilots. * b. Serves as rotary wing Standardization Instructor Pilot (SIP): Trains and evaluates IP's and provides technical supervision of the standardization program. Ensures flight crew proficiency and qualification records are standardized and kept current. * Serves are Maintenance Test Pilot Examiner (ME)/Functional Check Pilot (FCP) Evaluator: Serves as rotary wing Maintenance Test Pilot Examiner/Function Check Pilot Evaluator. Trains and evaluates ME/FCP's and provides technical supervision and standardization of the maintenance program. Maintains requirements and performs function of technical inspector for aircraft assigned. Ensures ME/FCP pilot proficiency and qualification records are standardized and kept current. Maintains requirements and performs function of technical inspector for aircraft assigned. * Serves as rotary wing Unit Trainer/Evaluator (UT/E) or Instructor Pilot (IP): Trains and evaluates aviators on basic and advanced flight techniques. This includes the procedures to use in emergencies and malfunctions over rough terrain, e.g., hills and forests both day and night. Training includes instruction and evaluation for operating unique electronics equipment, such as precision, non-precision, and GPS route navigation and approaches. Conducts initial standardization flight evaluations for new air crew members and annual evaluations for assigned and attached pilots, including local aircraft transitions including refresher training. Serves as pilot-in-command while operating single and/or multi-engine rotary wing aircraft to perform airlift support for DOD personnel, emergency medical evacuations, aerial fire suppression support, paradrops, rescue, and Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations. May be required to transport classified, chemical, or other hazardous cargo. May be required to perform extended flights to and from a wide variety of points, with responsibility for safely transporting passengers and/or classified, chemical, or other hazardous cargo. Pilot will possess competency on all aviation matters that will encompass safety as the number one priority, demonstrate a consistent mature judgment and maintain a high degree of pilot proficiency for conducting flight missions under visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR). Flights may be performed with a combination of day, night, and night vision goggle (NVG) operations under both favorable and unfavorable environmental conditions (fog, sleet, ice, rain, snow, high winds, low ceilings) over both favorable and unfavorable terrain (mountains, water, desert, swamp, forest) which may require a transfer from IFR condition to marginal VFR condition for landing at remote locations. Locations may include a combination of confined areas with unfavorable terrain and obstacles and high altitude requiring an in-depth performance planning for take-off and landings under heavy load conditions. Flights could be conducted with a combination of unfavorable weather conditions, over unfavorable terrain or water at both low altitude and slow airspeed, at maximum gross weight, which are outside the recommended flight envelops for safe flight and/or involve the use of techniques employed as to avoid detection, and often entail prolonged periods of flying. Such flights, maintenance test flights, and low-level flights are such that a safe emergency landing would be difficult and would require a very high degree of pilot skill. Pilot will adhere to existing Army flight regulations and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. * Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of employment Appointment Factor(s): This is an Excepted Service position that requires active membership in a compatible military assignment in the Texas Army National Guard and wear of the military uniform. Areas of Consideration: Nationwide Excepted. This includes: * All currently employed full-time permanent, indefinite and temporary personnel of the Texas National Guard. * All current members of the Texas Army National Guard and individuals eligible for membership in the Texas Army National Guard. Remarks: * The Texas National Guard is an Equal Opportunity employer. * Veterans' preference is not applicable to this position. * Direct deposit is mandatory. * Trial period required (see additional information) Military Requirements A military skill set is determined by the applicable service classification and qualification requirements. Upon selection, individuals are assigned to a compatible military skill in accordance with Army or Air Force skill classification directives, statutes, and National Guard Bureau regulations. The Dual Status technician must obtain and maintain all military certifications OR Federal Aviation Administration certificates; current aeronautical ratings, medical and flight physical requirements, and qualifications for aviation service, military skill requirements in training, education, certifications, and experience. Army National Guard Officer Branch 67 - Medical Service Corps Rank Spread: Warrant Officer: W-3/CW3 Not to Exceed CW5 Officer: O-3 (CPT) Not to Exceed O-5 (LTC) Applicants must: 1. Prior to appointment, an applicant's military medical record must indicate a completed and current medical physical, flight physical, medical profile, and completed/cleared drug test. 2. Possess a valid state driver's license to operate government motor vehicles, for the state in which they live or are principally employed, in accordance with Army and Air Force Vehicle Operations Directives; and, 3. Qualify to operate government motor vehicles and vehicular equipment for "Maintenance Purposes Only" according to Army or Air Force Vehicle Maintenance Operations Directives. Qualifications In describing your experience in your resume, please be clear and specific. Assumptions regarding your experience will not be made. To be considered for qualification, your resume must include relevant experience with beginning and ending dates of employment/experience reflecting the following: Mandatory Qualification Requirements - Eligibility requirements for Dual Status technician positions in this occupation are based on the candidate's possession of Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificates -OR- appropriate military certifications, military ratings in the main-frame military aircraft of employment, and the required competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities). Specialized Experience Required Warrant Officers: Applicants must demonstrate the following specialized experience competencies (skills, knowledge, and abilities) to qualify for entry appointments to GS-2181-13 Army National Guard Dual Status Warrant Officer positions. Qualification competencies are determined by three factors: The aircraft operated; the nature and purpose of assignments; and, the degree of hazard. For Army National Guard positions, must have working experiences in civilian aviation programs; or, in military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or, in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facilities; or, in Air National Guard Wing/ Operations Groups. To qualify, the applicant must have at least two years specialized competencies in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation. Experienced in reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information. Experienced in filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings. Experienced in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments. Experienced in performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance. Competent in conducting or supervising the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks. Experienced in developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders. Knowledge is required in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures. Experienced in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of Defense, Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and/or Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, regulations, and directives. Officers: Applicants must demonstrate the following specialized experience competencies (skills, knowledge, and abilities) to qualify for appointments to GS-2181-13 Army National Guard Dual Status Officer positions. For Army National Guard positions, must have working experiences in civilian

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Arlington, VA, US

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