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Marine Rescue Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

Marine Rescue information

See Oklahoma salary details

$9

$24

$35

How much do marine rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine rescue in Oklahoma is $24.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $29.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is marine rescue?

Marine rescue refers to the specialized field of responding to emergencies in aquatic environments, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. Professionals in marine rescue are trained to save lives, assist vessels in distress, and conduct search and rescue operations during maritime accidents. Their work often involves coordinating with other emergency services and using boats, helicopters, and specialized equipment to reach people in need. Marine rescue teams play a critical role in ensuring the safety of those who work or travel on the water.

How to get a job in marine rescue?

Advanced positions in marine rescue require a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, natural science, or a related field, and becoming a vet requires four years of advanced education to earn qualifications as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. For community outreach roles, many organizations require a degree in education, and for internships, you must demonstrate a commitment to the field of conservation and enroll in a relevant four-year graduate or undergraduate program. Previous experience working with and caring for animals is important, and you also need strong communication skills, the ability to lift and carry fifty pounds or more, and a willingness to work outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a marine rescue professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Marine Rescue professional, you need strong swimming ability, water safety expertise, first aid/CPR certification, and often a background in emergency response or maritime operations. Familiarity with rescue boats, communication devices, GPS navigation, and sometimes advanced life-saving certifications are typically required. Quick decision-making, teamwork, resilience, and excellent communication are crucial soft skills for this high-pressure role. These skills ensure the effective, safe, and timely rescue of individuals in marine emergencies, minimizing risks to both victims and rescuers.

What are the typical challenges faced when responding to marine emergencies as part of a marine rescue team?

Marine Rescue professionals often face rapidly changing weather conditions, unpredictable sea states, and limited visibility, which can make search and rescue operations challenging. Communication and coordination with other agencies, such as the Coast Guard or local authorities, are critical for a successful response. Team members must remain calm under pressure, adapt quickly to evolving situations, and be physically prepared for demanding tasks. Regular training and debriefings help teams learn from each mission and improve future responses.

What is the difference between Marine Rescue vs Coast Guard Auxiliary?

AspectMarine RescueCoast Guard Auxiliary
CertificationsRescue certifications, CPR, first aidAuxiliary-specific training, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentOn-water rescue, emergency responseSupport roles, patrols, public education
Employer & IndustryMaritime rescue organizations, coast guardU.S. Coast Guard, volunteer support

Marine Rescue personnel focus on emergency on-water rescue operations, requiring specialized rescue and medical certifications. Coast Guard Auxiliary members support these efforts through patrols, safety education, and auxiliary assistance, often with different certification requirements. Both roles operate within the maritime safety industry but serve distinct functions in emergency response and community support.

How to work at a marine rescue?

To work as a marine rescue professional, candidates typically need to complete specialized training in water rescue, first aid, and CPR, and obtain relevant certifications such as US Coast Guard licenses or equivalent. Physical fitness, swimming ability, and knowledge of rescue equipment are essential, and applicants often work in team environments with shift schedules. Prior experience in boating, lifeguarding, or emergency response can improve job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Marine Rescue jobs in Oklahoma?

For Marine Rescue jobs in Oklahoma, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Marine Rescue jobs in Oklahoma look for?

The top searched job categories for Marine Rescue jobs in Oklahoma are:

Infographic showing various Marine Rescue job openings in Oklahoma 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 $51,367 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Fire Garage Automotive Mechanic II

Muskogee, OK • On-site

City of Muskogee
Police Protection • 1 - 10 employees

$16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 hours ago


Job description

PURPOSE OF THE CLASSIFICATION:   

The Fire Department Mechanic II performs highly skilled mechanical work maintaining and repairing the City of Muskogee’s fire emergency response fleet. This includes fire apparatus, fireboats, support pickups, and SUVs to ensure all fire emergency vehicles meet strict safety and operational standards.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

  • Perform routine and corrective maintenance on fire engines, ladder trucks, rescue squads, and fireboats.
  • Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues in support pickups, command SUVs, and utility vehicles.
  • Execute complex engine, transmission, brake, and steering repairs.
  • Troubleshoot specialized emergency systems including fire pumps, foam systems, aerial ladders, and emergency lighting.
  • Conduct standard PM services like oil changes, fluid flushes, safety inspections, and tune-ups on all fire department fleet assets.
  • Maintain accurate digital and physical logs of all repairs, parts used, and labor hours in the fleet tracking system.
  • Performs on-scene emergency field repairs during major incidents or after-hours call-outs as required
  • Operates welding equipment, cutting torches and other related equipment.
  • Changes and repairs tires on passenger and heavy vehicles; changes oil; puts gasoline or diesel fuel in vehicles.
  • Repairs, replaces and maintains electrical and electronic systems including sensors, headlights and taillights; replaces batteries.
  • Makes emergency service calls.
  • Attends training and safety meetings to ensure proper methods and work practices.
  • Learns to operate new technologies as they are developed and implemented.
  • Performs other work as necessary and or as assigned.
  • Must report to work on a regular and timely basis.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

The Fire Garage Automotive Mechanic II reports directly to the Vehicle & Equipment Management Leader II. 

The Fire Garage Automotive Mechanic II does not have any direct reports or supervisory responsibilities. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:  High school diploma or equivalent plus three (3) to five (5) years experience required in gasoline, diesel and hydraulic mechanics including two years at the journeyman level performing repairs on construction and other heavy equipment required or an equivalent combination of education (such as graduation from an automotive trade school) and experience.  Consideration will be given to internal candidates who do not possess a high school diploma or GED but who possess at least four additional years above the required years of experience in the automotive service trade. 

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Must have detailed knowledge, abilities and skills necessary to perform required automotive, heavy equipment or power equipment maintenance, inspection and repair functions; knowledge of vehicle electrical and hydro systems.  Must have strong knowledge of diesel and gasoline engines, air brake systems, and heavy-duty suspensions. Familiarity with marine propulsion (for fire boats) and complex hydraulic systems is highly preferred. Proficiency with modern diagnostic scanners, welding equipment, hand tools, and heavy shop machinery is needed. Must be able to maintain cooperative working relationships with fellow employees.  Ability to read and write; ability to read and understand service manuals; ability to work long and sometimes irregular hours under difficult conditions. Must be able to follow oral and written instructions and maintain repair and parts records.  Performance tests on mechanical skills and oral tests on knowledge may be given.

Physical Requirements:  The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.  On a case-by-case basis, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, arm and hand steadiness and finger dexterity will be needed enough to use a key board and telephone.  Occasional sitting and standing is required.  Frequent lifting and carrying of objects up to fifty (50) pounds.  Occasional lifting up to 80 pounds, reaching, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, twisting, handling and repetitive movements.  Vision, speech, and hearing sufficient to perform essential tasks.  Punctuality and reasonable attendance is essential.  Must submit to drug screening and fitness to work physical exam.

Licenses and Certificates:  Possession of a valid Oklahoma Class B CDL is required. Must be able to obtain and maintain Emergency Vehicle Technician Certifications, F-1 through F-6. Must obtain 2 of these certifications per year or not to exceed 5 years. Progress toward standard Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) medium/heavy truck certifications is preferred.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:   Work in this classification is both indoors and outdoors.  Will travel to other City locations as required. 

Notice:  This classification is a “safety sensitive” position as defined by the United States Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations, the Oklahoma Standards for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Act and/or the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana laws.  As a “safety sensitive” classification, you will be subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing.  Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening.  Possession of a medical marijuana license will not excuse you from the testing process, or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana.