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Marine Rescue Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

FIREFIGHTER

Quantico, VA · On-site

$50K/yr

... limited to Marine Corps and Commander, Navy Installations.Qualifications:Your resume must ... rescue operations; 3) Detecting, reducing, or eliminating potential fire hazards; 4) Controlling ...

... limited to Marine Corps and Commander, Navy Installations.Qualifications:Your resume must ... rescue operations; 3) Detecting, reducing, or eliminating potential fire hazards; 4) Controlling ...

FIREFIGHTER

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$50K/yr

... limited to Marine Corps and Commander, Navy Installations.Qualifications:Your resume must ... rescue operations; 3) Detecting, reducing, or eliminating potential fire hazards; 4) Controlling ...

FIREFIGHTER

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$50K/yr

... limited to Marine Corps and Commander, Navy Installations.Qualifications:Your resume must ... rescue operations; 3) Detecting, reducing, or eliminating potential fire hazards; 4) Controlling ...

FIREFIGHTER

Quantico, VA · On-site

$46K/yr

... to Marine Corps and Commander, Navy Installations.Qualifications: GS-06: Your resume must ... Performing rescue operations; 3) Detecting, reducing, or eliminating potential fire hazards; 4) ...

... to Marine Corps and Commander, Navy Installations.Qualifications: GS-06: Your resume must ... Performing rescue operations; 3) Detecting, reducing, or eliminating potential fire hazards; 4) ...

... to Marine Corps and Commander, Navy Installations.Qualifications: GS-06: Your resume must ... Performing rescue operations; 3) Detecting, reducing, or eliminating potential fire hazards; 4) ...

... to Marine Corps and Commander, Navy Installations.Qualifications: GS-06: Your resume must ... Performing rescue operations; 3) Detecting, reducing, or eliminating potential fire hazards; 4) ...

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Showing results 1-20

Marine Rescue information

See Washington salary details

$11

$30

$43

How much do marine rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine rescue in Washington is $30.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.34 and $35.67 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.
Infographic showing various Marine Rescue job openings in Washington 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 $63,009 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

$50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill positions at various Department of the Navy Commands, including but not limited to Marine Corps and Commander, Navy Installations.Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-06 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:1) Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department/brigade; 2) Performing rescue operations; 3) Detecting, reducing, or eliminating potential fire hazards; 4) Controlling hazardous materials incidents; 5) Driving and operating firefighting vehicles; and 6) Performing non-invasive emergency medical procedures. Note: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for this position.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/fire-protection-and-prevention-series-0081/
This position requires the following certifications to be included in your application: Firefighter I/II, Airport Firefighter, Hazmat Operations, Hazmat Technician, Driver Operator Pump, Driver Operator ARFF, and National Registered EMT.
All certifications must be issued by the Department of Defense (DoD), International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or ProBoard.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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