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Mountain Rescue Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Proficiency in lift evacuation, rope rescue, avalanche rescue, and mountain operations What to Expect Physical demands: * Demonstrates advanced skiing and toboggan handling skills in a variety of ...

Proficiency in lift evacuation, rope rescue, avalanche rescue, and mountain operations What to Expect Physical demands: * Demonstrates advanced skiing and toboggan handling skills in a variety of ...

Mountain Rescue information

See Alaska salary details

$11

$42

$75

How much do mountain rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for mountain rescue in Alaska is $42.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.56 and $68.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Mountain Rescue professional, you need expertise in outdoor survival, first aid and emergency medical care, mountaineering techniques, and typically relevant certifications such as Wilderness First Responder or Mountain Rescue Association accreditation. Familiarity with GPS devices, radio communication systems, and specialized rescue equipment like ropes and stretchers is crucial. Strong teamwork, calm decision-making under pressure, and effective communication skills help coordinate complex rescue operations. These abilities are essential for ensuring the safety of both rescuers and victims in challenging, high-risk environments.

What is the difference between Mountain Rescue vs Search and Rescue Technician?

AspectMountain RescueSearch and Rescue Technician
CertificationsWilderness First Responder, Rope Rescue, Avalanche TrainingWilderness First Responder, Rope Rescue, Search Techniques
Work EnvironmentMountain terrains, remote outdoor areasVaried environments including urban, wilderness, and disaster sites
Employer & IndustryVolunteer and professional rescue teams, outdoor organizationsGovernment agencies, emergency services, military

Mountain Rescue and Search and Rescue Technician roles share many certifications like Wilderness First Responder and Rope Rescue. However, Mountain Rescue focuses specifically on remote mountain terrains and outdoor environments, while Search and Rescue Technicians operate in diverse settings including urban and disaster zones. Both roles are vital in emergency response but differ mainly in work environment and scope.

What Are Mountain Rescue Jobs?

Mountain rescue jobs involve helping people who get lost or experience an injury on a mountain. You search for the climber and provide relief by stabilizing them and getting them to a healthcare facility. Your responsibilities include working as a team to safely complete an expedition, maintaining your gear and equipment, and navigating treacherous terrain to find and remove people who need help. You typically perform your duties on an on-call basis since people can experience issues on a mountain at any time. Therefore, you have to be ready at all times to perform your duties.

What are some common challenges faced by mountain rescue professionals during operations?

Mountain rescue professionals often encounter rapidly changing weather, difficult terrain, and limited visibility, which can make locating and assisting individuals challenging. Team members must be prepared to carry heavy gear and perform physically demanding tasks, sometimes for extended periods. Effective communication and coordination with other rescue team members and external agencies are crucial, especially in high-stress situations. Additionally, mountain rescue work frequently requires quick decision-making to ensure both the safety of the team and those being rescued.

What is mountain rescue?

Mountain rescue refers to the specialized search and rescue operations performed in mountainous or difficult terrain. Teams are typically made up of highly trained volunteers or professionals who respond to emergencies such as injured hikers, lost climbers, avalanches, or severe weather incidents. These rescuers use advanced skills in navigation, first aid, climbing, and sometimes helicopter operations to reach and assist people in distress. Their work is often physically demanding and requires quick decision-making in challenging environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mountain Rescue jobs in Alaska? The most popular types of Mountain Rescue jobs in Alaska are:
What are popular job titles related to Mountain Rescue jobs in Alaska? For Mountain Rescue jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mountain Rescue jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Mountain Rescue jobs in Alaska are:
Infographic showing various Mountain Rescue job openings in Alaska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,281 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Advanced Life Support Provider

Girdwood Fire Department

Girdwood, AK โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Girdwood Fire & Rescue is seeking skilled and motivated Advanced Life Support Providers (Paramedics or AEMT-level) to join our dedicated team serving the Girdwood Valley and surrounding areas. Our providers deliver high-quality prehospital care in one of Alaska's most dynamic response environments, where trauma, environmental emergencies, and long transport times demand strong clinical judgment, teamwork, and adaptability.
About the Role
As an ALS provider with Girdwood Fire & Rescue, you'll operate in both urban interface and remote wilderness settings, providing critical care in challenging terrain and variable weather conditions. You'll work closely with fellow firefighters, EMTs, and partner agencies to stabilize and transport patients-often across extended distances requiring advanced decision-making and endurance.
Responsibilities
  • Deliver advanced prehospital medical care, including trauma management and advanced airway interventions.
  • Participate in fire and rescue operations as needed, including technical and wilderness rescue and vehicle extrication.
  • Maintain readiness of ambulances and equipment; ensure all supplies are stocked and functional.
  • Collaborate with medical director, hospital staff, dispatch, and adjacent EMS agencies to ensure seamless continuum of care.
  • Participate in ongoing training, quality improvement and skill development to maintain clinical excellence and operational safety.

Qualifications
  • Current State of Alaska Paramedic or AEMT certification (or ability to obtain prior to hire).
  • Current ACLS, PALS, and BLS certifications (PHTLS or ITLS preferred).
  • Valid Alaska driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Strong clinical skills, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure in remote settings.
  • Experience in wilderness or rural EMS environments strongly preferred

Why Girdwood Fire & Rescue
  • Operate in a unique, high-acuity service area where mountain rescue, trauma response, and extended transports are part of daily operations.
  • Work alongside a passionate, close-knit team committed to professional growth, community service, and operational excellence.
  • Comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for training.