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Mountain Rescue Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Pitkin County, CO

Aircraft Rescue Firefighter

Aspen, CO · On-site

$35.35 - $50.40/hr

Airport Opening Date: 06/29/2026 Closing Date: 8/10/2026 12:00 AM Mountain Bilingual Stipend: Yes ... Enters crashed or burning aircraft and/or surrounding areas to rescue victims, effecting entry by ...

Town of Vail

Emergency Communications Specialist

Vail, CO

$32.80 - $34.03/hr

... mountain rescue operations Position Summary: Join our Town of Vail as an Emergency Communications Specialist . We are a strong team working together in a fast-paced environment. When you build a ...

Town of Vail

Emergency Communications Specialist

Vail, CO · On-site

$32.80 - $34.03/hr

... mountain rescue operations Position Summary: Join our Town of Vail as an Emergency Communications Specialist . We are a strong team working together in a fast-paced environment. When you build a ...

Town of Vail

Emergency Communications Specialist

Vail, CO · On-site

$32 - $33.20/hr

... mountain rescue operations Position Summary: Join our Town of Vail as an Emergency Communications Specialist . We are a strong team working together in a fast-paced environment. When you build a ...

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Mountain Rescue information

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$11

$41

$73

How much do mountain rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for mountain rescue in Colorado is $41.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.98 and $67.26 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.

How much do mountain rescuers make?

Mountain rescuers' salaries vary depending on location, experience, and whether they work for government agencies, non-profits, or private organizations. On average, they earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, with some experienced rescuers or those in specialized roles earning higher wages. Many also receive training in first aid, rescue techniques, and sometimes work on a volunteer basis or part-time.

What training is needed for mountain rescue?

Mountain rescue personnel typically require specialized training in first aid, technical rope rescue, navigation, and survival skills. Certification programs such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or equivalent are often necessary, along with ongoing physical fitness and familiarity with rescue equipment like harnesses and pulleys.

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.

Does mountain rescue get paid?

Mountain rescue personnel can be paid or volunteer, depending on the organization and location. Paid roles typically offer compensation for training, on-call hours, and rescue operations, while volunteer positions rely on community service and may not provide financial compensation.

How to become part of mountain rescue?

To become part of mountain rescue, candidates typically need relevant outdoor skills, physical fitness, and first aid certifications such as Wilderness First Responder or equivalent. Volunteer experience in outdoor activities and training in rescue techniques are also important steps in joining a mountain rescue team.

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.
More about Mountain Rescue jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Mountain Rescue jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Mountain Rescue jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Mountain Rescue jobs in Colorado? For Mountain Rescue jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mountain Rescue jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Mountain Rescue jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Mountain Rescue jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Mountain Rescue job openings:
Mountain Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mountain Rescue job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 12% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,197 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Aircraft Rescue Firefighter

Pitkin County, CO

Aspen, CO • On-site

$35.35 - $50.40/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Salary: $35.35 - $50.40 Hourly
Location : Airport-Aspen/Pitkin County, CO
Job Type: Full-time with benefits, hourly
Job Number: 202300387
Department: Airport
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 8/10/2026 12:00 AM Mountain
Bilingual Stipend: Yes
Hiring Minimum: $35.35
Hiring Maximum: $50.40
Pay Grade: P103
Hiring Range Description: This position is on a step pay plan, which is a structured pay system that determines employee pay. Employees progress through predetermined pay levels ("steps") based on specific criteria, such as years of service, performance, or additional qualifications/milestones. Each step corresponds to a higher pay rate, providing predictable, incremental raises.
** Early applications are encouraged**
*Job Postings without Closing Dates:
Job postings that do not have a closing date will remain open until filled.
*Job Postings with Closing Dates:
An application deadline may be extended if the original deadline produced fewer applications than expected. Likewise, a job posting may be closed prior to the listed closing date if the number of applications reach the limit for that position.
Job Summary
Protects lives and property by responding to alarmed and declared aircraft emergencies, structural fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents and other calls for service for the Aspen Airport, implements the Airport Emergency Plan, and coordinates mutual aid response to ensure life safety of passengers and employees.
Job Responsibilities
  • Manages fire response to alarmed and declared Airport emergencies in accordance with Federal guidelines outlined by the Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139 (FAR Part 139) and other applicable federal regulations; interprets and applies all information from FAA Advisory Circulars.
  • Ensures safety of Airport for aviation users by observing runway and airport conditions, familiarization in commercial and general aviation aircraft, to ensure safe and timely response to airfield incidents.
  • First responder with full responsibility to manage aircraft alerts, emergencies, accidents, and hazardous materials incidents in the capacity of ARFF on scene.
  • Implements Airport Emergency Plan and coordinates mutual aid response with prescribed procedures.
  • Dons and employs full personal protective equipment. Performs initial fire suppression on and in the area of burning aircraft. Enters crashed or burning aircraft and/or surrounding areas to rescue victims, effecting entry by normal and emergency means with or without rescue equipment.
  • Operates specialized equipment to apply various types of fire-extinguishing agents. Drives, positions, and operates large Airport fire apparatus in established response areas.
  • Facilitates and maintains fuel farm and fuel truck inspections on a scheduled basis to ensure facility and equipment meet local, state, and federal standards.
  • Complies with rigorous ARFF training standards, protocols, and expectations; performs daily inspection of ARFF apparatus and fire compliant personal protective equipment.
  • Performs snow removal duties including, but not limited to, clearing snow from Airport roadways, pedestrian walkways, runways, taxiways and aprons, operating snow removal equipment and cleaning/maintaining snow removal equipment.
  • Performs ancillary security duties by assisting with the Airport Worker Screening Program.
  • Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills
This position follows a sequence:
  • Level I - Aircraft Rescue Firefighter:
    • Minimum 1 year of previous structural or aircraft rescue firefighting experience.
    • 0-3 years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience
    • IFSAC*/ProBoard/Colorado Firefighter 1.
    • IFSAC/ProBoard/Colorado HAZMAT Operations.
    • NREMT or Colorado EMT (NREMT transferred to Colorado within one month).
    • ARFF 40-hour certificate within first two months of hire.
    • Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
  • Level II - Senior Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (in addition to Level I):
    • 3-6 years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience.
    • IFSAC/ProBoard/Colorado Firefighter II.
  • Level III - Master Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (in addition to Level II):
    • 6+ years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience.
    • Minimum 3 years of service with the Sardy Field Fire Department.
    • AAAE Airport Master Firefighter certificate.
    • ARFF Driver/Operator certification.

*International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
Knowledge Of:
  • County policies and procedures.
  • State and federal laws and regulations governing work performed.
  • Record keeping and records management rules and standards.

Skill In:
  • Applying governing rules and regulations.
  • Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
  • Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.
  • Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers and other regional agencies.
  • Utilizing standard personal computer software programs and specialized State and County software.
  • Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Physical Demands and Working Environment
  • Work environment is dictated by the activities at the Airport. Extended periods in difficult work environments may occur as a result of emergency conditions or inclement weather. Work is frequently performed outdoors with potential exposure to dangerous tools, equipment, machinery, inclement weather conditions, and fumes. The position is subject to work outside traditional hours, emergency callout, holidays, nights and extended operating days. The position occasionally involves working in a hazardous environment. There is some travel required for mandatory training.

  • Physical Requirements: Firefighting is a demanding and dynamic job that requires the ability to perform physically demanding work. Firefighters will be required to:
    • Operate equipment and machinery requiring complex and rapid adjustments.
    • Pull, charge, relocate and effectively employ hand lines and supply lines up to 5" in diameter.
    • Perform strenuous activity with the ability to occasionally lift and transport 75 pounds.
    • Transport a 170 pound person one-hundred feet or more by dragging, carrying or other manual means.
    • Transport extrication tools and other fire and rescue equipment weighing 75 pounds 100 feet or more.
    • Coordinate hands, eyes, feet, and limbs in performing skilled movements.
    • Exert required physical effort to perform moderate to heavy work typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.
    • Recognizing and identifying similarities or differences between colors, shapes, sounds, odors, and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.

Residency Requirement
In times of emergency and when deemed operationally necessary by the Aircraft Rescue Captain or Airport leadership, firefighters may be recalled for duty at any time. Within sixty days of hire, firefighters must maintain a primary residence within a two-hour response time of Sardy Field Fire Dept. Station 71.
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
For more information, click for our 2025 Employee Benefits Guide in English. To review the version in Spanish, click

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