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Mountain Rescue Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

SPIRIT MOUNTAIN

Mountain Bike Patrol

Duluth, MN

$20.60/hr

Repair and maintain in operational readiness all caches of equipment, signs, closures, rescue equipment storage, mountain related /bike patrol equipment * Assist with bike trail maintenance as ...

SPIRIT MOUNTAIN

Mountain Bike Patrol

Duluth, MN · On-site

$20.60/hr

Repair and maintain in operational readiness all caches of equipment, signs, closures, rescue equipment storage, mountain related /bike patrol equipment * Assist with bike trail maintenance as ...

Spirit Mountain

Mountain Bike Patrol

Duluth, MN · On-site

$20.60/hr

Repair and maintain in operational readiness all caches of equipment, signs, closures, rescue equipment storage, mountain related /bike patrol equipment * Assist with bike trail maintenance as ...

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Mountain Rescue information

See Minnesota salary details

$10

$38

$68

How much do mountain rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for mountain rescue in Minnesota is $38.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $62.64 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 Minnesota? The most popular types of Mountain Rescue jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Mountain Rescue jobs in Minnesota? For Mountain Rescue jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mountain Rescue jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Mountain Rescue jobs in Minnesota are:
Mountain Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mountain Rescue job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,286 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Mountain Bike Patrol

SPIRIT MOUNTAIN

Duluth, MN

$20.60/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description

Now Accepting Applications!

Hiring begins April through June 2026!


REPORTS TO: Director of Risk & Safety and Ski/Bike Patrol Director

WAGE & HOUR CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt, Hourly


SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE

 The Spirit Mountain Recreation Area (SMRA) hires First Responders for Bike Patrol including current National Ski Patrol (NSP) credentialed patrollers, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and others with first responder credentials. The paid patroller duties include first responder medical care for injured guests participating in Spirit Mountain summer activities (mountain biking, Adventure Park coaster, zip line, etc.). The bike patroller will also provide area management with updates on trail conditions and potential trail hazards. The paid bike patroller reports to the SMRA Director of Safety and Risk Management and the Spirit Patrol Director(s). 


ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide first responder medical care for SMRA guests and staff as needed
  • Monitor general safety / hazard marking and signs of ski resort summer bike trails
  • Repair and maintain in operational readiness all caches of equipment, signs, closures, rescue equipment storage, mountain related /bike patrol equipment
  • Assist with bike trail maintenance as directed, including identifying and marking hazards
  • Assist with set up and breakdown related to mountain bike events and activities
  • Operate an SMRA provided UTV (utility terrain vehicle) for use during medical incident response and patient transportation
  • Assist with SMRA special events as needed
  • Have direct and continuous interaction with guests, other patrollers and resort personnel and maintain good working relationships
  • Aid and support for other departments at Spirit Mountain as needed
  • Have high work standards, be customer-focused and self-motivate

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Qualified applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • Valid driver's license
  • OEC (Outdoor Emergency Care) or equivalent medical training
  • CPR / AED certification
  • Competent mountain bike riding skills
  • Must be able to read, write and speak English in a fluent manner
  • Must be able to make independent decisions based upon standard policies and procedures, as well as use good judgment in day-to-day activities

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  •  Previous experience as a summer mountain bike patroller
  • Experience downhill mountain biking
  • NSP member
  • EMTs or Wilderness First Responders hired for the paid patroller position will be encouraged to pass the NSP challenge or modified challenge course provided by the Spirit Mountain Patrol

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Shifts vary but include days, evenings, weekends, holidays
  • May experience unusual stress from continual work with injuries, guests, summer conditions
  • Work is outdoors and requires constant exposure to heat and other extreme weather conditions
  • This is an outdoor job and requires the patroller to come prepared to be away from the base facilities for the entire day, backpack, packed lunch water, etc. for the outdoors

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Hours may be long, and position is physically demanding
  • Must be able to lift 50 to 100 lbs.
  • Must demonstrate ability to bend, kneel, handle, reach, grasp and perform repetitive motions
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time


BENEFITS/PERKS

  • $1 Individual Season Pass
  • $49 Dependent Season Pass
  • Discounted Rentals
  • Friend/Family Heavily Discounted Perk Passes per each Pay Period
  • 30% Food and Non Alcoholic Beverage


Apply