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Mountain Rescue Jobs in Albuquerque, NM (NOW HIRING)

Mechanic III

Albuquerque, NM ยท On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

SW-Maint Opening Date: 08/24/2026 Closing Date: 9/24/2026 11:59 PM Mountain Bargaining Unit: BL ... and rescue) and fire-fighting equipment; design equipment for K-9 units, SWAT team or shooting ...

Mountain Rescue information

See Albuquerque, NM salary details

$10

$38

$68

How much do mountain rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for mountain rescue in Albuquerque, NM is $38.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.20 and $61.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 region. Paid positions often require specialized skills, certifications, and availability for on-call duties, with compensation varying widely based on the agency and location.

How do you become a mountain rescue worker?

To become a mountain rescue worker, candidates typically need relevant outdoor skills, physical fitness, and emergency response training. Many organizations require certifications such as first aid, CPR, and specialized rescue training, along with experience in mountaineering or outdoor activities.

What do mountain rescue personnel do?

Mountain rescue personnel are trained to locate, assist, and extract individuals in distress in mountainous or remote terrain. They often work in challenging environments, using specialized skills, equipment, and sometimes helicopters to perform rescues safely and efficiently.

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 experience in outdoor environments.

What are popular job titles related to Mountain Rescue jobs in Albuquerque, NM?

For Mountain Rescue jobs in Albuquerque, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mountain Rescue jobs in Albuquerque, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Mountain Rescue jobs in Albuquerque, NM are:

Infographic showing various Mountain Rescue job openings in Albuquerque, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 27% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,449 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Communication Center Specialist

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข On-site

$42K - $47K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Salary : $42,660.80 - $47,091.20 Annually
Location : Albuquerque, NM
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2700198
Department: General Services Department
Division: GS-Security
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 9/3/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
Bargaining Unit: CL
Position Summary
Ensure the delivery of services for the assigned department or division through radio communication; operate equipment necessary for communication and dispatch appropriate services as needed for the operation of assigned department or division.
This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.
Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Essential and Supplemental Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essentialfunctions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Mustbe able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without areasonable accommodation.
  1. Receive all incoming calls and requests through various forms of communications equipment and computer programs including a two-way radio, switchboard, TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf) telephone system, customer relationship management software, routing software and a multi-channel dispatch console; transmit and record all radio communications.
  2. Respond to requests and relay emergency and non-emergency calls to appropriate personnel for service; assign and schedule pickup, deliveries and other services as required.
  3. Monitor program compliance with laws, rules and regulations related to provision of communications and related services; follow guidelines as set by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission).
  4. Maintain daily logs and records of all calls received and personnel dispatched; maintain computerized records of pertinent information as assigned by department.
  5. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner; coordinate service with customers, drivers and other personnel as needed.
  6. Maintain an operating communications line with law enforcement and emergency agencies including fire, ambulance and aquatic rescue.
  7. Follow established emergency procedures as assigned by department or division; obtain information and advise from supervisors, police rescue personnel or other emergency services; relay pertinent information to supervisors or emergency personnel.
  8. Supervise the use, care and operation of communications equipment of assigned department or division; inform appropriate personnel for maintenance assistance.
  9. Operate various forms of communication equipment; record and access information accurately to and from computer as needed.
  10. Follow established procedures, work flow, protocol and processes as assigned by department or division.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
  2. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements
Education directly related to the minimum requirements below may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
High school diploma or GED; and
Three (3) years general office experience; and
To include one (1) year radio dispatching or two-way radio operation experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.
Working Conditions
Environmental:
Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
Physical:
Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods.
Total Rewards. Total You.
The City of Albuquerque takes pride in offering our employees one of the most attractive Total Rewards packages in New Mexico. In addition to competitive salaries, the City provides benefit options for health, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, disability, and much more. The City also has pre-tax savings plans for healthcare, childcare, and parking. Employees participate in the state's public retirement system (PERA), with the City paying up to 75 percent of the employee's contribution. That's higher than any other contribution rate in the state of New Mexico!
Paid holidays? Check
Paid parental leave? Check
Paid birthdays off? Check
Vacation and sick leave starting Day 1? Check and check
Our people matter and we prioritize physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. With resources such as onsite and mobile medical clinics, an employee assistance program that encourages work-life balance, and tuition assistance and professional development pathways, the City is committed to equipping our employees with tools to better their lives and grow their careers while serving their community.
01
Select the highest level of successfully completed related education as identified by the minimum requirements (if applicable, attach supporting degree or transcripts).
  • No High School Diploma
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Non/degree accredited- Some College
  • Associates
  • Bachelors
  • Masters
  • Juris Doctorate
  • Doctorate

02
Select the number of years of work experience you possess which relates to the minimum requirements, if applicable, add verifiable time in a temporary upgrade status and/or volunteer experience when selecting number of years.
  • No experience
  • 1 to less than 6 months
  • 6 to less than 12 months
  • 1 year to less than 2 years
  • 2 years to less than 3 years
  • 3 years to less than 4 years
  • 4 years to less than 5 years
  • 5 years to less than 6 years
  • 6 years to less than 7 years
  • 7 years to less than 8 years
  • 8 years to less than 9 years
  • 9 years to less than 10 years
  • 10 years to less than 11 years
  • 11 years to less than 12 years
  • 12 years to less than 13 years
  • 13 or more years

03
Do you possess a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or have the ability to obtain by date of hire (attach a copy of your Driver's License)?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you possess at least one (1) year of radio dispatching and/or two-way radio operation experience?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question