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Mountain Rescue Jobs in Bend, OR (NOW HIRING)

Key responsibilities include emergency medical care and transportation of injured guests, on-mountain setup and hazard mitigation to promote a safe environment, avalanche reduction and rescue, lift ...

Mountain Rescue information

See Bend, OR salary details

$11

$41

$74

How much do mountain rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for mountain rescue in Bend, OR is $41.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $67.45 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 the most commonly searched types of Mountain Rescue jobs in Bend, OR?

The most popular types of Mountain Rescue jobs in Bend, OR are:

Infographic showing various Mountain Rescue job openings in Bend, OR 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 $86,482 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Ski Patrol Level 1 - Winter 2026/27

POWDR Corp.

Bend, OR • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Location: Bend, Oregon
Are you interested in delivering memorable experiences, enhancing people's lives and having fun while doing it? This shared mission of POWDR and Mt. Bachelor creates a fun and inspiring culture that we live every day. We look for employees who are passionate about sharing mountain culture, have a positive attitude, are problem solvers and care about winning as a team. Our vision drives us to deliver exceptional experiences and it's our employees who become the true moment makers here at Mt. Bachelor.
This role comes with amazing perks & benefits because we want our employees to Work Where You Play!
  • Free employee season pass and free or discounted dependent(s) season pass
  • Free and discounted friends & family day passes
  • Free transportation to & from Bend, Sunriver, and La Pine
  • Discounts across the resort (food & beverage, retail, rentals, lessons & more)
  • Winter season employee housing program & Summer season camping program
  • 401k with up to 5% company match & immediate vesting
  • Discounted daycare onsite at Mt. Bachelor
  • Local & national discounts (YETI, Burton, Dell, Subaru, Nokian, Sunriver Golf, Mammut, & more)
  • Free reciprocal access for employees to other POWDR resorts & 50% day passes at IKON pass resorts

Position Summary
A mountain patroller is responsible for emergency medical response and guest assistance, and contributes to resort operations to provide an exceptional experience for all visitors. Key responsibilities include emergency medical care and transportation of injured guests, on-mountain setup and hazard mitigation to promote a safe environment, avalanche reduction and rescue, lift evacuations, patrolling runs to assist guests, and thorough documentation.
Level 1 patroller status applies to both new-to-the-job entry-level patrollers and those with at least one season's experience. An Entry-Level 1 patroller must demonstrate a willingness to learn patrol procedures and an eagerness to take on new responsibilities with training. With appropriate training, entry-level patrollers fulfill key duties such as emergency medical care, mountain operations setup, avalanche mitigation, lift evacuations, patrolling trails, and documentation while exhibiting strong guest service skills and advanced/expert skiing/riding ability.
An experienced Level 1 patroller has at least one season of previous patrol experience and can comfortably perform all essential job functions and responsibilities. In addition to the entry-level duties, Level 1 patrollers will be expected to accurately complete incident documentation, demonstrate strong risk management abilities, assist with avalanche reduction work, and expand their knowledge of snow science and weather patterns. A Level 1 patroller should be actively preparing for success in the formal examination of 4 of the 9 disciplines of in-house certification for professional patrollers.
Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities
  • Ski/ride all trails frequently to provide a visible patrol presence.
  • Respond to incidents and administer emergency medical care as necessary per training level.
  • Perform rescues and transport injured guests safely via toboggan.
  • Inspect terrain, identify hazards, and mitigate risks.
  • Communicate hazards/issues to teams like lift ops, groomers, etc.
  • Conduct mountain operations duties like avalanche mitigation, rope line setup, signage, etc.
  • Complete required reports, documentation, and record-keeping.
  • Operate required equipment and vehicles like toboggans, snowmobiles, rope systems, etc.
  • Assist with guest services like directions, basic troubleshooting, and conflict resolution.
  • Conduct lift evacuations and follow protocols for guest safety/documentation.
  • Conduct search and rescue operations as trained.
  • Attend all training sessions to maintain certifications and skills.

Secondary Function
  • Contribute to daily mountain operations with instruction from the Patrol Director, Assistant Director, Supervisors, Leads, and Level 4 patrollers.
  • Actively participate in the Patrol In-house Training program to expand job knowledge and performance.

Job Scope
As outlined and defined by the Patrol Manual.
Interpersonal Contacts
The Mountain Patroller's main responsibility is guest service. You can expect daily interactions with other Patrollers, Lift Maintenance staff, Lift Operations staff, Terrain Park staff, Ski and Ride School staff, and other off-hill departments.
Specific Job Skills
  • License/Certifications: Current medical certificate (OEC, WFR, EMT or greater)

  • Physical Capabilities: Advanced/Expert skiing/riding ability and good physical condition.

  • Technical: Skilled in the use of rescue equipment like toboggans, ropes, and belay systems.

  • Additional: Strong communication skills for guest interactions and radio procedures. Problem-solving and decision-making in emergency situations. Able to pass a federal background check.

Education/Related Experience
  • Minimum education required: High School or equivalent

  • Minimum time in related position: None required

Current Hiring Rate: $20/hr
Minimum Age Requirement: 21+
Come Work Where You Play!
Please be aware incomplete applications will not be accepted or reviewed. Mt. Bachelor is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Mt. Bachelor is committed to creating a quality work environment which makes full use of the talents and contributions of all employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship status, sex, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability or military status.

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About Powdr

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Park City, UT, US

Year founded

1993