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Mountain Rescue Jobs in Fort Collins, CO (NOW HIRING)

Lifeguard (Part-Time)

Windsor, CO · On-site

$16.28 - $20.35/hr

Aquatics Opening Date: 07/27/2026 Closing Date: 8/28/2026 5:00 PM Mountain FLSA: Non-Exempt ... Rescue tubes, first aid equipment, personal protective equipment, and Automatic External ...

Operate telephones, rescue tools, and cleaning equipment safely and effectively. * Maintain all ... Snow Mountain Ranch Specific Functions * Provide lifeguard oversight at the reservoir and during ...

Mountain Rescue information

See Fort Collins, CO salary details

$10

$39

$69

How much do mountain rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for mountain rescue in Fort Collins, CO is $39.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $63.27 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.
What are popular job titles related to Mountain Rescue jobs in Fort Collins, CO? For Mountain Rescue jobs in Fort Collins, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mountain Rescue jobs in Fort Collins, CO look for? The top searched job categories for Mountain Rescue jobs in Fort Collins, CO are:
What cities near Fort Collins, CO are hiring for Mountain Rescue jobs? Cities near Fort Collins, CO with the most Mountain Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Mountain Rescue job openings in Fort Collins, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,142 per year, or $39 per hour.

Entry Level Firefighter Paramedic

Mountain View Fire Rescue

Longmont, CO • On-site

$96K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position: Entry Level Firefighter Paramedic (Grade IV)
Salary 2026: $ 96,663 Firefighter Paramedic
Benefits: Benefits eligible
Status: FLSA Non-Exempt
Union Status: Union; covered under Collective Bargaining Agreement
Shift schedule: 48/96
Application period:
August 4, 2026 - August 21, 2026
Deadline for application: August 26, 2026 at 11:59pm
All application materials must be received by application deadline.

This position is only for Firefighter Paramedics at this time


DO NOT UPLOAD ITEMS TO THE NTN WEBSITE ONLY APPLY FOR THE POSITION THROUGH MVFPD.ORG
Application materials to be submitted: Resume
Current CPAT
NTN FireTeam Test (to be completed on the NTN website; do not upload this to the application)
Completed MVFR application (ONLY ON MVFPD.ORG)
Copies of all licenses, certifications along with cards, and documents as per application
EMS Certifications; Copies of cards ONLY
Current Basic Life Support provider
Firefighter Medic - CDPHE Paramedic certification or National Registry Paramedic Certification
Please make sure all documents are uploaded in a PDF format
High School Diploma or GED
Associates Degree from an accredited college or university is highly desirable
Recruitment Timeline:
DATES
REQUIRED ACTIONS
7/1/2026 - 8/2/2026
Open Application Period
September 2026
Skills Assessment Center and Interviews
January 2027
Two weeks of pre-academy (Exact date TBD)
February 2027
Fire Academy
Benefits
In addition to the intangible benefits derived by service to the community and gaining invaluable training and experience MVFR offers:
  • Highly competitive wages
  • FPPA Pension
  • 48/96 Shift Schedule
  • Generous Benefits
    1. Medical, Dental, Vision
    2. Flexible Spending Account
    3. Short & Long-term disability
    4. Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Annual Uniform Allowance
  • Access to fitness facilities
  • Continuing Education and Advanced Training in
    1. Structural and Wildland Firefighting
    2. Emergency Medical Response
    3. Hazardous Material and Vehicle Extrication
    4. Heavy Rescue and Technical Rescue
  • National Fire Academy Courses
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Career Guidance and Development
Testing and Assessments
Candidates who are made a conditional offer will be required to successfully pass the following:
  • Psychological Testing
  • Integrity Interview & Background Investigation
  • Medical Exam with Drug Screening