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Personnel Recovery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Certified Recovery Specialist - Crossroads

Erie, PA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. 2. Must be able to express relevant personnel recovery experience in a clear ...

... Personnel Recovery, Continuity of Operations Program (COOP), Emergency Management, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Physical Security, Key Control, Special Security, Intelligence Oversight ...

... Personnel Recovery, Continuity of Operations Program (COOP), Emergency Management, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Physical Security, Key Control, Special Security, Intelligence Oversight ...

Operational Psychologist

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$165K - $200K/yr

Experience supporting SERE, personnel recovery, resilience enhancement, or specialized military selection programs. * Overseas contractor experience supporting U.S. Department of Defense ...

Showing results 41-60

Personnel Recovery information

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$11

$17

$25

How much do personnel recovery jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for personnel recovery in the United States is $17.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is personnel recovery?

Personnel recovery refers to the processes and actions taken to locate, recover, and return personnel who are isolated, missing, detained, or captured during military operations or emergencies. It involves coordinated efforts among military, government agencies, and sometimes civilian organizations to ensure the safety and return of affected individuals. Personnel recovery specialists plan, coordinate, and execute recovery missions, often under challenging and high-risk conditions. Their work is vital to maintaining morale and operational effectiveness within military forces.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in personnel recovery, and why are they important?

To thrive in Personnel Recovery, you need expertise in survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) techniques, risk assessment, and often a background in military or law enforcement, typically supported by specialized training and certifications. Familiarity with secure communications, GPS navigation systems, and intelligence-gathering tools is essential. Outstanding problem-solving, leadership, and stress management abilities set top performers apart in this field. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safe and effective recovery of personnel in hostile or high-risk environments.

What are some common challenges faced by personnel recovery specialists in coordinating rescue operations?

Personnel Recovery specialists often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing environments, limited intelligence on the location and condition of isolated personnel, and the need to coordinate among multiple agencies and international partners. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial, as situations can evolve quickly and require immediate response. Working closely with military units, intelligence teams, and diplomatic channels is essential to ensure successful recovery missions while minimizing risks to both the isolated personnel and rescue teams.

What is the difference between Personnel Recovery vs Combat Search and Rescue?

AspectPersonnel RecoveryCombat Search and Rescue
Primary FocusRecovering isolated personnel in various scenariosRescuing personnel in combat or hostile environments
Work EnvironmentMilitary, government, or specialized agencies in diverse settingsMilitary combat zones, hostile territories
Required CertificationsMilitary training, survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE)Military rescue, combat tactics, survival training
Employer/Industry UsageDefense, military, government agenciesMilitary special operations, combat units

Personnel Recovery and Combat Search and Rescue both involve rescuing personnel, but Personnel Recovery has a broader scope, including recovery in non-combat scenarios, while Combat Search and Rescue specifically targets rescue operations in combat zones. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and training requirements in military and defense sectors.

More about Personnel Recovery jobs

What states have the most Personnel Recovery jobs?

States with the most job openings for Personnel Recovery jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Personnel Recovery jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Personnel Recovery jobs are:

Infographic showing various Personnel Recovery job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,235 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Certified Recovery Specialist - Crossroads

Gaudenzia

Erie, PA • On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Gaudenzia rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

We need hope-bringers and changemakers - because the work we all do matters. Join a team that shows up for each other as much as we show up for our clients. At Gaudenzia, your purpose fuels progress - for yourself and others.
Gaudenzia's Mission: Gaudenzia's Mission is to promote long-term recovery by providing comprehensive treatment and support to people with substance use disorder, co-occurring mental health disorders, and related conditions, regardless of individual circumstances.
Qualifications:
Minimum Requirements:

1. Education and training: GED or High School Diploma and successful completion of Pennsylvania Certification Board training for Certified Recovery Specialist.
2. Experience at least 12 months of volunteer service or related employment.
3. No substitutions for education or training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
2. Must be able to express relevant personnel recovery experience in a clear and effective manner.
3. Must be able to travel to programs, service and appointments independently.
4. Must conduct self in a manner that is conducive to growth, learning, and independence
5. Must maintain confidentiality at all times.
6. Must be knowledgeable of the services and regulations pertaining to recovery from co-occurring disorders and confidentiality
7. Must be able to function as a team member.
8. Must possess the ability to develop positive, ethical therapeutic relationships with individual, promoting their personal growth while maintaining their dignity.
Your responsibilities in this role may include:
1. Provide hope and encouragement needed for the client in reaching his/her goal(s) for recovery;
2. Reinforce the process the recovering person has learned for identifying weaknesses such as negative self-talk, while also assisting the recovering person with identifying his or her own strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.
3. Assist the person in recovery in articulating of their personal recovery goals.
4. Assist the recovering person in the development of their aftercare (wellness recovery) plan;
5. Provide resources for the recovering person about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process;
6. Promote empowerment skills through self-advocacy and stigma-busting tools;
7. Advocate for effective recovery based services;
8. Attend mandatory treatment team meetings to discuss the client's recovery process while in treatment including stabilization, behavior modification, MAT options, discharge and aftercare planning.
9. Become a referral source and act as a liaison with established 12 step and other identified community support groups;
10. Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies;
11. Support the vocational choices of the recovering person and assist him/her in coping with job-related anxiety, support groups;
12. Teach and utilize problem solving techniques and coping skills;
13. Assist the recovering person in building and reinforcing newly learned social skills in the community that will enhance his/her job acquisition and tenure.
14. Accompany recovering person to appointments, meetings, and other events in the community including leisure activities while maintaining ethical boundaries and communication with supervisor;
15. Document in MyAvatar progress, his/her objectives, goals, and development of treatment plan.
16. Document plans and interventions collaboratively with recovering person.
What We Offer: Competitive Pay - Excellent Benefits - On The Job Training - Upward mobility - Educational assistance to help you grow with us in this life saving field!
For additional details regarding our benefits, please visit: https://www.gaudenzia.org/careers/
Our Operating Principles: We, as members of the Gaudenzia Team, are committed to these principles. They guide the way we perform Gaudenzia business, every day.
  • We hold client care as our top priority.
  • We assume good intentions.
  • We are present, we connect, & we communicate with transparency, dignity, and respect.
  • We make data-driven decisions with courage, challenge the status quo, find innovative ways to grow Gaudenzia & each other.
  • We support each other publicly & privately in all circumstances.
  • We provide & accept constructive, honest, respectful, and timely feedback with an open mind & without personalization.
  • We operate with integrity, focus on outcomes, & have a bias for action.
  • We follow through on agreements & honor commitments prioritized with a sense of urgency - someone's life may depend on it.

Gaudenzia is proud to be an employer of choice - and a treatment provider of choice - in the substance use and co-occurring disorders treatment field. We work hard to foster an inclusive, supportive environment where our employees and clients always feel safe and welcome.
Come work with us!
Our Agency is committed to the principles of equal employment. We believe in fostering a positive work environment in which every employee is treated with respect. Our staff hiring and recruitment practices are grounded in fairness, transparency, and merit. All employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications, relevant skills, experience, and alignment with our mission and values. We actively recruit from a broad range of educational and professional backgrounds to attract the most qualified candidates, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants without preference or discrimination. Our process uses consistent and clear evaluation criteria to support objective decision-making. By emphasizing accountability, efficiency, and integrity throughout every stage--from job posting to onboarding--we build a workforce defined by excellence, professionalism, and commitment to our shared purpose. Gaudenzia is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

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