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Rescue Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Waterbury, VT - VEMSA Satelite Location Status: Part-Time Pay: $30 - $35/hour dependent on course instructor role About Us The Vermont EMS Academy (VEMSA), a division of Rescue Inc, is committed to ...

February 1, 2026 About Us The Vermont EMS Academy (VEMSA), a division of Rescue Inc., provides high-quality EMS education across Vermont. We are seeking a dynamic Lead Instructor to join our team and ...

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Rescue Instructor information

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How much do rescue instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for rescue instructor in the United States is $23.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rescue Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rescue Instructor, you need expertise in rescue techniques, first aid/CPR, and a relevant background in emergency response, often supported by certifications such as EMT, lifeguard, or specialized rescue instructor credentials. Familiarity with rescue equipment, communication devices, and training platforms is essential for effective instruction. Exceptional leadership, communication, and situational awareness help motivate trainees and manage high-pressure scenarios. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safety, deliver effective training, and prepare others for real-life emergency situations.

What are some common challenges Rescue Instructors face when training new recruits?

Rescue Instructors often encounter challenges such as varying skill levels among students, high-stress training scenarios, and ensuring safety during practical exercises. Adapting teaching methods to suit both experienced professionals and complete beginners can require flexibility and patience. Additionally, instructors must foster teamwork and clear communication under pressure, which are critical skills in real rescue operations. Maintaining student engagement while emphasizing protocol and safety standards is also a key part of the role.

What is the difference between Rescue Instructor vs Lifeguard?

AspectRescue InstructorLifeguard
CertificationsRescue, CPR, First Aid, Instructor CertificationsRescue, CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, pools, water parks, outdoor settingsPools, beaches, water parks, aquatic centers
Employer & IndustryRecreation centers, swim schools, water safety organizationsPublic pools, beaches, water parks

Rescue Instructors focus on training others in water safety and rescue techniques, often working in educational or training settings. Lifeguards primarily monitor swimmers, prevent drownings, and respond to emergencies in aquatic environments. While both roles require water safety certifications, Rescue Instructors have additional teaching credentials and focus on instruction, whereas Lifeguards concentrate on surveillance and rescue during daily operations.

What are Rescue Instructors?

Rescue Instructors are professionals trained to teach individuals and teams how to perform rescue operations safely and effectively in emergency situations. They provide instruction in techniques for rescuing people from hazardous environments, such as water, fire, confined spaces, or heights. Their role includes developing training materials, conducting practical exercises, and assessing the competency of participants. Rescue Instructors often have experience as first responders, firefighters, or in other emergency services, and they maintain certifications relevant to the types of rescues they teach.
More about Rescue Instructor jobs
What states have the most Rescue Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Rescue Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Rescue Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,145 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Technical Rescue Instructor | Full-Time

Technical Rescue Instructor | Full-Time

Roco Rescue

Baton Rouge, LA โ€ข On-site

$50K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

TECHNICAL RESCUE INSTRUCTOR

Share your experience and passion with rescuers from across the US, and around the world. Roco Rescue is seeking an experienced technical rescue professional to join our team as a full-time rescue instructor.

At Roco Rescue, whether youโ€™re on our corporate staff, an instructor, or are on one of our standby rescue teams, youโ€™ll be working alongside like-minded professionals to continually raise the standard for saving lives and keeping rescuers safe.

Required Trainingย and Certifications:

  • High School degree or GED and some relevant vocational school or rescue training required.
  • Certification in accordance with NFPA 1006 is required in Confined Space Rescue or Rope Rescue.
  • Formal instructional training and certification is strongly preferred.
  • Additional certifications in related disciplines are strongly preferred.
  • Current certifications in BLS and/or CPR/First Aid or higher, or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
  • Bachelorโ€™s or Associate in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Occupational Safety & Health or related field is preferred.
  • Relevant experience may be considered as a substitute for certain education requirements.
  • Successful completion of the Roco Instructor Development course will be required.ย 

Required Work Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in an Emergency Response or Rescue role is required.
  • Prior military service is preferred.
  • Experience in varied disciplines is preferred (e.g., mountain rescue, rope access, etc.).
  • Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Combat Lifesaver/TCCC, or similar medical experience preferred.

Other Considerations:

  • Will be required to work more than 40 hours per week.
  • May be required to work weekends.
  • Must reside in the Baton Rouge area or be willing to relocate.
  • Frequent travel required.

As a Roco instructor you will work alongside one or more additional instructors to deliver lifesaving technical rescue training to rescuers from around the world. Many of the classes are conducted at the Roco Training Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but many rescue teams host the classes at their own facilities or training sites. Roco students include municipal firefighters, industrial rescue team members, as well as federal agency and military personnel.

Training disciplines include Confined Space Rescue, Rope Rescue, Rescue from Fall Protection, Rope Access, Trench Rescue, Tower Climbing and custom courses.

Instructors must be able to control and ensure the safety of students and bystanders throughout training operations, follow all company and facility safety policies, and display confidence and proficiency in all techniques. While supervising all phases of training exercises, instructors must maintain constant readiness to perform a rescue at any time.

Applicant's Statement

By submitting an application, I certify that the answers given here are complete, true and correct. I understand that giving false, misleading or incomplete information will lead to my immediate termination.

I authorize any of the persons or organizations referenced in this application to give Roco Rescue or its agents any and all information concerning my previous employment, education, or other information that they may have, with regard to any of the subjects covered by this application and release all such parties from all liability for any damage that may result from furnishing such information. This authorization does not include release of other prohibited disability and medical-related information prohibited in pre-employment inquiries by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

I hereby understand and acknowledge that, unless otherwise defined by applicable law, any employment relationship with the Company is of an โ€œat-willโ€ nature, which means that the Employee may resign at any time and the Company may discharge the Employee at any time with or without cause. It is further understood that this โ€œat-willโ€ employment relationship may not be changed by any written document or by conduct unless such change is specifically authorized by the Company.

I also understand that if I am employed, I will be required to provide satisfactory proof of identity and legal work authorization within three (3) days of being hired. Failure to submit such proof within the required time shall result in immediate termination of employment. In addition, I understand my employment may be conditioned on the results of a physical examination and drug/alcohol testing. It is also understood that I authorize any conditional employment background screening to be performed, and any misrepresentation or omission of information may result in the rejection of my application for employment.

I understand, also, that I am required to abide by all rules and regulations of the Company.

Roco Rescue, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, refer to EEO is the Law Poster. Please refer to the EEO is the Law Supplement Poster & the Pay Transparency Policy.

If a disability prevents you from applying for a job through our website, request assistance here. or call (800) 647-7626. No other requests will be acknowledged. If youโ€™d like to view a copy of our affirmative action plan or policy, please email request to view AAP or EEO policy.

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