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Rescue Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Rescue Instructor information

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$13

$23

$44

How much do rescue instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 67% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,145 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Instructor/Coordinator, Fire and Rescue

Instructor/Coordinator, Fire and Rescue

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, NC

$75K - $82K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Having trouble logging in. Contact the Neogov Applicant Support Hotline Toll Free at 1 (855) 524-5627. Position Description Please note there are two openings for this position This position organizes, coordinates, and instructs fire service reality-based training programs and courses, consistent with North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission and Certification Board rules and regulations.

This position ensures the proper maintenance and operation of reality-based training equipment and classroom environments to meet NFPA 1403 safety requirements. This position maintains an inventory of reality-based fire, rescue, hazardous materials, and other training equipment. Responsibilities and Duties (*Essential Functions) To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. *Delivers OSFM structured instruction *Conducts skill evaluation on students *Organizes, coordinates, and oversees the daily operations and activities of the reality-based training classroom environments, including but not limited to the hazardous materials pad, extrication pad, drill tower, liquid petroleum prop field, pump drafting pit, ventilation prop, flashover simulator, and high rise burn building. Inspection of all previously stated environments and equipment for needed repairs and submitting work orders.

Directs the issuance of equipment and is accountable for its return *Coordinates and maintains liaison with a variety of Public Safety agencies and professional organizations regarding reality-based training programs and courses, operations, usage, and training needs; maintains up-to-date knowledge of technological advances in reality-based training; attends trade shows, conferences, and seminars; reviews reality-based training safety protocols and ensures all safety protocols are followed *Coordinates and maintains all course records and documentation for reality-based and in-service courses *Hires, supervises, and schedules reality-based adjunct instructors; ensures instructors are appropriately credentialed; including contract entry for classes and adjunct instructors *Manages and maintains instructor files to ensure all instructors have proper credentialing through the NC Office of State Fire Marshall and National Fire Academy *Collaborate with internal auditors to ensure program compliance with all NCOSFM and NC Community College system rules. *Develops and manages the day-to-day operations of reality-based training and other in-service training to include all instructor records, student registrations,rosters, and reports *Reviews instructor lesson plans and other instructional materials for conformance to NCOSFM standards *Acts as Safety Officer and maintains compliance with NFPA 1403 *Maintains an emergency plan for supplies and treatment of injuries sustained in the reality-based training environment *Assists in the marketing, coordination, visitation, and evaluation of fire service continuing education classes and/or other duties assigned to ensure quality delivery of educational programs to Wake Tech's service population Maintains the inventory of apparatus and equipment; ensures any equipment warranties are renewed annually Researches and designs new training programs and updates existing training programs as needed; submits new courses for course code approval Ensures course deliveries comply with Wake Tech procedures and standards, considers advisory guidelines issued by NFPA standards, and ensures that certification training offered is safe, effective, and within Certification Board policies Oversees employee who may assist in the planning, development, presentation, or administration of courses for the area Participates in the marketing of programs, recruitment of students, and makes presentations to outside contacts Assist with fire academy training by providing instruction and other support as needed Assists at both Wake Tech Public Safety Campuses (PSEC/PSSC) as needed and the WCFTC Works a schedule that includes evenings and weekends in order to meet customer agency needs Serves as a back-up Safety Officer for the fire training grounds Qualifications Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of principles and practices of program management Intermediate knowledge of methods and techniques of program development and evaluation Intermediate knowledge of principles of supervision, including employee training and evaluation Broad knowledge of Fire and Rescue and the training regulatory agencies In-depth knowledge of adult learning, teaching methodologies, and instructional design Ability to design and evaluate training programs Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from internal or external customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community Ability to interact and provide information to individuals and groups Ability to work collaboratively Excellent oral and written communication skills Minimum Requirements: High School Diploma Three years of related work experience administering educational training programs in the fire/rescue field Instructor level II Certification Qualified Firefighter and 1403 Instructor Eligible and able to obtain Qualification RIC Preferences Associate degree Certified or Qualified in D/O EVD, D/O Pumps, and D/O Aerials Technical Rescuer Associate degree in fire service, instructional technology, or other public safety-related degrees Certified or Qualified in Technical Rescuer ropes, confined space, common passenger vehicle, heavy vehicle rescue, and trench rescue Ten years of fire service-related experience, including administering educational/training programs #IDHP As an equal employment opportunity employer, Wake Tech values our workforce. Wake Tech is committed to reaching students in every part of Wake County and rallying around them to go as far as their dreams, talents and resilience will take them.

As an institution of higher education, we are committed to valuing the unique experiences of the Wake Tech community. We strive to be self-reflective of the kind of student body we represent and the culture we are building, and we care deeply about supporting each employee's professional growth.