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Search Rescue Jobs in Littleton, NH (NOW HIRING)

Caretaker - Huts

Gorham, NH · On-site

$11.75/hr

Support geographically proximal Search and Rescue efforts to the level of comfort/training. What AMC is looking for * Caretakers must have a strong customer service orientation and solid backcountry ...

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Search Rescue information

What is a search and rescue professional?

Search and Rescue (SAR) professionals are trained individuals who locate and assist people who are lost, injured, or in danger, often in remote or hazardous environments. Their work may involve searching for missing hikers, rescuing disaster victims, or providing emergency medical assistance. SAR teams can include volunteers and professionals from various backgrounds such as law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, and the military. Their operations often require specialized skills like navigation, first aid, and survival techniques. These professionals play a crucial role in responding to emergencies and saving lives.

What are jobs in search and rescue?

Jobs in search & rescue, often abbreviated to SAR, involve supervising, training, planning, and coordinating SAR missions and crews that provide on-call support for emergencies and disasters. The duties and responsibilities of these jobs focus on directing staff during rescue efforts as well as volunteers who are helping search for missing people. These positions are found in law enforcement, national parks, the military, and even some non-profit organizations. SAR missions involve using planes, boats, or other exploration devices to traverse terrain, track signals, and otherwise locate people who need rescuing. Job qualifications include strong leadership and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a search and rescue professional?

To thrive as a Search and Rescue professional, you need strong physical fitness, situational awareness, and knowledge of emergency response procedures, often backed by certifications such as EMT or wilderness first responder. Familiarity with GPS navigation, radio communication equipment, and rescue tools like ropes and stretchers is essential. Excellent teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills ensure effective coordination, quick decision-making, and successful outcomes in high-stress, life-saving situations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in search and rescue roles, and how can new team members prepare for them?

Search and Rescue professionals often encounter physically demanding environments, unpredictable weather, and high-stress situations requiring quick decision-making. New team members should be prepared for irregular hours, including nights and weekends, and the need to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams such as emergency medical personnel and local law enforcement. Building strong physical fitness, staying current on technical rescue skills, and developing effective communication abilities are key to overcoming these challenges and contributing successfully to the team.

What is the difference between Search Rescue vs Search and Rescue Technician?

AspectSearch RescueSearch and Rescue Technician
CertificationsFirst aid, CPR, basic rescue trainingAdvanced rescue certifications, technical rescue training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, varied terrains, emergency situationsOutdoor, technical rescue scenarios, often specialized
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, NGOs, militaryEmergency services, specialized rescue teams
Search & Comparison IntentGeneral search and rescue rolesTechnical rescue operations, specialized skills

Search Rescue involves basic to intermediate rescue efforts in outdoor environments, often performed by volunteers or general emergency personnel. Search and Rescue Technicians typically have advanced training and perform technical rescues in complex scenarios. While both roles focus on saving lives, Search and Rescue Technicians require specialized skills and certifications for technical rescue operations.

Can I get paid for search and rescue?

Search and rescue personnel are often paid employees, especially when working for government agencies, emergency services, or contracted organizations. Compensation varies based on the agency, location, experience, and whether the role is full-time or volunteer; paid positions typically include benefits and require training and certifications such as first aid or technical rescue skills.

What qualifications do you need to be a search and rescue?

To become a search and rescue professional, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant certifications such as CPR and first aid, and specialized training in rescue techniques, navigation, and survival skills. Physical fitness, the ability to work in challenging environments, and often certification in areas like wilderness or urban rescue are also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Search Rescue jobs in Littleton, NH?

The most popular types of Search Rescue jobs in Littleton, NH are:

What cities near Littleton, NH are hiring for Search Rescue jobs?

Cities near Littleton, NH with the most Search Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Search Rescue job openings in Littleton, NH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$11.75/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Seasonal Dates: October 22nd, 2026 - May 31st, 2027 

Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is the oldest conservation, education and recreation organization in the United States. The AMC promotes the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers and trails of the Appalachian region. The AMC encourages the involvement of all people in its mission and activities, through its membership, programs, policies, and procedures.

Caretakers are the AMC’s primary representatives in these off-grid backcountry facilities during the self-service seasons. To assure the best possible public service, they must be attentive to both the care of the guests and the maintenance of the hut. Basic expectations include friendly service, clean accommodations, and competent emergency assistance. Huts are connected to larger AMC support networks via radio.

The work schedule varies based on hut and is either week-on/week-off or 10 days on/4 days off for the duration of the season. Our caretakers work 56-70 hours per pay period (two weeks). The 2026-2027 seasons are late October-early February, early February-Memorial Day, or late April-Memorial Day, depending on hut and location. Please make clear in your application which season you are interested in working. Furter details and specifics will be discussed with applicants selected for interviews.

What You’ll Be Doing at AMC

  • Record daily precipitation statistics, respond to morning radio call, record and post the weather report 
  • Provide backcountry information and trail advice for guests 
  • Maintain a clean and tidy off-grid facility with no running water  
  • Maintain all hut systems as directed in the Operations Manual including USFS Hut permit regulations and responsibilities 
  • Welcome overnight guests and day traffic and orient them to the wise use of the space 
  • Build and tend a fire in the wood stove in cold months 
  •  Establish a schedule for and facilitate kitchen use to guests 
  • Sell merch items and AMC memberships to support the AMC's public service efforts 
  • Complete a daily report of hut finances and activities 
  • Be available for day visitors and overnight guests on weekends and holidays. 
  • Collect water and/or maintain the water hole. 
  • Shovel snow and remove ice from building, walkways, systems, and fire exits. 
  • Conduct scheduled inventories of food, supplies and merchandise items. 
  • Support geographically proximal Search and Rescue efforts to the level of comfort/training. 

What AMC is looking for

  • Caretakers must have a strong customer service orientation and solid backcountry skills, as well as a commitment to AMC’s recreation, education, and conservation goals. 
  • Self-motivated and able to demonstrate responsibility and reliability without daily supervision  
  • Prior AMC backcountry employment or closely related experience is preferred.  
  • Backcountry medical training (WFA, WFR) is required.  
  • Experience and comfort with winter/snow travel (ski, snowshoe, winter hiking) are necessary for some positions. 
  • All positions require the ability to travel alone in the backcountry in a variety of weather throughout the season of the position. 
  • Caretakers must be physically and mentally able to endure and enjoy solitude and extreme weather conditions. 

What AMC Can Offer You 

Salary range: $11.75/hour

We are committed to fair compensation practices, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process. 

Benefits 

  • Room & Board: Dorm-style room 75/wk – meals included, too!  

  • Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 30 hours per week   

  • Retirement: Voluntary 403(b) Contribution 

  • Paid Time Off: earn up to 10 days of paid earned time depending on length of service  

  • Other Team Member Perks:   

  • 30% discount on AMC Merchandise   

  • Free Annual AMC Membership  

  • 4 Free nights at AMC locations  

  • Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!  

To Apply: 

Please include a resume and letter of interest. No phone calls or agencies please.  

AMC encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification. If you have a passion for the outdoors and believe your skills and experiences align with this role, we welcome your application.  

The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees who work in a program or facility that serves children, disabled persons, or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.