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Summer Wilderness Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eagle's Nest Foundation

$12.25 - $16/hr

Swiftwater Rescue Certification * Lifeguard Certification * Any American Canoe Association Certifications * Wilderness First Responder Certification * At least 21 years of age, a citizen of the ...

National Park Service

Park Ranger Protection

Anchorage, AK · On-site +1

$86K - $112K/yr

Participates in emergency incidents which include search and rescue operations, wildland and ... Serves as a Wilderness Coordinator and subject matter expert providing guidance to managers for ...

The Outlaw Group

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Moab, UT · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Would you be moving to Utah for this summer gig? AVA does offer some employee campgrounds for ... Maintain situational awareness and readiness to help perform river rescue maneuvers if needed. * 2 ...

SPIRIT MOUNTAIN

Mountain Bike Patrol

Duluth, MN

$20.60/hr

Monitor general safety / hazard marking and signs of ski resort summer bike trails * Repair and ... EMTs or Wilderness First Responders hired for the paid patroller position will be encouraged to ...

Spirit Mountain

Mountain Bike Patrol

Duluth, MN · On-site

$20.60/hr

Monitor general safety / hazard marking and signs of ski resort summer bike trails * Repair and ... EMTs or Wilderness First Responders hired for the paid patroller position will be encouraged to ...

SPIRIT MOUNTAIN

Mountain Bike Patrol

Duluth, MN · On-site

$20.60/hr

Monitor general safety / hazard marking and signs of ski resort summer bike trails * Repair and ... EMTs or Wilderness First Responders hired for the paid patroller position will be encouraged to ...

The Outlaw Group

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Moab, UT · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Would you be moving to Colorado for this summer gig? AVA does offer some employee living ... Maintain situational awareness and readiness to help perform river rescue maneuvers if needed. * 2 ...

All JobsSummer Wilderness Rescue Jobs

Summer Wilderness Rescue information

See salary details

$51.5K

$91.3K

$132.5K

How much do summer wilderness rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for summer wilderness rescue in the United States is $91,299.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Summer Wilderness Rescue vs Wilderness First Responder?

AspectSummer Wilderness RescueWilderness First Responder
CertificationsWilderness First Aid (WFA), CPR, rescue trainingWFA, CPR, AED, rescue skills
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, remote wilderness areas, rescue operationsOutdoor, remote or wilderness settings, emergency response
Employer & IndustryOutdoor adventure companies, rescue teams, campsOutdoor education, rescue organizations, outdoor programs

Summer Wilderness Rescue involves active rescue operations in wilderness settings, often requiring advanced rescue skills and certifications. Wilderness First Responder focuses on providing emergency medical care in remote outdoor environments. While both roles require wilderness medical training, Summer Wilderness Rescue emphasizes rescue operations, making it more hands-on in rescue scenarios.

What is a Summer Wilderness Rescue worker?

A Summer Wilderness Rescue worker is a trained individual who assists in locating, stabilizing, and evacuating people who are lost or injured in remote outdoor environments during the summer months. They often work with rescue teams to respond to emergencies in areas such as forests, mountains, and parks. Their responsibilities include providing first aid, navigating challenging terrain, and coordinating with emergency services. These roles require knowledge of survival techniques, outdoor safety, and sometimes specialized skills like rope rescue or wilderness medicine.

What are some common challenges faced by Summer Wilderness Rescue team members during a typical season?

Team members in Summer Wilderness Rescue roles often face challenges such as unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and the need to respond quickly to emergencies in remote locations. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as rescues frequently require coordination with other responders, such as park rangers or medical personnel. Adapting to rapidly changing situations, ensuring personal safety, and maintaining readiness for extended shifts are all important aspects of the job. These challenges make the role both demanding and rewarding for those passionate about outdoor safety and helping others.

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

To thrive as a Summer Wilderness Rescue professional, you need a solid background in first aid, wilderness survival, and navigation, often supported by certifications like Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or EMT. Familiarity with GPS devices, two-way radios, rescue equipment, and mapping software is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills in this role. These abilities are vital to ensure quick, effective responses to emergencies, safeguard lives, and operate efficiently in challenging outdoor environments.
More about Summer Wilderness Rescue jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Wilderness Rescue jobs? Cities with the most Summer Wilderness Rescue job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wilderness Rescue jobs? The most popular types of Wilderness Rescue jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Wilderness Rescue jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Wilderness Rescue jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Summer Wilderness Rescue jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Wilderness Rescue jobs are:
Summer Wilderness Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Wilderness Rescue job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,299 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

2026 Eagle's Nest Camp New Staff

Eagle's Nest Foundation

On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Whitewater Canoeing Head
Eagle's Nest Camp, Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Seasonal Position (mid May to early August)
Who We Are: Eagle's Nest Camp is non-profit, overnight camp located on 200 acres of wooded land in the lush mountains of Western North Carolina, just southwest of Asheville and down the road from Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Forest. Since 1927, we've provided a joyful, inclusive community where campers ages 6 to 18 are treated with respect, compassion, and care. Campers have the opportunity to participate in 1 to 3-week long sessions that emphasize community living while choosing to take classes in visual and performing arts, athletics, appreciation of nature, outdoor adventure, horseback riding, and more. Our population is diverse and smaller in size than most camps, which allows our campers and staff to feel seen, heard, and valued no matter how long they attend camp! Hear from a few of our former staff about why they chose to work at The Nest.
Responsibilities:
  • Programming: teach lake canoeing and river canoeing classes.
  • Risk Management: Work with the Outdoor Program Manager and canoeing instructors to plan and run safe canoe expeditions in Western North Carolina on rivers with class I-II rapids.
  • Supervising Staff: mentor, teach, and support a canoe staff of up to 12 people.
  • Community Support: engage with community events and promote belonging!

The canoeing program utilizes our lake as well as many local rivers including the Green, Nantahala, Tuckaseegee, and French Broad Rivers.
Required Qualifications:
  • Have a passion for and understanding of flatwater and whitewater canoeing
  • At least 21 years of age and one year of experience out of high school
  • Wilderness First Aid Certification or higher level of Wilderness Medicine training or willingness and ability to obtain this certification through staff training
  • Can confidently and safely navigate a tandem canoe on Class II Rapids and swim in rivers
  • Experience identifying river features and using canoe rescue techniques
  • Able to teach others paddle signals, strokes, and skills
  • Experience leading outdoor trips
  • Able to adapt programming to meet participant needs based on age, skill level, experience, and physical ability

Desired Qualifications
  • Swiftwater Rescue Certification
  • Lifeguard Certification
  • Any American Canoe Association Certifications
  • Wilderness First Responder Certification
  • At least 21 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a clean driving record, and a willingness and ability to drive participants and staff in vehicles as large as a minibus
  • Able to attach a trailer to a vehicle and drive it
  • Experience supervising others

Benefits:
  • Potential for Swift Water Rescue Certification (depending on class enrollment).
  • Competitive salary and one full day off each week, plus nights off and lunches out.
  • On-campus housing.
  • Delicious, home-cooked meals (including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options)
  • Professional discounts on outdoor gear and equipment.
  • Staff lounge with wifi.
  • Access to laundry facilities provided.

Apply