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Summer Wilderness Search Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 (PSAR)

Yankton, SD · On-site +1

$74K - $97K/yr

Conduct regularly scheduled Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) patrols of various park resources such as backcountry and/or wilderness areas, park trails, campgrounds, parking lots, shorelines ...

Brundage Mountain Company

Ski Patrol

Mccall, ID · On-site

Participate in lift evacuations, search and rescue operations, avalanche mitigation, snow safety ... Wilderness First Responder certification considered, however must enroll and successfully complete ...

BRUNDAGE MOUNTAIN RESORT LLC

Ski Patrol

Mccall, ID · On-site

Participate in lift evacuations, search and rescue operations, avalanche mitigation, snow safety ... Wilderness First Responder certification considered, however must enroll and successfully complete ...

Brundage Mountain Resort

Ski Patrol

Mccall, ID · On-site

Participate in lift evacuations, search and rescue operations, avalanche mitigation, snow safety ... Wilderness First Responder certification considered, however must enroll and successfully complete ...

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All JobsSummer Wilderness Search Rescue Jobs

Summer Wilderness Search Rescue information

See salary details

$51.5K

$91.3K

$132.5K

How much do summer wilderness search rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for summer wilderness search 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.

How do summer wilderness search rescue team members typically coordinate during an ongoing search operation?

During an active search operation, Summer Wilderness Search and Rescue team members rely on clear communication protocols and teamwork. They frequently use radios or satellite phones to maintain contact, coordinate search patterns, and relay updates to a central command post. Collaboration with other agencies, such as local law enforcement or park rangers, is common, and team members are often assigned specific roles like navigation, first aid, or logistics. This structured approach helps ensure safety and maximizes the chances of a successful rescue.

What is the difference between Summer Wilderness Search Rescue vs Winter Wilderness Search Rescue?

AspectSummer Wilderness Search RescueWinter Wilderness Search Rescue
Required CertificationsFirst Aid, CPR, Wilderness First ResponderFirst Aid, CPR, Wilderness First Responder, Avalanche Safety
Work EnvironmentForests, mountains, outdoor terrains in warm weatherSnowy, icy terrains, cold weather conditions
Employer & Industry UsageRescue organizations, outdoor adventure companiesRescue organizations, ski resorts, outdoor agencies

Summer Wilderness Search Rescue involves outdoor rescue operations in warm weather terrains like forests and mountains, focusing on locating and assisting lost or injured individuals. Winter Wilderness Search Rescue requires additional skills for cold, snowy environments, including avalanche safety. Both roles demand similar certifications but differ mainly in environmental conditions and specific safety protocols.

What is a summer wilderness search rescue?

Summer Wilderness Search and Rescue (SAR) teams are groups of trained professionals and volunteers who respond to emergencies in remote, outdoor environments during the summer months. Their primary role is to locate, assist, and evacuate individuals who are lost, injured, or in distress in wilderness areas. SAR teams use specialized skills in navigation, first aid, and outdoor survival, often working closely with local authorities and emergency services. Their work is critical for public safety, especially in parks, forests, and mountainous regions where accidents and lost persons are more common during peak summer activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer wilderness search rescue worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Wilderness Search and Rescue worker, you need expertise in outdoor survival, first aid/CPR certification, navigation, and physical fitness, often supported by specific SAR training courses. Familiarity with GPS devices, communication radios, rescue equipment, and mapping software is commonly required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective, timely, and safe rescue operations in challenging wilderness environments.

How to become summer wilderness search rescue?

To become a summer wilderness search and rescue responder, individuals typically need to have outdoor survival skills, first aid and CPR certifications, and experience in hiking or mountaineering. Many agencies require training programs, physical fitness, and background checks, and some prefer candidates with wilderness medicine or rescue certifications such as WFR (Wilderness First Responder).
More about Summer Wilderness Search Rescue jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Wilderness Search Rescue jobs? Cities with the most Summer Wilderness Search Rescue job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wilderness Search Rescue jobs? The most popular types of Wilderness Search Rescue jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Wilderness Search Rescue jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Wilderness Search Rescue jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Summer Wilderness Search Rescue jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Wilderness Search Rescue jobs are:
Summer Wilderness Search Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Wilderness Search 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.

Board Members

Wilderness Search Investigations

Kenmore, WA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 8 hours ago

Job description

Wilderness Search Investigations (WSI) was formed to address a difficult and often overlooked reality: after official search efforts for missing outdoor enthusiasts conclude, families are frequently left without a path forward.

Search and Rescue teams and law enforcement agencies perform extraordinary work under difficult conditions. However, operational limitations, resource constraints, weather conditions, time factors, and risk management considerations often require active searches to end before families feel they have answers.

WSI exists to help fill that gap.

For families, uncertainty can persist for years.

The absence of answers creates emotional, psychological, and practical burdens that rarely disappear simply because an official search has ended.

Continued investigative attention can generate overlooked leads, re-examine assumptions, and help families feel they have not been abandoned.

WSI is not intended to replace Search & Rescue teams or law enforcement agencies.

The organization is designed to operate as a complementary and respectful resource focused on continued case review, investigative follow-up, and field-based reassessment where appropriate.

WSI’s long-term credibility and sustainability will depend heavily on the strength of its governance.

The organization seeks respected and thoughtful leaders who can help shape organizational ethics, governance discipline, strategic direction, public credibility, and community trust.

WSI is particularly interested in individuals with backgrounds in:

- Search & Rescue

- Outdoor recreation leadership

- Law enforcement or investigations

- Nonprofit governance

- Finance or accounting

- Legal or risk management

- Communications and media

- Philanthropy and fundraising

This work appeals to individuals who care deeply about the outdoor community, believe families deserve continued support after searches conclude, and want to help shape an organization responsibly from the ground up.

WSI is intentionally building slowly and carefully, with an emphasis on ethics, governance, operational discipline, and long-term credibility.

We are seeking board members and advisors who believe this work matters and who want to help shape the organization responsibly from the beginning.

If you or someone in your network aligns with one of the backgrounds we’re seeking, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Wilderness Search Investigations (WSI)

Website: www.wsiint.org

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