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Summer Wilderness Search Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Waterfront Lifeguard

Concord, MA ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Responsible for forming and leading a water search & rescue when necessary responsible for learning ... Work is performed primarily outdoors during the summer months. May be subjected to moderate ...

Waterfront Lifeguard

Concord, MA ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Responsible for forming and leading a water search & rescue when necessary responsible for learning ... Work is performed primarily outdoors during the summer months. May be subjected to moderate ...

Mounted Patrol Volunteer

Brainerd, MN ยท On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Search and Rescue Support : Assist law enforcement agencies in search and rescue operations in wilderness areas or other locations accessible by horseback. * Crime Prevention : Serve as extra eyes ...

FirefighterEMT

Newnan, GA ยท On-site

$18.24/hr

Performs and participates in technical rescues including stabilizing, extrication, high angle, confined space, trench rescue, wilderness rescue, search and rescue, water and boat rescue and hazardous ...

FirefighterParamedic

Newnan, GA ยท On-site

$20.50/hr

Performs and participates in technical rescues including stabilizing, extrication, high angle, confined space, trench rescue, wilderness rescue, search and rescue, water and boat rescue and hazardous ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 9, 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 and 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 are Summer Wilderness Search and Rescue teams?

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 and 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.
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:
Infographic showing various Summer Wilderness Search Rescue job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,299 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Waterfront Lifeguard

Town of Concord, MA

Concord, MA โ€ข On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Department:

Human Services- Recreation

Salary Grade:

MISC2

Reports To:

Aquatics Manager

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Appointed By:

Town Manager

Date:

February 2025

ย 

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Waterfront Director and AquaticsSupervisor, lifeguards safeguard all patrons from drowning and other accidents. They are responsible for constant patron surveillance of their assigned area and enforcement of recreational rules and regulations established by The Town of Concord Recreation Department. In addition, waterfront lifeguards must practice preventative lifeguarding, keep themselves physically fit and mentally aware, maintain and operate safety equipment, administer first-aid as required, and render aid necessary to rescue and resuscitate near drowning victims. The lifeguard also assists in the cleaning, security, and maintenance of White Pond properties on and adjacent to beach areas.

ย 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

  • ย Maintains watchfulness over pond to prevent dangerous situations (Guardingย fromย chair,ย walkingย theย beach,ย etc.).
  • ย Monitors and assists swimmers.
  • ย Enforces all pond and beach rules; follows all safety-related procedures.
  • ย Provides basic first aid.
  • ย Performs rescue if appropriate, calls for help, provides emergency care, interviews witnesses, and files reports.
  • ย Attends regular in-service trainings.
  • ย Maintains a high level of expertise and professionalism.
  • ย Maintains proper attire (red lifeguard bathing suit); reports with provided shirt, whistle.
  • ย Responsibleย forย assistingย inย theย executionย ofย certainย activitiesย andย events,ย dealingย withย theย water orย waterfront.
  • ย Responsibleย forย formingย andย leadingย aย waterย searchย &ย rescueย whenย necessary responsibleย forย learningย theย facilities,ย layoutย ofย pond,ย andย theย communicationย systemย inย theย eventย ofย anย emergency.ย Beย familiarย withย phoneย locations,ย firstย aidย stations, and information stations,ย etc.
  • Performs other related duties as required, directed or as the situation arises.


ย 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.


EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • ย Current Waterfront Lifeguarding certification, or able to obtain prior to first in-service.
  • ย Water Safety Instructor certification strongly preferred.
  • ย Must be able to pass swim test as performed by Program Manager.
  • ย Must be 16 years of age or older (work permit needed for under 18).
  • ย Available to work for the entire season (~10 weeks).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

  • ย A fun loving, enthusiastic personality.
  • ย A tremendous work ethic.
  • ย Confidence and positive presence in both group and one-on-one settings.
  • ย A personality and character that exudes leadership, flexibility, trustworthiness, creativity, energy, inspiration and positivity.
  • ย A strong desire to lead by example.
  • ย Working knowledge of aquatic facilities, procedures and equipment.ย ย Thoroughย workingย knowledge of and ability to perform lifesaving techniques, CPR and First Aid.
  • Ability to swim.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with all members of the public, including children andย youngย adults, in a courteous and tactful manner and to fairly and tactfully enforce facility rules and regulations.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the physical demands (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

Work is performed primarily outdoors during the summer months. May be subjected to moderate variations of temperature, noise, odors, etc.ย  Work may be performed indoors in a relatively noisy work environment, with constant interruptions.ย  Frequently subjected to the demands of other individuals and the volume and /or rapidity with which tasks must be accomplished.ย 

Must be able to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time.ย  Balancing, crouching, grasping, pulling, reaching and stooping may also be required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job.ย  The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.ย  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

ย 

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.