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Swift Water Rescue Technician Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Provides highly specialized rescue and/or firefighting services such as swift water rescue ... Seat Technician The employee will be given 18 months to obtain this certification if it is not ...

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Swift Water Rescue Technician information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10

$26

$56

How much do swift water rescue technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for swift water rescue technician in Raleigh, NC is $26.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.29 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a swift water rescue technician?

A Swift Water Rescue Technician is a trained professional responsible for performing rescues in fast-moving water environments such as rivers, floods, and storm drains. They use specialized techniques and equipment to safely reach, assist, and extract individuals in distress while minimizing risks to themselves and others. These technicians often work as part of fire departments, search and rescue teams, or emergency response units. Their training includes swimming in turbulent water, using ropes and rescue devices, and understanding water dynamics to make quick, informed decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a swift water rescue technician?

To thrive as a Swift Water Rescue Technician, you need advanced swimming ability, rescue techniques, and strong physical fitness, typically supported by certifications such as Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT) and First Aid/CPR. Familiarity with technical rescue equipment like throw bags, rescue ropes, personal flotation devices, and communication systems is essential. Strong situational awareness, teamwork, and rapid decision-making stand out as critical soft skills in this field. These skills and qualifications ensure effective, safe, and coordinated response during high-risk water rescue operations.

What are some typical challenges faced by swift water rescue technicians during rescue operations?

Swift Water Rescue Technicians often encounter rapidly changing water conditions, limited visibility, and unpredictable hazards like debris or strong currents, which make every rescue unique and demanding. Working in these environments requires the ability to stay calm under pressure and adapt to evolving situations while prioritizing both victim and team safety. Additionally, rescues may take place during adverse weather or at unconventional hours, requiring flexibility and resilience. Team coordination and clear communication are fundamental to overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful rescue outcomes.

What are popular job titles related to Swift Water Rescue Technician jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Swift Water Rescue Technician jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Swift Water Rescue Technician jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Swift Water Rescue Technician jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

Infographic showing various Swift Water Rescue Technician job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,434 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

FIREFIGHTER I

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site


Town of Chapel Hill
Public Administration • 501 - 1,000 employees

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 851 rated public administrative organizations

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$53K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Summary The purpose of this position is to perform firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services to protect the life and property of the Citizens of Chapel Hill. This is accomplished by responding to calls for service, delivering public education, attending required mandatory training, maintaining a positive image to the public and maintaining response readiness. Essential Functions Responds to emergency incidents as required by departmental policy.

Completes fire control and rescue operations by establishing scene safety; locates hydrants and other sources for water; forces entry into structures; enters burning structures; utilizes systematic search procedures to find victims searches for victims and fire sources; operates hose lines; ventilates smoke from structures; extinguishes fires; examines fire damage and assist in fire investigations; cleans fire scenes; determines safe evacuation paths; and uses equipment and apparatus. Provides emergency medical services as an Emergency Medical Technician; evaluates and administers care for cardiac, respiratory, allergic conditions and trauma incidents; provides life support; maintains EMS equipment and supplies; and maintains required certifications. Provides highly specialized rescue and/or firefighting services such as swift water rescue, hazardous materials response, and technical rescue; performs decontamination procedures; participates in drills; demonstrates consistent and thorough knowledge of specialized area; maintains records, logs and reports; and maintains required certifications.

Maintains equipment and facilities by performing daily readiness checks and preventive maintenance; testing fire equipment; maintaining facility's outdoor appearance; performs weekly equipment checks; and checking hydrants. Assists with special events and weather-related incidents; educates the public on fire and life safety; educates the public on child safety seats; visits schools and provides education about fire safety procedures and prevention; oversees fire extinguisher classes; maintains necessary certifications and training. Completes all other duties as assigned.

Supervision This position has no responsibility for the direction or supervision of others. Physical Demands The work typically requires intermittent standing, stooping, climbing, crawling, heavy lifting and carrying. The employee uses equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity and must be able to exert at least 100 pounds of effort.

Work Environment The work is typically performed in a variety of environments and locations involving high heat, extreme temperatures, difficult terrain, and varying heights, confined spaces, limited visibility and hazardous atmospheres. Work environments include fire stations, vehicle, and at emergency scenes. Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of: Firefighting, fire suppression and rescue techniques.

Fire apparatus and equipment. Department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Streets and other local geography.

Emergency driving practices and laws. Hazardous materials. First-aid and CPR.

Radio usage and procedure. Ability to: Successfully complete NFPA Annual Firefighter Physical Work successfully in a team environment and in high stress situations. Use web-based software systems.

Use Microsoft Office tools relevant to the position. Solve problems and make sound decisions. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and customers.

Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Model behavior that is consistent with our values of RESPECT. Education A high School diploma or equivalent required.

Experience Firefighter I - Completion of the Chapel Hill Fire Department Recruit academy. If laterally hired, must meet the certification requirements of the CHFD. Firefighter I requirements: Must meet and maintain all requirements of Firefighter Recruit as well as: NC Firefighter Certification NC Hazardous Materials Operations NC EMT or National Registry EMT NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800 Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician The employee will be given 18 months to obtain this certification if it is not already acquired.

NC Technical Rescuer The employee will be given 18 months to obtain this certification if it is not acquired. Supplemental Information You may be randomly drug tested while on the job. You will be subject to the Safe Driving and Accident Policy.

The Town of Chapel Hill does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.



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