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Technical Rescue Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Maintaining ILTP technical rescue skills competency at "test ready" levels at all times during the period of licensure. * Maintaining mental and physical skill levels also at a "test ready" level.

Lifeguard

Peoria, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Maintaining ILTP technical rescue skills competency at "test ready" levels at all times during the period of licensure. * Maintaining mental and physical skill levels also at a "test ready" level.

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Technical Rescue information

See Illinois salary details

$26.2K

$42.1K

$64K

How much do technical rescue jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical rescue in Illinois is $42,133.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,300.00 and $45,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Technical Rescue Jobs?

Technical rescue jobs involve emergency responders who are specially trained to perform emergency search and rescue efforts. Many technical rescue teams are made up of firefighters, but may also include law enforcement and emergency medical professionals. Your specific field governs the procedure and equipment you use for your job. As a fire and rescue worker, you are a firefighter who has completed additional training on search and rescue duties, such as in collapsed buildings or rescuing someone who fell through the ice. Confined space rescue technicians have the skills to remove people from small, life-threatening spaces. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) can also train for search and rescue duties to provide both emergency response assistance and rescue efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Technical Rescue Specialist, and why are they important?

To excel as a Technical Rescue Specialist, you need comprehensive knowledge of rescue operations, hazard assessment, and safety protocols, typically backed by certifications such as NFPA 1006 or Rope Rescue Technician. Familiarity with specialized equipment like ropes, harnesses, extrication tools, and communication systems is standard. Strong teamwork, quick decision-making, and calmness under pressure are vital soft skills for this high-risk role. These abilities ensure effective, safe rescues and reduce risks to both victims and team members in emergency situations.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by Technical Rescue professionals on the job?

Technical Rescue professionals frequently encounter unpredictable and high-risk situations, such as confined space incidents, high-angle rescues, or collapsed structures. One of the main challenges is maintaining composure and making quick, sound decisions under pressure, often while working in hazardous environments. Teamwork is essential, as successful rescues depend on seamless communication and coordination with other emergency personnel. Staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and equipment through ongoing training is also vital to ensure safety and effectiveness during operations.

What is technical rescue?

Technical rescue refers to specialized operations conducted by trained professionals to safely extricate or assist individuals from hazardous or complex situations, such as confined spaces, high angles, trenches, or collapsed structures. These rescues often require advanced equipment and techniques beyond standard emergency response. Teams are highly trained in areas like rope rescue, water rescue, vehicle extrication, and structural collapse rescue. Technical rescue professionals often work alongside fire departments, emergency medical services, and law enforcement agencies. Their goal is to ensure the safety and survival of those involved in dangerous or life-threatening incidents.

What is the difference between Technical Rescue vs Firefighter?

AspectTechnical RescueFirefighter
Required CertificationsTechnical Rescue certifications, such as Rope Rescue, Confined Space, Trench RescueFirefighter certification, EMT or paramedic license often required
Work EnvironmentSpecialized rescue scenes, confined spaces, high-angle, water rescueFire scenes, emergency medical situations, building fires
Employer & Industry UsageRescue teams, specialized emergency servicesFire departments, emergency response agencies

Technical Rescue and Firefighter roles often overlap in emergency response but differ mainly in scope. Technical Rescue specialists focus on complex rescue operations requiring specialized skills and certifications, while Firefighters handle a broader range of fire suppression and medical emergencies. Both roles are vital in emergency services, with Technical Rescue providing advanced rescue capabilities within the fire service or specialized teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Rescue jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Technical Rescue jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Technical Rescue jobs in Illinois? For Technical Rescue jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Technical Rescue jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Technical Rescue jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Technical Rescue job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,133 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Lifeguard

$15 - $17/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Duties: Under the direction of the Aquatic Manager, the Lifeguard is responsible for the following:

  • Presenting a positive image of the Peoria Park District and the Aquatics Operation.
  • Enforcing all pool rules at all times.
  • Attending In-Service training on a weekly/monthly basis.
  • Maintaining ILTP technical rescue skills competency at "test ready" levels at all times during the period of licensure.
  • Maintaining mental and physical skill levels also at a "test ready" level.
  • Enforcing and maintaining the 10/20 Protection Standard at all times.
  • Making sure to perform "bottom checks" each rotation in and out of the lifeguard chair.
  • Not leaving post except for a rescue or when relieved by another lifeguard or supervisor.
  • Caring for all equipment and replacing it in the correct place after each use.
  • Being able to work the assigned shift.
  • Completing cleaning duties, such as, but not limited to the following:
    • Moving chairs
    • Sweeping
    • Mopping
    • Scrubbing the deck
    • Cleaning restroom areas
    • Restocking restrooms
    • Taking the trash out
    • Vacuuming and cleaning pools
    • Wiping down windows
    • Pulling weeds
    • Spreading mulch
  • Following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Supporting all aspects of the Park District's safety procedures.
  • Performing all other duties as required.

Essential Functions:

  • Maintain your swimming ability at the "test-ready" level. Must be able to swim 200 yards using freestyle or breaststroke or a combination of both strokes and complete this in 4 minutes or less.
  • Able to perform a feet-first surface dive and retrieve a 10 lb. weighted brick and bring it to the surface.
  • Must be able to tread water for 2 minutes only using legs.
  • Maintain the ability to be able to rescue an adult from the deepest point of the training pool, bring them to the surface, perform "team" management by executing an extrication onto the pool deck, and perform a scenario that could involve: rescue breathing, CPR, possible obstructed airway, or spinal management.
  • Able to move and connect pool chemical containers weighing up to 50 lbs.

Education: High school or college student preferred.

Experience: Previous experience swimming preferred. Must be at least 15 years of age or older.

Certification: Current Ellis Lifeguard certification or the ability to obtain this certification.

Knowledge and Ability:

  • Considerable ability as a swimmer plus skills in water rescue work and resuscitation.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of pool rules, policies, and procedures.
  • Ability to work harmoniously with the public and fellow employees in an enthusiastic and cooperative manner.
  • Ability to effectively communicate in both speaking and writing.
  • Good/sound working relations with all aquatic employees.
  • Knowledge of aquatics and aquatic safety.
  • Ability to anticipate problems with the staff schedule and make corrections immediately.
  • Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.

Perks:

  • Part-time employees enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.