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Technical Rescue Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

RICOCHET MANUFACTURING

Quality Inspector

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$16.50/hr

... Technical Rescue gear to all FDNY Rescue and Squad companies, and structural/turnout gear to multiple Fire Departments throughout the United States and beyond. Ricochet is a long-standing member of ...

County of Chester

ES Fire Instructor II

West Chester, PA · On-site

$23.04/hr

Technical fire knowledge, HAZMAT knowledge, and technical Rescue knowledge. Experience in the operation of fire engines and pumps. General knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies ...

County of Chester

ES Fire Instructor III

West Chester, PA · On-site

$25.23/hr

Technical fire knowledge, HAZMAT knowledge, and technical Rescue knowledge. Experience in the operation of fire engines and pumps. Strong work ethic. General knowledge and understanding of County of ...

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All JobsTechnical Rescue JobsTechnical Rescue Jobs in Pennsylvania

Technical Rescue information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$27.1K

$43.6K

$66.2K

How much do technical rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical rescue in Pennsylvania is $43,585.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,600.00 and $47,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

How to become a technical rescuer?

To become a technical rescuer, individuals typically need to complete specialized training in rescue techniques such as rope rescue, confined space, or high-angle rescue, often through fire departments, emergency services, or technical rescue academies. Certification from organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or equivalent is usually required, along with physical fitness and experience in emergency response environments.
More about Technical Rescue jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Rescue jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Technical Rescue jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What are popular job titles related to Technical Rescue jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Technical Rescue jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Technical Rescue jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Technical Rescue jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Technical Rescue jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Technical Rescue job openings:

Technical Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Technical Rescue job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,585 per year, or $21 per hour.

Hazmat Technical Rescue (Part Time)

COUNTY OF LEHIGH PENNSYLVANIA

Allentown, PA

$42K - $47K/yr

Part-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

General Definition:

  • As a Special Operations Member of the Lehigh County Emergency Rescue Team, you will be responsible for executing high-risk rescue operations and specialized emergency response missions. Your role will be crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in critical situations, requiring advanced skills, training, and a commitment to teamwork.

Typical Examples of Work:

  • High-Risk Rescue Operations: Execute technical rescues in challenging environments such as swift water, confined spaces, high-angle settings, and collapsed structures.
  • Specialized Emergency Response: Provide expertise and support in incidents involving hazardous materials, mass casualty incidents, and urban search and rescue (USAR) scenarios.
  • Equipment and Tool Proficiency: Maintain and operate specialized equipment and tools required for various rescue operations, ensuring readiness and functionality at all times.
  • Team Collaboration: Work closely with other emergency response units, including fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and medical personnel, to coordinate and execute complex operations seamlessly.
  • Training and Development: Continuously participate in training exercises and professional development programs to enhance skills in technical rescue techniques, emergency medical care, and incident command systems.
  • Community Engagement: Educate and engage with the community on emergency preparedness and safety practices through public demonstrations and outreach initiatives.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of the Emergency Alerting System.
  • Ability to interact with other public safety agencies and cleanup contractors at an incident scene.
  • Knowledge of EPA, OSHA, NFPA and other regulatory requirements.
  • Knowledge of emergency response protocols.
  • Knowledge of Pennsylvania Act 1990-165 Hazardous Material Emergency Planning and Response Act and other enabling legislation.
  • Ability to operate a variety of environmental monitoring equipment.
  • Ability to read and assimilate information from highly technical written manuals and materials.
  • Ability to speak, read and write English clearly and understandably.
  • Ability to read and discern visual images and colors on a variety of media, including computer video display terminals.
  • Ability to work with hand and power tools.
  • Ability to lift heavy tool kits, spill containment booms, bundles of pads, bags of spill absorbent, etc.
  • Accuracy in written and typed work assignments.
  • Ability to present ideas both orally and written.
  • Successful completion of a criminal history investigation.

Acceptable Training & Experience:

  • High school diploma or possession of a GED Certificate from a recognized issuing agency.
  • Minimum certified competency at the OSHA Hazardous Materials Technician level, preferably including Incident Command.
  • Documented career/volunteer-working experience with a public safety agency.
  • Experience or education in the operation of computer equipment, peripherals, media, etc.
  • Experience in providing training to Spec Ops members and other public safety agencies.
  • Or any equivalent combination of acceptable training and experience which has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities cited above.

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