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Technical Rescue Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Fire and Rescue Captain

Winchester, VA · On-site

$85K - $124K/yr

In addition to supervisory and logistical responsibilities, Captains function in an operational assignment to respond to medical, fire, hazardous material, technical rescue, and other hazardous ...

Firefighter (Firefighter/EMT)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$70K - $124K/yr

FCFRD is a premier all-hazards fire and rescue department providing basic and advanced life support (BLS and ALS) emergency medical services (EMS), fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous ...

Fire Medic

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$71K - $120K/yr

... technical rescue work, are the most difficult and responsible areas of activity, a major portion of time is spent studying and presenting material relative to methods and techniques of fire ...

Fire Medic

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$71K - $120K/yr

Although driving and operating equipment, as well as firefighting and technical rescue work, are the most difficult and responsible areas of activity, a major portion of time is spent studying and ...

Employees receive continuous training in rescue, confined space, and technical safety practices to enhance their skills and advance their careers. Benefits * 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with ...

Emergency Response Team Member

Richmond, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

The Emergency Response Team serves as a team member to carry out fire suppression and technical rescue, medical emergency response, fire prevention and hazardous material emergency response ...

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Technical Rescue information

See Virginia salary details

$26.8K

$43.1K

$65.4K

How much do technical rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical rescue in Virginia is $43,107.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,200.00 and $46,600.00 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Technical Rescue jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Technical Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Technical Rescue job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,107 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Fire and Rescue Captain

Winchester, VA • On-site

City of Winchester
501 - 1,000 employees

$85K - $124K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervises station personnel, manages daily station operations, and oversees station and equipment maintenance.

  • Responds to and manages emergency incidents including medical, fire, hazardous material, and technical rescue events.

  • Provides training, conducts performance evaluations, and maintains personnel records to develop staff and ensure operational readiness.


Job description

Description The Fire & Rescue Captain is responsible for middle management leadership and assigned as the station commander for their designated station. In addition to supervisory and logistical responsibilities, Captains function in an operational assignment to respond to medical, fire, hazardous material, technical rescue, and other hazardous events. During these events, Captains provide working supervision for the incident commander to accomplish command and control and manage the appropriate actions to mitigate the emergency and care for sick and injured.

Captains also serve as the shift training coordinator and direct and lead subordinates in associated duties including training, pre-incident planning, public education, and equipment and facility maintenance. Work is often performed under emergency conditions and frequently involves considerable hazards. Captains are required to maintain appropriate training and proficiency to serve in an acting Battalion Chief capacity and will serve as the primary fill-in as needed.

All Captains are subject to emergency recall during times of operational need. Examples of operational need include, but are not limited to, staffing shortages, weather events, multi-alarm fires, hazardous material incidents, and acts of terrorism. These events may require the Fire Captain to work multiple consecutive shifts.

Salary starts at $85,000, based on experience. Employees earn holiday pay and a minimum of 19 hours of PTO per month based on relevant government experience. Duties and Responsibilities: Serves as a direct supervisor for their assigned station and provides oversight of the station and personnel activities Conducts performance evaluations on assigned subordinates Supervises daily station operations by scheduling personnel, assigning duties and tasks, overseeing station and equipment maintenance, directing station operations, maintaining records, ordering supplies, and preparing correspondence Develops personnel by creating, implementing, and maintaining a shift training program while providing direct instruction, evaluation, counseling, and discipline.

Maintains and updates personnel records. Maintains communication with their shift Battalion Chief for guidance and supervision on various tasks and responsibilities Serves as a primary backup Battalion Chief based on operational need Responds to medical emergencies and participates in and directs the delivery of basic and advanced life support procedures in accordance with local protocols Responds to fire scenes. Participates and directs the application of water and/or chemical agents to control and extinguish fires and the performance of search and rescue, forcible entry, ventilation, salvage, and overhaul.

Responsible for ensuring that an initial cause and origin are determined at all fire incidents. Responds to hazardous materials emergencies (accidental or intentional) to participate in and/or direct effective hazard control strategies Responds to technical rescue emergencies (accidental or intentional) to participate in and/or direct and manage effective hazard control strategies Responds to hazardous conditions and general service calls to participate in and/or direct and manage effective hazard control strategies. Provides salvage and recovery support to owners and/or occupants of damaged properties Drives and operates emergency apparatus based on operational need Supervises and assists with fire prevention inspections and activities Participates in continuing education training and instructional programs by individual study of technical material and attendance at scheduled drills and classes Performs continuous quality improvement (CQI) reviews of EMS and fire reports Conducts public safety programs and tours of fire and rescue stations and grounds as needed Performs special projects as assigned Participates in and maintains good physical condition as prescribed in the Department's Physical Conditioning and Wellness Program Contributes to a positive work environment Other duties as assigned Requirements: Minimum of 1 year as a company officer within a career department Any education equivalent to an associate's degree is required.

Associate's degree in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, or other applicable field (e.g. emergency management, leadership, business administration) or Bachelor's degree is preferred Certification requirements Valid driver's license Virginia Department of Fire Programs recognized certifications in - Fire Officer Level 2, Fire Instructor Level 2, Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) Level 3, Driver/Operator Pumper (DPO), Driver/Operator Aerial (DAO), Mayday Firefighter Down, and Hazardous Materials Operations Current certification as a Virginia Office of EMS (OEMS) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), or Paramedic. (preferred)

Captains must maintain their OEMS certification and can be cleared by the EMS Physician to function as an attendant in charge. NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800 ICS 300 and 400 Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of supervisory principles and practices. Ability to effectively supervise others during emergencies and non-emergency situations.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of emergency medical services, rescue, fire prevention, fire suppression, fire cause and origin, and hazardous materials mitigation. Ability to learn and maintain knowledge of departmental rules and regulations, local geography, safety hazards, firefighting, and rescue resources. Thorough knowledge of the use and maintenance of firefighting and emergency medical service equipment and apparatus.

The City of Winchester is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other classification protected by law.