ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Technical Rescue Jobs in West Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Centers

PT Lifeguard

Huntington, WV · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Water Safety Instructor or Lifeguard Instructor certifications preferred Competencies Technical ... Successful completion of skills tests in swimming, rescue, and other areas as determined by the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTechnical Rescue JobsTechnical Rescue Jobs in West Virginia

Technical Rescue information

See West Virginia salary details

$20.9K

$33.7K

$51.1K

How much do technical rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical rescue in West Virginia is $33,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29,000.00 and $36,400.00 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 job categories do people searching Technical Rescue jobs in West Virginia look for?

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

Technical Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Technical Rescue job openings in West Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,661 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Special Operations Forces: Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR)

Huntington, WV

U.S. Navy
National Security • 10K+ employees
Learn more about U.S. Navyexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 381 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Special Operations Forces: Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR)

Are you ready to challenge yourself in a role that demands courage, skill, and a strong sense of duty? As an Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR), you will be part of an elite team trained to execute daring rescues in treacherous conditions, providing lifesaving support wherever it is needed.

What Does an Aviation Rescue Swimmer Do?

As an AIRR, you will serve as a first responder in high-risk situations, ensuring the safety of military personnel and civilians alike. Whether facing turbulent seas, towering waves, or dangerous combat zones, you will be trained to locate and extract individuals in distress.

Your primary responsibilities may include:

-Performing search and rescue (SAR) operations in open waters, swift currents, and hazardous conditions.

-Conducting emergency medical care to stabilize injured personnel during recovery missions.

-Operating from helicopters such as the MH-60 Seahawk to execute air-sea rescues.

-Supporting humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, providing aid in times of crisis.

-Working alongside pilots and aircrew to plan and execute precision rescue missions.

-Undergoing advanced survival training, including underwater egress, free-fall parachuting, and other specialized skills.

Why Choose a Career as an AIRR?

-Elite Training: Gain advanced skills in survival, aviation, and rescue techniques through some of the most rigorous training available.

-Adventure & Impact: Every mission presents a unique challenge—whether assisting during natural disasters or conducting military operations, your work will save lives.

-Career Growth: Leverage your experience to transition into leadership roles, advanced technical fields, or specialized operations within the Navy and beyond.

-Competitive Benefits: Enjoy exceptional healthcare, educational assistance, travel opportunities, and financial incentives.

Who Are We Looking For?

-The ideal Aviation Rescue Swimmer candidate is:

-Physically and mentally resilient, capable of enduring challenging environments.

-A strong swimmer, comfortable in open water and high-stress situations.

-A team player with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

-Adaptable, ready to take on unpredictable and dynamic missions.

If you are passionate about pushing your limits while making a direct impact on people's lives, this career path could be for you.

What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

US Navy logo

About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All US Navy Jobs

Apply