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Technical Rescue Jobs in Virginia Beach, VA (NOW HIRING)

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All JobsTechnical Rescue JobsTechnical Rescue Jobs in Virginia Beach, VA

Technical Rescue information

See Virginia Beach, VA salary details

$25.6K

$41.3K

$62.6K

How much do technical rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical rescue in Virginia Beach, VA is $41,264.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,600.00 and $44,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a technical rescue firefighter?

To become a technical rescue firefighter, candidates typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete firefighter training and obtain certification, and gain experience as a firefighter. Specialized rescue training in areas such as rope rescue, confined space, and water rescue is essential, along with certifications like NFPA technical rescue standards. Continuous training and physical fitness are also important for this demanding role.

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 does a technical rescue team do?

A technical rescue team specializes in responding to complex emergencies such as high-angle, confined space, trench, water, and structural rescues. They use specialized equipment, skills, and certifications to safely extricate and assist victims in challenging environments. These teams often work in coordination with emergency services and require ongoing training in rescue techniques and safety protocols.

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 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.

Which emergency job pays the most?

In emergency response roles, specialized positions such as hazardous materials (hazmat) technicians and rescue team leaders tend to have higher salaries due to their advanced training and certifications. Fire chiefs and emergency management directors also earn higher wages, often reflecting leadership responsibilities and experience. Salary levels vary based on location, experience, and the complexity of the rescue operations involved.

What does a rescue technician do?

A rescue technician is responsible for performing technical rescues in emergency situations, such as high-angle, confined space, or water rescues. They use specialized equipment, follow safety protocols, and often require certifications like OSHA or NFPA to safely extract and assist victims in hazardous environments.

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 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.

More about Technical Rescue jobs
What are popular job titles related to Technical Rescue jobs in Virginia Beach, VA? For Technical Rescue jobs in Virginia Beach, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Technical Rescue jobs in Virginia Beach, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Technical Rescue jobs in Virginia Beach, VA are:
Technical Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Technical Rescue job openings in Virginia Beach, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,264 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Firefighter (levels to include: EMT-Advanced, EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic)

Firefighter (levels to include: EMT-Advanced, EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic)

City of Norfolk

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description Norfolk Fire-Rescue: https://www.norfolk.gov/6016/Fire-Rescue The City of Norfolk has over 100 years of fire service response and over 30 years of pre-hospital emergency medical service (EMS) response. Norfolk's firefighters are cross-trained fire and EMS providers. Are you a dedicated, experienced firefighter who thrives under pressure

Consider joining a fire department known for their strong emergency response and rescue skills, team-oriented mindset, and committed to community safety. Norfolk Fire-Rescue is seeking experienced Firefighters across all levels: Firefighter EMT - Advanced (salary range: $60,000 - $83,054 annually) Firefighter Attendant in Charge (AIC) (salary range: $70,000 - $91,334 annually) For any questions, please email NFR Recruiting. Essential Functions For each level include, but are not limited to the following: Firefighter EMT - Advanced (EMT-A) Responds to fire, medical, hazardous material, and technical rescue emergencies and other hazardous events, which may upon review be declared acts of terrorism, to provide a trained workforce for the incident commander to mitigate the emergency and care for the sick and injured.

The Firefighter EMT-A also participates in training, recordkeeping, pre-incident planning, fire safety inspections, public education and equipment and facility maintenance. The Firefighter EMT-A can be assigned to Operations or Administration. All Firefighter EMT-As are subject to emergency recall during times of operational need.

Firefighter AIC's (Firefighter EMT - Intermediate "and" Firefighter EMT - Paramedic) Responds to fire, medical, hazardous material, technical rescue emergencies and other hazardous events, which may upon review be declared acts of terrorism. The Firefighter AIC also participates in training, recordkeeping, pre-incident planning, fire safety inspections, public education, and equipment and facility maintenance. The Firefighter AIC can be assigned to Operations or Administration.

All Firefighter AICs are subject to emergency recall during times of operational need. Education/Experience High school diploma or GED equivalent; Current Driver's License; Completion of an endorsed Fire Academy or other training program approved by the Fire Chief; Current certification in Firefighter I & Firefighter II (accepting: VDFP, Pro Board, or IFSAC accredited); Current certification in Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations (accepting: VDFP, Pro Board, or IFSAC accredited); Current certification in Virginia Office of EMS (VAOEMS) &/or National Registry EMT (NREMT) EMT-Advanced, Intermediate, or Paramedic; Current certification in Basic Life Support and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); Current certifications in National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700 & 800; Current certification in Emergency Vehicle Operations Course or equivalent; Successful completion of medical physical examinations and maintenance of health that establish medical fitness for duty as determined by the City of Norfolk physician. Additional Information & Requirements To view all department specific Automatic Disqualifiers, CLICK HERE Tobacco Use: Selected candidates will be required to sign an acknowledgement indicating that they will refrain from using tobacco products, both on and off duty.

Please ensure the following applicable required documents and/or certifications are attached with your employment application before submitting: ***VDFP FSTRS Transcript for verification is acceptable*** Copy of degree or transcript. Copy of current Driver's License. Copy of certification in Firefighter I & Firefighter II (accepting: VDFP, Pro Board, or IFSAC accredited).

Copy of certification in Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations (accepting: VDFP, Pro Board, or IFSAC accredited). Copy of certification in Virginia Office of EMS (VAOEMS) &/or National Registry EMT (NREMT) EMT-Advanced, Intermediate, or Paramedic. Copy of certification in Basic Life Support and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Copy of certifications in National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700 & 800. Copy of certification in Emergency Vehicle Operations Course or equivalent.

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