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Technical Rescue Jobs in Wilmington, NC (NOW HIRING)

Firefighter

Leland, NC · On-site

$57K - $71K/yr

Description Performs technical and protective service work, ensuring assigned apparatus, equipment and facilities are maintained in appropriate readiness, operating firefighting and rescue apparatus ...

Firefighter Academy

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$26.51 - $30.90/hr

NC EMT, NC Certified Firefighter, Technical Rescue, Driver/Operator * HS Fire course or Junior Academy certification of completion must be attached * MILITARY * DD214 to support active duty military ...

... technical information and assistance related to Anti−Surface Warfare, Anti− Air Warfare, Anti−Submarine Warfare, Amphibious Warfare, Mine Warfare, Naval Gunfire Support, search and rescue ...

Perform technical and clinical procedures required by study protocols, including venipuncture ... rescue drugs, while maintaining scheduled assessments of the code/crash cart and AED and ensuring ...

Perform technical and clinical procedures required by study protocols, including venipuncture ... rescue drugs, while maintaining scheduled assessments of the code/crash cart and AED and ensuring ...

Perform technical and clinical procedures required by study protocols, including venipuncture ... rescue drugs, while maintaining scheduled assessments of the code/crash cart and AED and ensuring ...

... and rescue missions. * As Pilots, operate aircraft from ships and shore, conduct carrier ... Aviation Maintenance Duty Officers complete officer accession training and receive formal technical ...

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Showing results 1-20

Technical Rescue information

See Wilmington, NC salary details

$23.2K

$37.3K

$56.6K

How much do technical rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical rescue in Wilmington, NC is $37,319.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,200.00 and $40,300.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Technical Rescue jobs in Wilmington, NC? For Technical Rescue jobs in Wilmington, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Technical Rescue jobs in Wilmington, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Technical Rescue jobs in Wilmington, NC are:
Infographic showing various Technical Rescue job openings in Wilmington, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,319 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
Firefighter

$57K - $71K/yr

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description

Performs technical and protective service work, ensuring assigned apparatus, equipment and facilities are maintained in appropriate readiness, operating firefighting and rescue apparatus in a safe and efficient manner, assisting with technical expertise and equipment operation in technical rescue operation, and related work as apparent or assigned. This position is designated as a safety sensitive position and will be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings under the Town's Drug-Free and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy. This position is designated as essential during emergency or disaster situations. Work is performed under the close supervision of the Fire/Rescue Captain.  Applies the mission of the Leland Department, the Town of Leland's core values, and encouraging others to do the same. 


Essential Job Functions 

  • Participates in fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, technical rescues, training and disaster preparedness program services and activities. 
  • Responds to emergency incidents as required by departmental policy. 
  • Provides pre-hospital care in accordance with departmental and Brunswick County policies; protects privacy of all patient information in accordance with departmental policies. 
  • Works and trains with others striving to meet the mission of the department. 
  • Works with their crew to conduct and prepare pre-incident surveys, secures emergency scenes, performs fire extinguishment, performs salvage and overhaul operations, and provides emergency medical services. 
  • Performs station maintenance and duties; conducts repair or alteration to station facilities, grounds and equipment; performs routine and periodic inspections of apparatus. 
  • May operate department, vehicles and radios, as assigned. 
  • Works with program managers and career staff, striving for consistency throughout the organization. 
  • Participates in a variety of community events on behalf of the Department.    
  • Participates in ongoing firefighting, rescue and emergency medical training; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire prevention, suppression, training, and management. 
  • Conducts public information/education classes related to fire prevention, hazardous materials, disaster preparedness and other department activities. 
  • May work with others to prepare and maintain a variety of records and manuals. 
  • Performs work during emergency/disaster situations upon request and as assigned by the Fire/Rescue Captain or higher ranking officer . 
  • Occasionally may be asked to perform duties outside of your normal responsibilities/rank based on the needs of the department. 
  • Regularly demonstrates the Town's core values of respect, engagement, supportive work environment, communication and service excellence. 
  • Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by a Fire/Rescue Captain or higher ranking officer that are legal instructions. 

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED 
  • Minimal (less than one year) experience in fire prevention, suppression, emergency medical services. 
  • Possession of a valid NC Class C driver's license. 
  • Possession of NC EMT Credential or ability to obtain Reciprocity within six (6) months of hire. 
  • Possession of a North Carolina FFII certification or the ability to obtain reciprocity with IFSAC or ProBoard Firefighter certification.  Any reciprocity must be received prior to employment. 
  • Completion of NIMS ICS 100 and 200, IS 700 and 800 courses within one year of hire. 
  • Possession of or ability to obtain NC Technical Rescuer General certification within 2 years of hire. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

  • Ability to apply the Town's and Department's core values to daily performance. 
  • Some knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and codes and regulations. 
  • Some knowledge of the geography and street layout of the service districts and surrounding areas.  
  • Some knowledge of fire ground tactics and strategy, the Incident Command System (ICS), principles of incident safety, hazardous materials incident management techniques, technical rescue techniques, and emergency medical practices. 
  • Some knowledge of fire science theory, principles and practices and their application to a wide variety of emergency service operations including emergency medical care, fire suppression, fire prevention, and fire investigation; operational characteristics of fire apparatus and equipment including emergency driving techniques; safe fire apparatus operation; fire prevention principles, methods and practices. 
  • Some knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to fire and emergency medical service operations. 
  • Some knowledge of basic technical rescue tactics and strategy. 
  • Some knowledge hydraulic and mechanical concepts. 
  • Some knowledge of departmental policies, procedures and manual of operations of the Fire/Rescue Department. 
  • Ability to operate in extremely dangerous scenarios and life and death environments that potentially expose the individual to great bodily harm or death. 
  • Ability to perform in dynamic, highly stressful situations. 
  • Ability to react quickly and calmly in all types of emergency and departmental scenarios. 
  • Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions and project consequences of proposed actions. 
  • Ability to assess situations to determine tactical objectives on emergency scenes. 
  • Ability to work extended hours and days to meet all operational needs when necessary.  May be recalled to duty at any time by the Incident Commander or the Fire Chief. 
  • Ability to make arithmetic computations using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. 
  • Ability to compute rates, ratios, and percentages. 
  • Ability to follow oral and written directions. 
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, other medical personnel, law enforcement, and the general public. 

Physical Requirements 

  • Must pass the annual Job Physical Ability Test (JPAT).   
  • Ability to wear a respirator (SCBA) to safely perform firefighting operations, or perform rescues in conditions where smoke or gases may be present; duties may require SCBA usage for thirty (30) minutes to several hours at one time. 

In addition, this work requires regular exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 100 pounds of force; work regularly requires standing, walking, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, lifting, and repetitive motions; frequently requires sitting, smelling; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts within arm's length, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions, exposure to bloodborne pathogens, and exposure to fumes or airborne particles; work occasionally requires exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working in high, precarious places, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to extreme heat (non-weather), exposure to the risk of electrical shock, working with explosives, exposure to vibration, and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic). 


NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions