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Wilderness Lifeguard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Youth Villages, Inc

Recreation Assistant

Memphis, TN

$50K - $51K/yr

Must have or be able to pass Lifeguard certification (required) * Experience with experiential education, community recreation, wilderness therapy, rock climbing, yoga, personal fitness, art, or ...

Youth Villages

Recreation Assistant

Memphis, TN · On-site

$50K - $51K/yr

Must have or be able to pass Lifeguard certification (required) * Experience with experiential education, community recreation, wilderness therapy, rock climbing, yoga, personal fitness, art, or ...

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Wilderness Lifeguard information

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$68

How much do wilderness lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness lifeguard in the United States is $24.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wilderness lifeguard?

Wilderness Lifeguards are trained professionals responsible for ensuring the safety of individuals in remote outdoor aquatic environments such as lakes, rivers, and natural swimming areas. Their role includes monitoring swimmers, responding to emergencies, administering first aid, and educating the public about water safety in settings where traditional rescue resources may not be readily available. Wilderness Lifeguards often have specialized training in wilderness first aid, rescue techniques, and survival skills to handle emergencies in isolated locations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a wilderness lifeguard?

To thrive as a Wilderness Lifeguard, you need strong swimming ability, first aid and CPR certification, and knowledge of water rescue techniques, often supported by specialized wilderness or open water lifeguard training. Familiarity with rescue equipment like throw bags, rescue boards, and two-way radios is typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, quick decision-making, and strong communication skills help lifeguards respond effectively to emergencies and coordinate with teams. These skills are critical to ensuring safety and swift rescues in unpredictable and remote aquatic environments.

What unique challenges do wilderness lifeguards face compared to traditional pool or beach lifeguards?

Wilderness Lifeguards often work in remote or natural water environments like lakes, rivers, or campsites, where access to advanced rescue equipment and immediate medical support may be limited. They must be prepared to handle unpredictable weather, variable terrain, and natural obstacles such as rocks, currents, or wildlife. Additionally, Wilderness Lifeguards are usually expected to perform first aid, lead emergency evacuations, and educate groups on water safety, making adaptability and strong problem-solving skills essential. Collaboration with other outdoor staff and effective communication are also crucial for ensuring the safety of all participants.

What is the difference between Wilderness Lifeguard vs Surf Lifeguard?

AspectWilderness LifeguardSurf Lifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Wilderness First ResponderCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentRemote outdoor areas, lakes, rivers, wilderness settingsBeaches, oceanfronts, surf zones
Employer & IndustryOutdoor adventure companies, parks, wilderness resortsBeach resorts, coastal communities, surf clubs

Wilderness Lifeguards and Surf Lifeguards both focus on water safety but operate in different environments. Wilderness Lifeguards work in remote, natural settings like lakes and rivers, requiring wilderness-specific certifications. Surf Lifeguards are based at beaches, focusing on ocean safety and surf rescue. While their certifications overlap, their work environments and employer types differ significantly.

What states have the most Wilderness Lifeguard jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wilderness Lifeguard jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Lifeguard jobs?

For Wilderness Lifeguard jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Wilderness Lifeguard job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 40% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,458 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Aquatics and Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator

Prairie View, TX • On-site

The Texas A&M University System
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about The Texas A&M University Systemexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Aquatics and Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator
Agency
Prairie View A&M University
Department
Intramurals
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Prairie View, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
The purpose of this position is to develop, implement and manage aquatics programming and outdoor recreational programs. Focus is on engaging students in activities such as swimming, water aerobics, camping, biking, hiking, canoeing, rock climbing etc.
The salary is determined in accordance with the University's compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates' education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.
Responsibilities:
  • Outdoor Pursuits: Focus is on engaging students in activities such as swimming, water aerobics, camping, biking, hiking, canoeing, rock climbing etc.
  • Aquatics: Recruit, interview, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate the performance and effectiveness of approximately 10+ student employees. These part time student employees serve as aqua class instructors, swim instructors, lifeguards and a student coordinator.
  • Aquatics: Daily supervision and development of student staff. Plan and schedule monthly in-services for the lifeguards to make sure they are staying current on their life saving abilities and processes in place for emergencies to make the pool a safe environment.
  • Aquatics: Responsible for scheduling monthly ARC class offerings for life guards, Rec Sports staff, PVAMU students and local community members. Order and maintain necessary inventory of manikins and supplies (face shields, bandages and wraps etc.) required to teach ARC classes. At the conclusion of each class complete the ARC Instructors Corner process to submit training records and request cards for all participants that successfully complete class.
  • Aquatics and Outdoor Pursuits: Responsible for the coordination, training and procedure to provide certification cards to participants that successfully complete American Red Cross (ARC) CPR and/or First Aid classes. Market and promote that ARC classes are offered at the student recreation center. Coordinate the registration process, confirm payments associated with each class.
  • Aquatics and Outdoor Pursuits: Reviews and justifies records of budget transactions; allocates program area funding to support daily needs. Leads training and conducts assessment & evaluates the effectiveness of programs and student satisfaction with program as it relates to the TAMUS student learning objectives.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Three years of related experience in campus recreation, including related supervisory experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Knowledge of equipment maintenance. Knowledge of program development.
  • Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Excellent customer service and assessment skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses:
  • American Red Cross Adult CPR and AED, First Aid and American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor, American Red Cross Safety Instructor (WSI), Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), level 1 certification or other national recognized ropes course, wilderness excursion instructor/leader certification, AFO or CPO, or ability to obtain WSS (lesson) within three months of employment.

Other Requirements:
  • Work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends. Travel required.

Special Requirements:
  • Applicants with equivalent experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree may be considered. One year of the related experience is the equivalent of one college year. Applicants being considered for the equivalency must have four years of related experience to meet the equivalency in lieu of a Bachelor's degree plus the minimum required years of experience. Applicants being considered for the equivalency must have a total of seven years of experience.

Job Posting Close Date:
  • Until Filled

Required Attachments:
Please attach all required documents listed below in the attachment box labeled as either "Resume/CV or Resume/Cover Letter" on the application. Multiple attachments may be included in the "Resume/CV" or Resume/Cover Letter" attachment box. Any additional attachments provided outside of the required documents listed below are considered optional.
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae

  • Cover Letter

Application Submission Guidelines:
All applicants are required to apply via our Career Site on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, HigherEdJobs, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the PVAMU Career site.
The required documents listed in the above "Required Attachments" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resource on or before the closing date indicated above at 936-261-1730 or jobs@pvamu.edu should you need assistance with the online application process.
Background Check Requirements:
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

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