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Wilderness Rescue Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

City & Borough of Juneau

Battalion Chief

Juneau, AK · On-site

Capital City Fire/Rescue (CCFR) in Juneau Alaska may be just the place for you. We are seeking an ... wilderness-metropolis home, and for good reason. When you are off-shift, you are minutes away from ...

International SOS

Paramedic

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Lead Rescue Operations: Extricate patients from entrapment and provide specialized rescue services ... Wilderness First Responder Beacon OHSS, a division of International SOS is an equal opportunity ...

All JobsWilderness Rescue JobsWilderness Rescue Jobs in Alaska

Wilderness Rescue information

See Alaska salary details

$55.5K

$98.3K

$142.7K

How much do wilderness rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for wilderness rescue in Alaska is $98,324.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,100.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wilderness rescue?

A Wilderness Rescue job involves locating, assisting, and evacuating individuals who are lost, injured, or in distress in remote or rugged outdoor environments. Rescuers use specialized skills in navigation, first aid, survival techniques, and sometimes technical rope rescue to ensure safety. They often work with emergency services, search and rescue teams, or park agencies to respond quickly to emergencies.

What skills and qualifications are needed for wilderness rescue?

To thrive as a Wilderness Rescue professional, a strong background in emergency medical care, navigation, survival skills, and physical fitness is typically required, often supported by certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or EMT. Familiarity with technical rescue equipment, GPS devices, and radio communication systems is essential for safe and efficient operations. Exceptional teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this field. These skills and qualities ensure effective response in challenging, remote environments where timely and coordinated action can save lives.

What are common challenges faced by wilderness rescue professionals?

Wilderness Rescue professionals often encounter unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and limited access to resources, which can make rescue operations physically and mentally demanding. Team members must be prepared to adapt quickly to changing conditions and to execute complex rescues in remote areas where communication and logistics may be complicated. Collaboration with other agencies, such as park services or local emergency responders, is often required, and clear team coordination is crucial for safety and success. Candidates should be ready for irregular hours and the need to respond at a moment’s notice, making flexibility and resilience essential traits for this role.

How to become wilderness search and rescue?

To become a wilderness search and rescue (SAR) responder, individuals typically need to complete emergency medical training such as CPR and first aid, obtain wilderness survival skills, and gain experience in outdoor environments. Many SAR teams require volunteers to pass background checks, complete specialized training, and be physically fit to operate in challenging terrain and conditions.

What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Rescue jobs in Alaska?

For Wilderness Rescue jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wilderness Rescue jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Wilderness Rescue jobs in Alaska are:

Wilderness Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Rescue job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,324 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Advanced Life Support Provider

Girdwood Fire Department

Girdwood, AK • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Girdwood Fire & Rescue is seeking skilled and motivated Advanced Life Support Providers (Paramedics or AEMT-level) to join our dedicated team serving the Girdwood Valley and surrounding areas. Our providers deliver high-quality prehospital care in one of Alaska's most dynamic response environments, where trauma, environmental emergencies, and long transport times demand strong clinical judgment, teamwork, and adaptability.

About the Role

As an ALS provider with Girdwood Fire & Rescue, you'll operate in both urban interface and remote wilderness settings, providing critical care in challenging terrain and variable weather conditions. You'll work closely with fellow firefighters, EMTs, and partner agencies to stabilize and transport patients-often across extended distances requiring advanced decision-making and endurance.

Responsibilities

  • Deliver advanced prehospital medical care, including trauma management and advanced airway interventions.
  • Participate in fire and rescue operations as needed, including technical and wilderness rescue and vehicle extrication.
  • Maintain readiness of ambulances and equipment; ensure all supplies are stocked and functional.
  • Collaborate with medical director, hospital staff, dispatch, and adjacent EMS agencies to ensure seamless continuum of care.
  • Participate in ongoing training, quality improvement and skill development to maintain clinical excellence and operational safety.

Qualifications

  • Current State of Alaska Paramedic or AEMT certification (or ability to obtain prior to hire).
  • Current ACLS, PALS, and BLS certifications (PHTLS or ITLS preferred).
  • Valid Alaska driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Strong clinical skills, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure in remote settings.
  • Experience in wilderness or rural EMS environments strongly preferred

Why Girdwood Fire & Rescue

  • Operate in a unique, high-acuity service area where mountain rescue, trauma response, and extended transports are part of daily operations.
  • Work alongside a passionate, close-knit team committed to professional growth, community service, and operational excellence.
  • Comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for training.

Apply