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Wilderness Rescue Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

American Ambulance of Visalia

Fireline EMT

Visalia, CA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Wilderness Medicine: Wilderness medicine experience is preferred. * Adaptability: Ability to ... Rescue Certifications: Possession of certifications such as High Angle Rope Rescue Technician ...

NV5

Technician II Diver

South Lake Tahoe, CA

$25/hr

Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Scientific Diver, Altitude Diver, Drysuit Diver, Divemaster * CPR/First Aid, Emergency Medical Responder, or Wilderness First Responder certification * Motorized ...

NV5

Technician II Diver

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Scientific Diver, Altitude Diver, Drysuit Diver, Divemaster * CPR/First Aid, Emergency Medical Responder, or Wilderness First Responder certification * Motorized ...

NV5

Survey Technician

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Scientific Diver, Altitude Diver, Drysuit Diver, Divemaster * CPR/First Aid, Emergency Medical Responder, or Wilderness First Responder certification * Motorized ...

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort

Trail Crew

Twin Bridges, CA · On-site

$20/hr

... rescue and trail maintenance and in maintaining base first aid facilities. * Contribute to team ... EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE EMT, OEC and/or Wilderness First Responder preferred. High school ...

NV5

Technician II Diver

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Scientific Diver, Altitude Diver, Drysuit Diver, Divemaster * CPR/First Aid, Emergency Medical Responder, or Wilderness First Responder certification * Motorized ...

NV5

Survey Technician

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Scientific Diver, Altitude Diver, Drysuit Diver, Divemaster * CPR/First Aid, Emergency Medical Responder, or Wilderness First Responder certification * Motorized ...

NV5

Survey Technician

San Marcos, CA

$25/hr

Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Scientific Diver, Altitude Diver, Drysuit Diver, Divemaster * CPR/First Aid, Emergency Medical Responder, or Wilderness First Responder certification * Motorized ...

All JobsWilderness Rescue JobsWilderness Rescue Jobs in California

Wilderness Rescue information

See California salary details

$50.8K

$90.1K

$130.8K

How much do wilderness rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for wilderness rescue in California is $90,104.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $102,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Wilderness Rescue position, and why are they important?

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 holistic job makes the most money?

In the context of wilderness rescue, the highest-paying roles are often specialized emergency responders such as paramedics or search and rescue team leaders, especially those with advanced certifications and extensive experience. These positions typically require specialized training, certifications, and sometimes advanced degrees, and they offer higher compensation due to the skill level and risk involved.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Wilderness rescue jobs typically do not pay $4,000 a week without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying roles in this field are rare and usually require extensive training, certifications like CPR or wilderness first aid, and experience in outdoor or emergency response environments. Most wilderness rescue positions offer hourly wages or salaries significantly below that threshold without advanced qualifications.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Wilderness rescue jobs typically do not pay $500,000 annually; high-paying roles in this field are usually in management, consulting, or specialized training, but salaries rarely reach that level. Most top earners in related outdoor or emergency services earn significantly less, often supplemented by additional roles or private consulting. Achieving such high income generally requires advanced certifications, extensive experience, or leadership positions in related industries.

What is a Wilderness Rescue job?

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.

How much do wilderness first responders get paid?

Wilderness first responders typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the organization. Salaries can vary based on whether the role is part-time, seasonal, or volunteer, and additional certifications like CPR or advanced rescue training can influence pay rates.

What are some common challenges faced by Wilderness Rescue professionals in the field?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Wilderness Rescue jobs in California? The most popular types of Wilderness Rescue jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Rescue jobs in California? For Wilderness Rescue jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wilderness Rescue jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Wilderness Rescue jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Wilderness Rescue jobs? Cities in California with the most Wilderness Rescue job openings:
Wilderness Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Rescue job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,104 per year, or $43.3 per hour.
Fireline EMT

Fireline EMT

American Ambulance of Visalia

Visalia, CA • On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Temporary

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Emergency Patient Transport: Transport injured or sick individuals from the fireline to fire camp or medical facilities.
  2. First Aid Assessment: Determine the nature and extent of illness or injury to establish first aid procedures.
  3. On-Site First Aid: Administer prescribed first-aid treatment at the site of emergency, or in specially equipped vehicles.
  4. Medical Expertise: Apply knowledge of pathophysiology and related disease processes of the acute patient.
  5. Effective Communication: Communicate and develop interpersonal relationships with medical unit leaders and other interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
  6. Equipment Care: Maintain and care for equipment and vehicles by completing daily, weekly, and monthly rig checks, promptly reporting any issues.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. EMS Experience: Ambulance and EMS experience is preferred.
  2. Wilderness Medicine: Wilderness medicine experience is preferred.
  3. Adaptability: Ability to function independently and comfortably in a wilderness setting.
  4. Self-Motivation: Self-motivated to learn about the intricacies of the fire industry.
  5. Calm Under Pressure: Capable of staying calm in stressful situations and calling in multiple resources as needed.
  6. Organizational Skills: Ability to stay organized and follow a chain of command, including Incident Command System (ICS) procedures.
  7. Reliability: Trustworthy and forthcoming in all responsibilities.
  8. Availability: Able to work 14-21 consecutive days.
  9. Camping Skills: Willing and able to camp out and sleep in a tent.

REQUIREMENTS BEFORE HIRE:
  1. Licensing: Hold a California EMT License associated with any California LEMSA.
  2. Certifications: Possess a current BLS Certification.
  3. Driving: If you have a California driver's license, you must have an Ambulance Driver's Certification and a Clean Driving Record.
  4. Training: Attend our Fireline EMS Refresher in April 2024 (invitations will be sent after the first interview).
  5. Safety Certification: Complete Incident Safety Awareness for the Hired Vendor Class and RT-130 | Wildland Fire Safety Annual Refresher during our Fireline EMS Refresher.
  6. Physical Fitness: Pass the NWCG Work Capacity Test at the arduous level, which involves a 3-mile walk under 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack, available in-house during our Fireline EMS Refresher.

REQUIREMENTS BEFORE FIRST DAY OF WORK:
  1. Firefighter Training: Complete the online S-130 - Firefighter Training and S-190 - Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior courses.
  2. Incident Command System: Complete online courses, including ICS - 100, ICS - 200, ICS - 700, and ICS - 800, introducing you to the Incident Command System and National Incident Management System.

BONUS QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
  1. Driving Skills: Experience in driving 4WD vehicles or UTVs.
  2. Trailer Handling: Proficiency in towing and backing trailers.
  3. Rescue Certifications: Possession of certifications such as High Angle Rope Rescue Technician, LARRO | Low Angle Rope Rescue Operator, Swiftwater Rescue Technician.
  4. ROHVA Certificate: Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROHVA) Certificate.

PERKS:
  1. Team Environment: Work alongside fun, outdoorsy co-workers from across the country.
  2. Flexible Location: Live anywhere, as long as you have reliable transportation to reach our home base in Visalia, CA when called out for an assignment.
  3. Varied Work: Operate on 4x4 ambulances, 4x4 mobile treatment centers, UTVs, and mobile medical units (clinics).
  4. Outdoor Lifestyle: Embrace the opportunity to work and sleep outdoors.
  5. Meals Provided: Enjoy provided meals during your assignments.

Apply