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Wilderness Rescue Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

BLACKBERRY FARM

Ropes Course Guide

Walland, TN · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

... rescue procedures Must comply with all company policies and procedures. To perform the essential ... Wilderness First Aid LANGUAGE SKILLS Excellent verbal communication skills Must be able to ...

All JobsWilderness Rescue JobsWilderness Rescue Jobs in Tennessee

Wilderness Rescue information

See Tennessee salary details

$46.7K

$82.9K

$120.3K

How much do wilderness rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for wilderness rescue in Tennessee is $82,865.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,700.00 and $93,900.00 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Wilderness Rescue jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Rescue jobs in Tennessee? For Wilderness Rescue jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wilderness Rescue jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Wilderness Rescue jobs in Tennessee are:
Wilderness Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Rescue job openings in Tennessee 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 $82,865 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Soaky Mountain Waterpark Lifeguard

Wilderness Territory

Sevierville, TN • On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY: The key duty of a Lifeguard is to uphold the standards set forth by Jeff Ellis and Associates, Wilderness at the Smokies and Soaky Mountain Waterpark.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.
  • Oversee guest safety while in waterpark.
  • Maintain lifeguard License with Jeff Ellis and Associates.
  • Assist in maintaining cleanliness of waterpark.
  • Attend monthly in-service training as required.
  • Participate in contributing to guest satisfaction.
  • All other duties as assigned by management.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Level 1
No prior experience or training.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Level 3
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Level 2
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
REASONING ABILITY: Level 3
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
  • Ellis & Associates Lifeguard License

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Ability to swim proficiently to rescue others.
  • Comfortable working on elevated structures, such as slide towers.
  • Willingness to perform any required task within associate's capabilities in order to effectively meet the needs of the company.
  • Ability to get along well with others.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Ability to act independently with little supervision.
  • Efficiently handle multiple duties.
  • Requires a good understanding of company policies and procedures.
  • Ability to handle stressful situations
  • Good attendance and punctual.
  • Exhibits professionalism.
  • Exhibits good grooming habits.
  • Wears the proper uniform.
  • Works efficiently.
  • Follows all resort and office policies and standard operating procedures.
  • Conducts themselves in a professional manner with a positive attitude.
  • Must be at least 15 years of age for Shallow Guard, and 16 years of age for Special Facilities guard

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Activities:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:
    • Regularly stand, walk, talk and/or hear
    • Frequently use hands to finger, handle and/or feel, reach with hands and/or arms, climb and/or balance
    • Occasionally sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl

Lifting Activities:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:
    • Regularly lift up to 10 and 25 pounds
    • Frequently lift up to 50 pounds with assistance
    • Occasionally lift up to and more than 100 pounds with assistance

Vision Requirements: Close Vision, Distant Vision, Peripheral Vision, Depth Perception, Ability to Adjust Focus
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • Regularly exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather), outdoor weather conditions, work near moving mechanical parts, and at risk of UV radiation
  • Frequently work in high precarious places and exposed to vibration
  • Occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles

Noise Levels: Loud

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