1

Wilderness Rescue Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Moab, UT · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Maintain situational awareness and readiness to help perform river rescue maneuvers if needed. * 2 ... surrounding wilderness to our guests. As leaders in our industry, we set examples in safety ...

Wilderness Rescue information

See Utah salary details

$46.9K

$83.1K

$120.6K

How much do wilderness rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for wilderness rescue in Utah is $83,116.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,900.00 and $94,200.00 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, high-paying roles include specialized rescue team leaders, search and rescue coordinators, and emergency management directors, often requiring advanced certifications and extensive experience. These positions typically offer higher salaries due to their leadership responsibilities and critical nature in emergency situations.

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. Many positions are part-time or volunteer, with paid roles often requiring certification in wilderness medicine and rescue techniques.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Wilderness rescue jobs typically do not pay $10,000 a month without specialized experience, certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying roles in this field are rare and usually require extensive training, physical fitness, and sometimes advanced certifications like wilderness first responder or rescue technician. Most wilderness rescue positions offer moderate pay, often below that threshold, unless combined with other skills or supervisory responsibilities.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Wilderness rescue jobs typically do not pay $2000 a day; they usually offer hourly wages or project-based pay. High-paying roles in related fields, such as specialized search and rescue contractors or consulting positions, can sometimes reach that level, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and working in remote or high-risk environments.

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 Utah? The most popular types of Wilderness Rescue jobs in Utah are:
What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Rescue jobs in Utah? For Wilderness Rescue jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wilderness Rescue jobs in Utah look for? The top searched job categories for Wilderness Rescue jobs in Utah are:
What cities in Utah are hiring for Wilderness Rescue jobs? Cities in Utah with the most Wilderness Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Wilderness Rescue job openings in Utah as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,116 per year, or $40 per hour.
Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

The Outlaw Group

Moab, UT • On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Join the Team!
At the Outlaw Group, we believe in working hard, playing hard, and constantly striving for excellence.
Not only do we seek to provide unforgettable experiences for our guests, but we encourage our employees to reimagine the best of Colorado's outdoor spaces and urban areas. We are adventurers, innovators, and explorers, and we look for employees that share this same passion for life. We intend to grow together, testing the boundaries of what is possible, as we constantly consider new ways to challenge ourselves and industry standards.
Job Description:
AVA Rafting & Zipline: Raft Guides
Location(s):
Moab Utah
Work Season:
Full time and Part Time, June 2026 to September 2026,
Relocation?:
Would you be moving to Utah for this summer gig? AVA does offer some employee campgrounds for accommodations.
Pay Rate:
Starting pay for experienced guides is 15.56 an hour, with tips adding anywhere from an additional 10 to 20 dollars an hour on average. Guides with additional experience are eligible for further compensation.
AVA is seeking enthusiastic, safety-oriented, and dynamic individuals to join our team as Whitewater Raft Guides for the upcoming season. As a Raft Guide, you will be the face of our company, responsible for leading safe, educational, and fun river trips while ensuring an exceptional customer experience.
A Whitewater Raft Guide is responsible for safely navigating a commercial raft down the river while managing guests, providing interpretive information, and executing swiftwater rescue techniques as needed.
Have River Experience?
AVA is looking for experienced raft guides to join our team across Utah. If you are looking for new water and great people we are the company for you! If you have experience in class III+ whitewater, apply today.
*Experienced raft guides will need up-to date and verifiable river miles upon employment start and will be required to perform checkout runs for each stretch of river to be commercially guided with AVA*
*NOTE* This job does require onsite location in Utah, the company does have options areas for employees to live during the summer
What You'll Do
  • Navigate rafts down a river while managing a great guest experience!
  • Maintain equipment, gear, and the work area.
  • Maintain situational awareness and readiness to help perform river rescue maneuvers if needed.
  • 2 -3 trips a day typically ~9-hour workdays
  • Having a great time outdoors with guest and coworkers!
What we Look For
  • Physically capable individuals passionate about the outdoors.
  • Strong teamwork skills.
  • People with an emphasis on customer care.
  • Experience on class III to class V whitewater.
  • Individuals with up-to-date CPR, First Aid, and other training is always a plus!
Work Availability
  • Part Time < ~30 hours
  • Full Time ~ 40 hours
  • Holidays (4th of July)
Benefits
  • The job is a service industry job meaning guest are encouraged to tip.
  • Base pay is, with tipped income commonly adding an additional 10 to 20 dollars an hour.
  • Gear discounts! AVA works with many companies in the outdoor industry, as an AVA employee you have access to discounts strictly for outdoor industry professionals across many major brands such as North face, Yeti, Patagonia, and more.

Why Apply Today?
Whether it's your love for the Rockies, soaking up the sun, meeting new friends, or trying something new - AVA offers all this as a Whitewater Raft Guide!
Apply on Indeed or directly with our website,
Careers | AVA Rafting: https://www.coloradorafting.net/about-us/employment/
If you are interested in joining the AVA Team this summer, then please apply today! AVA strives to deliver the very highest level of guest service while bringing awareness and understanding of the surrounding wilderness to our guests. As leaders in our industry, we set examples in safety, professionalism, outdoor skills and guest service, while providing low-impact environmental recreation.
AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.