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Wilderness Rescue Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Wilderness Rescue information

See Virginia salary details

$51.1K

$90.5K

$131.4K

How much do wilderness rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for wilderness rescue in Virginia is $90,516.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $102,600.00 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Wilderness Rescue jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Rescue jobs in Virginia? For Wilderness Rescue jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Wilderness Rescue job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,516 per year, or $43.5 per hour.
Hydaway Operations Assistant

Hydaway Operations Assistant

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

$12.77/hr

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago


Liberty University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

165th of 560 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Campus Rec Student Worker is responsible for performing operational tasks for Campus Recreation programs and facilities. They will provide excellent customer service, maintain facility and asset cleanliness, ensure that all policies are followed by guests and participants, and ensure all safety measures are being implemented.
The Hydaway Operations Assistant is responsible for performing operational tasks and maintaining park cleanliness at the Hydaway Outdoor Center. They will ensure that all policies are followed by guests and that all safety measures are being implemented at the facility.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Responsible for ensuring customer safety, facility cleanliness, effective operations, and a high level of customer service, at the Hydaway Outdoor Center, during operational hours.
2. Assist in the maintenance and adherence of risk management procedures and policies at the Hydaway Outdoor Center, ensuring compliance with University policies.
3. Responsible for engaging patrons, securing waivers, assisting with reservations, and assigning rental equipment to customers.
4. Effectively communicate any issues or customer complaints to the Hydaway Outfitter Manager on shift.
5. Aid Managers in ensuring that CSER workers and volunteers are working their assigned jobs during events.
6. Responsible to ensure clean and organized indoor facilities through stocking supplies and maintaining clean restrooms and public spaces.
7. Responsible to assist with check-out and maintenance of rental equipment and the Hydaway Outdoor Recreation Center, including regular cleaning.
8. Regularly assist with events and operations during evening, nights or weekend hours.
9. Attend all required Campus Recreation trainings and meetings.
10. Perform all other tasks assigned by the Assistant Director Hydaway to assist with Campus Recreation operations and programming.
11. Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU's mission.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no supervisory responsibilities
QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Minimum Qualifications
  • Current Liberty University student

  • Current CPR/AED and First Aid Certification

  • Ability to work up to 18 hours per week

  • Availability to work a variety of different shifts (weekends, early morning, afternoon, late night)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Wilderness First Aid Certifications, Challenge Course Certifications, and/or Swiftwater Rescue Certifications

  • Previous experience with outdoor recreation programming or facilities

  • Experience in a customer service position

  • Desire to pursue Recreation Management as a career field

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB
Communication and Comprehension
  • Ability to communicate effectively to convey clear, well-articulated information.

  • Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.

  • Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University.

  • Strong organizational skills.

  • Excellent computer skills.

Problem Solving
  • Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities
  • Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard. (If not administrative duties, such as labor, define general physical abilities.

  • Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.

  • Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.

  • Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.

  • Regularly lift 40 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment
The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is split between a climate-controlled office setting and outdoor facilities. Both areas are well lit and the noise level is moderate.
Driving Requirements
This position does not require driving. Though, driving of University UTV's will be done after appropriate training.
If the employee is required to travel in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the use of one's personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel. Proof of a valid driver's license, an acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance is required when driving in the performance of the employee's position.
Time Type
Part time
Location
Onsite
Pay Rate
Starting at $12.77
Student employees are paid at least the current Virginia minimum wage per hour. Pay may vary by position and department based on job responsibilities, required skills, available funding, and market conditions.
The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University's hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.

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