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Wilderness Rescue Jobs in Salt Lake City, UT (NOW HIRING)

Wilderness Rescue information

See Salt Lake City, UT salary details

$49.8K

$88.4K

$128.2K

How much do wilderness rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for wilderness rescue in Salt Lake City, UT is $88,351.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,400.00 and $100,200.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Wilderness Rescue jobs in Salt Lake City, UT?

The most popular types of Wilderness Rescue jobs in Salt Lake City, UT are:

What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Rescue jobs in Salt Lake City, UT?

For Wilderness Rescue jobs in Salt Lake City, UT, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wilderness Rescue jobs in Salt Lake City, UT look for?

The top searched job categories for Wilderness Rescue jobs in Salt Lake City, UT are:

Infographic showing various Wilderness Rescue job openings in Salt Lake City, UT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,351 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Assistant/Associate/Professor (Lecturer) - Lecturer Track - DOQ

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

388th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Information
Position/Rank Assistant/Associate/Professor (Lecturer) - (Lecturer) Track - DOQ Department 00196 - Health & Kinesiology City Salt Lake City, UT Track Non Tenure Track New Position to Begin 07/01/2026 Details
University of Utah, College of Health
Department of Health & Kinesiology
Assistant/Associate/Professor (Lecturer), Lecturer Track, Career-line position
Emergency Program Director

The Department of Health & Kinesiology at the University of Utah invites applications for a full-time, 1.0 FTE, Lecturer Track faculty position at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Professor, depending on experience. This faculty member will serve as Director of the Center for Emergency Programs, providing academic and administrative leadership for the University of Utah's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) education programs, including EMT, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic, and wilderness and technical rescue training. The position combines program management, teaching, and community engagement to advance the Center's mission of preparing high-quality emergency care professionals.

The Director oversees program operations, faculty and staff supervision, budget management, accreditation compliance, and curriculum development, while maintaining active involvement in teaching and student mentorship.
Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Administration
Provide strategic direction and day-to-day oversight of EMS education programs.
Develop and manage annual budgets, financial plans, and resource allocation.
Ensure compliance with accreditation standards (CoAEMSP, CAAHEP, Utah Bureau of EMS).
Conduct program evaluations and lead continuous quality improvement efforts.
Prepare reports and maintain program documentation for internal and external review.
Academic Instruction and Curriculum Development
Teach courses within EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic programs in classroom and laboratory settings.
Develop, update, and assess curricula to reflect current emergency care best practices.
Advise and mentor students to support academic and professional success.
Participate in departmental and university committees and service activities.
Community and Professional Engagement
Establish and maintain partnerships with EMS agencies, hospitals, and public health organizations.
Coordinate clinical and field internship placements for students.
Represent the Center at professional meetings, conferences, and community events.
Promote program visibility and collaboration across campus and the community.
Personnel Management
Recruit, hire, train, and supervise instructional and administrative staff.
Conduct performance evaluations and provide professional development opportunities.
Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
Problem Solving
The Director independently addresses a broad range of academic, administrative, and operational challenges requiring judgment and knowledge of University policy, EMS education standards, and accreditation requirements. The position regularly develops solutions to issues involving student performance, clinical placements, faculty workload, and resource constraints, and recommends policy or procedural improvements to the Department Chair.

Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree in Emergency Medical Services, Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, Education, Public Health, or a related field.
Current Utah licensure as one of the following:
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Advanced EMT (AEMT)
Paramedic
Registered Nurse (RN)
Physician Associate (PA)
Minimum of five (5) years of clinical experience in prehospital, emergency, or urgent care settings.
Demonstrated experience in EMS or healthcare education and program leadership.
Knowledge of budgeting, financial management, and personnel supervision.

Preferences
Experience with CoAEMSP and/or CAAHEP accreditation processes.
Background in higher education administration or faculty roles.
Proven success in curriculum design, student engagement, and assessment.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Work is performed in both office and classroom/laboratory settings. The position may require occasional travel to clinical and field training sites and participation in community or professional events. Some physical activity related to EMS instruction may be required (e.g., lifting training equipment, demonstrating procedures).

Disclaimer
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties as necessary to meet organizational needs.

Application Process and Materials
The position will remain open until a qualified applicant is identified. Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled. The expected start date for the position is July 1, 2026; however, this can be negotiated. Rank and salary are dependent upon experience and qualifications.

Individuals interested in the faculty position should apply through the University of Utah HR system at this link: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/196951

Applicants should include the following items in their application:
1) Cover Letter
2) Current CV
3) Statement of Teaching Philosophy
4) A list of 3 references with contact information - attach under "Document - Other"

Inquires may be sent to:
Tim Brusseau, PhD
Professor and Chair
Department of Health & Kinesiology
College of Health
Tim.brusseau@utah.edu
801-587-7900
University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. U of U Health values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, acceptance, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Information

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.

Notice

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Special Instructions for Candidates
Individuals interested in the faculty position should apply through the University of Utah HR system at this link: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/196951

Applicants should include the following items in their application:
1) Cover Letter
2) Current CV
3) Statement of Teaching Philosophy
4) A list of 3 references with contact information - attach under "Document - Other"

Inquires may be sent to:
Tim Brusseau, PhD
Professor and Chair
Department of Health & Kinesiology
College of Health
Tim.brusseau@utah.edu
801-587-7900
Open Date 03/02/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Requisition Number PRN04015F Type Faculty

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US