ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Wilderness Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boy Scouts of America

Whitewater River Guide

Glen Jean, WV · On-site

$11.75 - $13.50/hr

Wilderness First Aid & Swiftwater Rescue (training provided) * Position is contingent on passing Swiftwater rescue training. You may be reassigned to other jobs if you fail the course * Willing to ...

Summit Bechtel Reserve

Whitewater River Guide

Glen Jean, WV · On-site

$1.60K - $2.10K/mo

Wilderness First Aid & Swiftwater Rescue (training provided) * Position is contingent on passing Swiftwater rescue training. You may be reassigned to other jobs if you fail the course * Willing to ...

Summit Bechtel Reserve

Whitewater River Guide

Glen Jean, WV · On-site

$1.60K - $2.10K/mo

Wilderness First Aid & Swiftwater Rescue (training provided) * Position is contingent on passing Swiftwater rescue training. You may be reassigned to other jobs if you fail the course * Willing to ...

Nantahala Outdoor Center

SOLO Instructor

Bryson City, NC · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

NOC also provides top-quality aerial and trail-based adventures, wilderness medicine as well as ... EMS, ski patrol, military, rescue squad or other channels Teaching Experience: • Experience ...

City of Pocatello

Lead Program Instructor

Pocatello, ID · On-site

Highest levels of certification required, including Swift Water Rescue, Wilderness First Responder, American Mountain Guide Association or Professional Ski Instructors of America - Nordic. * Nothing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsWilderness Rescue Jobs

Wilderness Rescue information

See salary details

$51.5K

$91.3K

$132.5K

How much do wilderness rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for wilderness rescue in the United States is $91,299.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 job pays 400,000 a year without a degree?

Wilderness rescue jobs typically do not pay $400,000 annually; such high salaries are uncommon in this field. Most rescue professionals earn lower wages, often supplemented by government or organizational funding, and advanced certifications or specialized skills can increase earning potential but rarely reach that level without a degree or extensive experience in related high-paying fields like executive management or specialized consulting.
More about Wilderness Rescue jobs
What cities are hiring for Wilderness Rescue jobs? Cities with the most Wilderness Rescue job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wilderness Rescue jobs? The most popular types of Wilderness Rescue jobs are:
What states have the most Wilderness Rescue jobs? States with the most job openings for Wilderness Rescue jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Wilderness Rescue jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wilderness Rescue jobs are:
Wilderness Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Rescue job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,299 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Multi-Day Raft Guide

Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking

Mccall, ID

$184 - $220/day

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Wet Planet is looking for experienced multi-day raft guides to join our team on the Owyhee River in Oregon, and the Salmon River in Idaho.

Our multi-day raft guide team enjoys making it possible for guests to experience the magic of a multi-day wilderness river adventure. In addition to having prior rowing experience, multi-day guides must prioritize guest care and risk management in order to create seamless, memorable and joyful river adventure experiences for our guests. As the face of Wet Planet, our guides enjoy working with a team of fellow river professionals to make sure our guests have amazing experiences both on the river and at camp.

Wet Planet

Each year, many of our guests and team members return to enjoy the abundance of beautiful rivers we raft and kayak in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Our headquarters is located on the banks of the White Salmon River in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, surrounded by a whitewater paradise and an incredible community of boaters. It's the perfect location for raft guides and kayakers to work and play in the Pacific Northwest. Our multi-day trips are operated in Oregon and Idaho.
Qualifications & Experience:

  • Previous commercial multi-day experience on Class III whitewater
  • Professional appearance, great communication skills, a team player with a positive mindset
  • You love to share the river with guests and interpret natural and human history
  • You prioritize guest care and risk management
  • Current Wilderness First Responder & CPR certification
  • Current River Rescue Certification (Sierra Rescue, ACA Swiftwater, or equivalent)

Multi-Day Season: Our Owyhee season is mid-April through mid-May, and our Main Salmon season is mid-June through mid-September.

Availability:

  • Full-time, full season: Mid April through the second week of September
  • Full-time, peak season: Mid-June through the second week of September
  • Part-time, peak season: Must be available for a minimum of 2 trips in July and/or August

Many of our river team combine work in multiple disciples and enjoy the variety of work throughout the season. For those with skills in paddle rafting, rowing, and/or kayaking, work is available April-September, combining day-trips, multi-day trips, and kayak instruction.

Wet Planet Perks:

  • Access to free trips and courses, and discounted professional training (river rescue courses, medical courses, ACA instructor course, etc.)
  • Cross training for other job areas & opportunities within Wet Planet
  • Discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise in the Wet Planet store and espresso bar
  • Industry Pro Purchase program
  • Free rafting and kayak courses for friends & family
  • Access to local housing options
  • Accrued Sick Leave
  • Retirement plan after two years of employment

Compensation:

  • Compensation by day, Range: $184-$220, based on experience, training & certifications, and role (trainee, guide or sr trip leader)

Combine your desire to play outside with your professional skillset and experience - join our team!

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Apply