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Wilderness Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firefighter

Burgaw, NC · On-site

$54.58K - $67.54K/yr

Operate fire suppression and rescue equipment safely and effectively. Participate in fire ... wilderness environments. Maintains familiarity with specialized equipment. Responsible for ...

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Wilderness Rescue information

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$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.
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:
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.

$23 - $27/hr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Summary: Under supervision of the fire captain, the engineer operates all fire apparatus and equipment; transports crew to the emergency scene; responds to fires, medical, rescue, hazardous material and other emergency and non-emergency situations and takes appropriate action to protect life, property and the environment; performs various staff support assignments in addition to normal emergency response activities; performs related work as assigned.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Safely drives fire apparatus to the scene of an emergency and other routine events, positions apparatus appropriately, and places apparatus in operation as directed by fire supervisory staff.
2. Operates ladder truck and engines during emergency and routine events by correctly positioning ladder or engine, laying hose, calculating and monitoring correct hydraulic requirements, directs engine hook-up and sets up and adjusts controls to ensure proper water flow, operates rescue and other specialized apparatus as may be required.
3. Responds to calls for medical aid, including traffic collisions and rescue events. Provides pre-hospital care at the EMT- I level, including examining patients and monitoring vital signs, use of AED defibrillator, and takes other basic and advanced first aid and life support actions as appropriate; communicates with hospital and/or health care professionals in person or by radio; completes required reports. Restocks supplies and maintains emergency vehicles and equipment in proper working condition.
4. Maintains all current EMT certifications according to Tuolumne County EMS protocol.
5. Responds to and safely performs assigned duties on variety of emergency events including, but not limited to, structure fires, wild land fires, vehicle accidents, medical aids, hazardous materials release, confined space rescue, trench rescue, low and high angle rescue, swift water rescue, and wilderness search and rescue, etc.
6. Operates various auxiliary equipment, such as lights and power during night-time emergency response. Sets up ladder, mounted and other water monitors. Uses hand and power tools to obtain entry to buildings, frees trapped accident victims, shuts off utilities, and provides ventilation.
7. Participates in clean-up, salvage and overhaul operations; cleans, services and ensures operational readiness of fire vehicles, apparatus, hoses and equipment; and assists with the maintenance of station and facilities.
8. Participates in various staff support assignments including but not limited to: fire prevention, inspection of commercial and residential property, training and skills improvement.
Maintenance of inventory records; scheduled inspections of department equipment and apparatus; and fire investigations.
9. Responds to hazardous materials emergencies at the First Responder Operational level.
10. Works with the community in a variety of educational, public relations and service programs; may provide CPR training classes as assigned.
11. Consistently demonstrates the highest level of customer service during emergency and routine situations.
12. Serves as acting captain on a relief basis when certified and licensed to do so; may direct the work of others.
13. Performs all firefighting duties and responsibilities at the Firefighter I Level or higher.
14. Prepares various computerized fire and medical incident reports.
15. Performs all duties and responsibilities in a safe and responsible manner.
16. Attend supervisor training within six months of promotion or hire.
  1. Possess High School Diploma or GED.
  2. Must possess a valid California Class B Commercial driver's license with passenger transportation endorsement, tank endorsement and air brake endorsement. Must maintain current vehicle insurance requirements.
  3. Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
  4. Must possess Engine Boss (ENGB) or higher qualifications.
  5. Must have completed training in Engine Specified Engine Academy or Practicum.
  6. Must be able to work shifts if necessary.
  7. Must possess valid EMT medical certificate, CPR and AED certifications
  8. Must undergo pre-employment and annual physical exam.
  9. Must be able to pass an arduous physical fitness requirement.
  10. Organized, self motivated, and able to perform tasks independently.
  11. Able to interact professionally with people with a wide variety of backgrounds.
  12. Ability to follow detailed instructions in emergency situations.

Physical Requirements:
This position is deemed a level 5 and requires walking, standing, and sitting for prolonged periods of time; climbing stairs, ladders, scaffolding, ramps, etc.; stooping, kneeling, crouching, balancing, crawling and reaching; pushing, pulling and lifting in excess of 100 pounds; raising objects overhead; manual dexterity; hearing, talking and good verbal and written communication skills; repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, and fingers; subject to outside environmental conditions of heat and cold; walking on uneven ground; operation of heavy-weight equipment.
Indian Preference:
Preference in filling vacancies shall be given first to qualified Tuolumne Me-Wuk Community Council Members and then to enrolled Native Americans of any federally recognized tribe. Documentation for claiming preference must be provided with the application for consideration. Other than the above, the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribe is an equal opportunity employer.
Pre-employment Requirements:
Employment is contingent on pre-employment background and drug test results.