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Wilderness Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pender County Government

Firefighter/EMT

Burgaw, NC · On-site

$54K - $67K/yr

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

County of Crow Wing, MN

Mounted Patrol Volunteer

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Search and Rescue Support : Assist law enforcement agencies in search and rescue operations in wilderness areas or other locations accessible by horseback. * Crime Prevention : Serve as extra eyes ...

BLACKBERRY FARM

Ropes Course Guide

Walland, TN · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

... rescue procedures Must comply with all company policies and procedures. To perform the essential ... Wilderness First Aid LANGUAGE SKILLS Excellent verbal communication skills Must be able to ...

BLACKBERRY FARM

Ropes Course Guide

Walland, TN · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

... rescue procedures Must comply with all company policies and procedures. To perform the essential ... be certified in First Aid and Wilderness First Aid LANGUAGE SKILLS • Excellent verbal ...

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Wilderness Rescue information

See salary details

$51.5K

$91.3K

$132.5K

How much do wilderness rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 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 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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,299 per year, or $43.9 per hour.
Whitewater Raft Guide - Rookie

Whitewater Raft Guide - Rookie

The Outlaw Group

Kremmling, CO

$15.16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Join the Team!

At the Outlaw Group, we believe in the adventure, and in living day to day, in what is real and in front of us. 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:

Location(s):

Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena Vista, CO

Work Season:

Full time and Part Time, May 2026 to September 2026,
Relocation?:

Would you be moving to Colorado for this summer gig? AVA does offer employee camping accommodations at the Buena Vista and Idaho Springs Outposts. Employee camping features shower, restroom, cooking, and recreational facilities.

Pay Rate:

Starting pay for first year rookie guides is 15.16 an hour + tips, 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.

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!
The job is a perfect summer opportunity for work, with the season lasting typically from May to September. No previous experience is required but we do require an up-to-date CPR/First Aid certification. We provide a raft guide training course at the beginning of the season for all rookie raft guides and a CPR/Wilderness First Aid class for those who do not have their certifications.

*NOTE*This job does require onsite location in Colorado, the company does have optional areas for employees to stay 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.

  • 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 $15.16, 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 here 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.

Apply