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Wilderness Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pender County Government

Firefighter/EMT

Burgaw, NC

$54K - $67K/yr

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

Alterra

Via Ferrata Guide

Dillon, CO · On-site

$22 - $27.50/hr

Perform Via Ferrata rescue operations, including stabilizing, moving, and lowering of ... Minimum of Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Basic CPR PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: * Must be physically ...

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

$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 ...

Adventure Medics

WA Event ALS Staff

Onalaska, WA · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

... experience in wilderness settings (guiding, SAR, wildland fire). Please only apply if you are ... rescue vehicles * Perform other work-related duties as directed by team lead/supervisor or as the ...

The Outlaw Group

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Moab, UT · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Maintain situational awareness and readiness to help perform river rescue maneuvers if needed. * 2 ... surrounding wilderness to our guests. As leaders in our industry, we set examples in safety ...

Commander, Navy Installations Command

$40K - $73K/yr

You will perform the following Technical Rescue functions: rope, vehicle and machinery, confined space, structural collapse, and wilderness. * You will comply with health, safety, and environmental ...

Choggiung, Ltd.

Land Patrol Agent

Dillingham, AK · On-site

Emergency Response: Assist in search and rescue efforts or respond to environmental hazards if ... Housing and food provided * Opportunity to work in Alaska's beautiful wilderness Working ...

Choggiung

Land Patrol Agent

Dillingham, AK · On-site

Emergency Response: Assist in search and rescue efforts or respond to environmental hazards if ... Opportunity to work in Alaskas beautiful wilderness Working Environment and Physical Demands The ...

State of Colorado

CO

$17.50 - $18/hr

... Wilderness Area and Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area. Description of Job AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES ... rescue cards, boat registrations, OHV registrations and snowmobile registrations, fishing and ...

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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 Jun 30, 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, high-paying roles include specialized rescue team leaders, search and rescue coordinators, and emergency management directors, often requiring advanced certifications and extensive experience. These positions typically offer higher salaries due to their leadership responsibilities and critical nature in emergency situations.

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. Many positions are part-time or volunteer, with paid roles often requiring certification in wilderness medicine and rescue techniques.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Wilderness rescue jobs typically do not pay $10,000 a month without specialized experience, certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying roles in this field are rare and usually require extensive training, physical fitness, and sometimes advanced certifications like wilderness first responder or rescue technician. Most wilderness rescue positions offer moderate pay, often below that threshold, unless combined with other skills or supervisory responsibilities.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Wilderness rescue jobs typically do not pay $2000 a day; they usually offer hourly wages or project-based pay. High-paying roles in related fields, such as specialized search and rescue contractors or consulting positions, can sometimes reach that level, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and working in remote or high-risk environments.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 12% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,299 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Day-Trip Raft Guide

Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking

White Salmon, WA • On-site

$195/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Guide guests on half-day and full-day paddle raft trips on the White Salmon River and other regional rivers.

  • Prioritize guest care and risk management to ensure seamless and safe experiences for guests.

  • Work collaboratively with a team of river professionals to deliver memorable rafting experiences.

Job description

Wet Planet is looking for experienced paddle raft guides to join our team on the Class III-IV White Salmon River!
Our team enjoys making it possible for guests to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and gain an appreciation for our natural environment through half-day and full-day paddle raft trips on the Northwest's classic Wild and Scenic White Salmon River. With continuous, technical Class III-IV whitewater, it is essential that our day trip raft guides prioritize guest care and risk management to create seamless experiences for 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 out on the river.
The bulk of our day trips are Class III-IV paddle rafting on the White Salmon River. Due to the technical nature of the White Salmon, all guides we hire must have previous guiding experience on Class III-IV. In addition to the White Salmon, we offer day trips on the Class III Klickitat River, Class III Tieton River, Class IV Hood River, and Class V Wind River. Our guides enjoy this variety and the opportunity to hone their skills and guide Class IV/V if desired. Kayakers enjoy the opportunity to support kayak on small trips and Class V trips.
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.
Qualifications & Experience:
  • Previous commercial paddle raft guiding experience on Class III whitewater at a minimum; Class IV experience preferred
  • Professional appearance, excellent communication skills, and team player
  • You love guiding rafts and sharing the river with guests, including your knowledge on natural and human history
  • You prioritize guest care and risk management
  • Current First Aid & CPR required at a minimum; Wilderness First Responder preferred
  • Current River Rescue Certification preferred (Sierra Rescue, ACA Swiftwater, or equivalent)

Day Trip Season: We offer day trips from April 1-September 30.
Availability:
  • Full-time, full season: Mid-May (or earlier) through September
  • Full-time, peak season: June-August
  • Part-time, peak season: June-August

Many of our staff combine work in multiple disciplines and enjoy the variety of work throughout the season. For those with skills in paddle rafting, rowing, and/or kayaking, work is available from April to September by combining day trips, multi-day trips, and kayak instruction.
Wet Planet Perks:
  • Access to free trips and courses as well as 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:
  • $85-195 per trip, based on certifications, experience, role, and type of trip (half-day or full-day, first year guide to Senior Trip Leader with all required experience, trainings and certifications)
  • Simple IRA savings plan option after 2 years

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

Apply