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Wilderness Search Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forest Service

Forestry Technician (Recreation)

Afton, WY · On-site +1

$19.52/hr

Search and rescue operations may be for incidents such as avalanches, lost public, snowmobile ... wilderness boundaries to assure compliance with winter recreation regulations and winter travel ...

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 ...

Coweta County

FirefighterEMT

Newnan, GA · On-site

$18.24/hr

Performs and participates in technical rescues including stabilizing, extrication, high angle, confined space, trench rescue, wilderness rescue, search and rescue, water and boat rescue and hazardous ...

Coweta County

FirefighterParamedic

Newnan, GA · On-site

$20.50/hr

Performs and participates in technical rescues including stabilizing, extrication, high angle, confined space, trench rescue, wilderness rescue, search and rescue, water and boat rescue and hazardous ...

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All JobsWilderness Search Rescue Jobs

Wilderness Search Rescue information

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$15K

$51.1K

$103K

How much do wilderness search rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for wilderness search rescue in the United States is $51,072.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,500.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a typical work environment like for wilderness search rescue?

Wilderness Search Rescue professionals often work in challenging outdoor environments, including forests, mountains, deserts, and remote areas, sometimes in adverse weather conditions or during nighttime. Teams typically consist of SAR specialists who collaborate closely with local authorities, emergency medical personnel, and sometimes volunteers, requiring both independent action and collective effort. Work hours can be unpredictable due to the urgent and on-call nature of search missions. This role demands adaptability, resilience, and a strong commitment to public safety, making every operation unique and impactful. If you value teamwork and adventure, this environment can be both demanding and deeply rewarding.

What is a wilderness search rescue?

A Wilderness Search and Rescue (WiSAR) job involves locating and assisting people who are lost, injured, or in distress in remote or rugged environments. Rescuers work in diverse terrains such as mountains, forests, and deserts, often in extreme weather conditions. They use skills like navigation, first aid, rope rescue, and survival techniques to ensure the safety of those in need. Many SAR teams operate on a volunteer basis, though some professionals work with organizations like park services or emergency agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in wilderness search rescue?

To thrive as a Wilderness Search Rescue professional, you need expertise in land navigation, first aid, survival skills, and physical fitness, often backed by relevant certifications such as Wilderness First Responder or Search and Rescue (SAR) Technician. Familiarity with GPS devices, two-way radios, mapping software, and rescue equipment is typically required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills are crucial for effective collaboration and decision-making in high-stress scenarios. These competencies enable responders to operate safely and efficiently during complex wilderness emergencies, ensuring the best possible outcomes for lost or injured individuals.

More about Wilderness Search Rescue jobs
What cities are hiring for Wilderness Search Rescue jobs? Cities with the most Wilderness Search Rescue job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wilderness Search Rescue jobs? The most popular types of Wilderness Search Rescue jobs are:
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Wilderness Search Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Search Rescue job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,072 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Board Members

Wilderness Search Investigations

Kenmore, WA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Wilderness Search Investigations (WSI) was formed to address a difficult and often overlooked reality: after official search efforts for missing outdoor enthusiasts conclude, families are frequently left without a path forward.

Search and Rescue teams and law enforcement agencies perform extraordinary work under difficult conditions. However, operational limitations, resource constraints, weather conditions, time factors, and risk management considerations often require active searches to end before families feel they have answers.

WSI exists to help fill that gap.

For families, uncertainty can persist for years.

The absence of answers creates emotional, psychological, and practical burdens that rarely disappear simply because an official search has ended.

Continued investigative attention can generate overlooked leads, re-examine assumptions, and help families feel they have not been abandoned.

WSI is not intended to replace Search & Rescue teams or law enforcement agencies.

The organization is designed to operate as a complementary and respectful resource focused on continued case review, investigative follow-up, and field-based reassessment where appropriate.

WSI’s long-term credibility and sustainability will depend heavily on the strength of its governance.

The organization seeks respected and thoughtful leaders who can help shape organizational ethics, governance discipline, strategic direction, public credibility, and community trust.

WSI is particularly interested in individuals with backgrounds in:

- Search & Rescue

- Outdoor recreation leadership

- Law enforcement or investigations

- Nonprofit governance

- Finance or accounting

- Legal or risk management

- Communications and media

- Philanthropy and fundraising

This work appeals to individuals who care deeply about the outdoor community, believe families deserve continued support after searches conclude, and want to help shape an organization responsibly from the ground up.

WSI is intentionally building slowly and carefully, with an emphasis on ethics, governance, operational discipline, and long-term credibility.

We are seeking board members and advisors who believe this work matters and who want to help shape the organization responsibly from the beginning.

If you or someone in your network aligns with one of the backgrounds we’re seeking, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Wilderness Search Investigations (WSI)

Website: www.wsiint.org

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