Ground Search and Rescue Members
Ground Search and Rescue is the foundation of everything we do out in the field in Search and Rescue. If you’re interested in dangling out of helicopters, diving into swiftwater, or watching your dog find the subject first, it all begins with Ground SAR.
NEXT GSAR RECRUITMENT
We are regularly looking for people who wish to volunteer for their community.
What is Campbell River SAR looking for in a member?
#1 is Commitment
We need members who are able to make Search and Rescue a priority, and commit the time, energy, and passion needed to do this job well.
#2 is Time
Search and Rescue will take whatever time you’re willing to give it. In addition to our tasks, which happen at all hours, there is a ton of work involved in training, meetings, maintenance, and other tasks to keep this whole thing going.
Fitness and Skills
You don’t need to be a mountain-climbing ultra-marathoner, but we will expect you to tromp through the bush, carry a stretcher, and hike up some hills at a reasonable pace.
There are a wide variety of skills that can lend themselves well to SAR including: advanced medical training, leadership experience, comfort with computer mapping tools, and general outdoor survival skills.
We also welcome people with experience in our specialty fields like mountaineering, swiftwater travel, climbing experience, or other specialized outdoor skills.
Don’t feel like you need to be an expert mountaineer to apply though, if you have time and drive, we’ll get you trained up!
Application Process
- Submit an Application
- Your first step is completion of the CRSAR application form, as well as requesting a driver’s abstract from ICBC, and a criminal record check from the RCMP.
- Once submitted you will receive an email from the CRSAR Recruitment Officer within about 2 weeks with next steps.
- Attend an Interview
- We want to meet you! Interviews are scheduled on a weekday evening and occur face-to-face at the Campbell River SAR Hall. Meetings are typically attended by the Recruitment Officer, an executive member, and another senior SAR member.
- After the interview you will be able to have a tour of our hall.
- Successful Candidates
- Assuming all goes well, you will be invited for a “Meet and Greet” at the hall with several members of the team to start the on-boarding process.
- Probationary Period
- Your first 6 months will be in the role of either a Non-Operational or Operational Support Member
- Another meeting will happen at the 3-month mark of your probation to touch base with how things are going. You may apply for the Ground Search and Rescue Program (GSAR) after this time.
- All applicants must be at least 19 years of age as of the start of the GSAR program.
- Attend GSAR Program
- Successful applicants will be commencing approximately 100-hours of training in the Ground Search and Rescue program.
- Typically beginning in January or February, this training is generally held on weekends, and one weekday evening.
- The GSAR Program will include substantial reading to prepare for the course, theoretical and hands-on training, as well as several practical evaluations of the skills taught.
Operational and Non-Operational Membership
Operational and Non-Operational members perform a variety of support roles within SAR, everything from handling radio communications during our tasks, to helping us keep our finances and IT systems in order. If you have a skill, and time you’re willing to commit to SAR, please contact us below and we can talk!
Apply Any Time!
We are always happy to hear from generous people who are willing to help!
What is Campbell River SAR looking for in a member?
Here are some of the specific roles we’d love to have a hand with!
- Radio and vehicle operators to assist us with tasks. We will train you on radio communications as needed.
- Information Technology. Help us keep all the technology we use up and running smoothly.
- Social Media
- Finance / bookkeeping
- Vehicle and building maintenance
Application Process
We want to meet you! Interviews are scheduled on a weekday evening and occur face-to-face at the Campbell River SAR Hall. Meetings are typically attended by the Recruitment Officer, an executive member, and another senior SAR member.
After the interview you will be able to have a tour of our hall