Application Schedule
Joining CALSAR is a selective process and please keep in mind that we can’t accept everyone that is interested in joining.
2024 Application Schedule & Dates
Attendance for ALL of these events and training weekends are mandatory and there are no make-up weekends
Info Event - attend only 1
Sat, February 3, 2024 / 10 AM at SCC Emergency Med Agency OR
Sat, February 10, 2024 / 10 AM at Orinda Community Center OR
Sat, February 17, 2024 / 10 AM at SF Public Library
Intro to Nav Class - attend only 1 (location provided after attending Info Event)
Sun, March 10, 2024 / 11 AM OR
Sat, March 16, 2024 / 10 AM OR
Sat, March 16, 2024 / 1 PM
Fitness Qualification (location provided after attending Intro to Nav)
Sat, April 6, 2024 / 10 AM OR
Sun, April 7, 2024 / 11 AM
Interviews (location provided after passing Fit Quals)
Sat, April 27, 2024
New Candidate Orientation (location provided after passing Interviews)
Sat, June 8, 2024
Application Process Details
- Attend an Information Event
Click to expand
Attendance at one of these is a required first step.
These events are held in the greater Bay Area.
Attendees of the Info Event will receive information for the next steps.
2. Attend an Introduction to Navigation Class
Click to expand
Note: A sign-up link and more details will be provided via email to the attendees of the Info Event. You must attend one of the Info Events to be invited to the Nav Class.
This is our opportunity to get to know each other while having some fun learning a few basics of a critical SAR skill.
We are a 501(c) non profit organization so we ask for a nominal donation to cover material costs.
Attendees of the Intro Nav class will receive information on next steps after completing the class.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to take a practice hike on the Fitness qualification hike course so there are no surprises. If you cannot pass the Fitness Qualification hike, you will not become a candidate.
Use this link for the page that describes the Fitness Qualification hike requirement and directions to our qualification course.
Always good practice to tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back!
4. Receive an Invite to Candidate Interviews
Click to expand
Note: You must pass the Fitness Qualification and be invited to attend a Candidate Interview
Applicants receive a designated interview time slot.
The final step is a 20-30 minute interview before a panel of 3-5 current members.
As we have more interest than space in our candidate class, unfortunately we can't take everyone. You will receive notice about a week after the interviews on whether you have been accepted into the new candidate class.
5. Applicant Background Checks
Click to expand
Acceptance as a Candidate is contingent on passing the background check.
An extensive background check is conducted with DOJ, FBI and DMV databases. Any felony conviction is an immediate disqualification, without appeal. Any DUIs and other background check anomalies will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please do not begin the application process if you have a felony in your history. Background checks are scheduled with our vendor after an applicant receives an acceptance offer and before the DSW oath is administered.
Why we require a background check
CALSAR operates at the direction for California Office of Emergency Services (OES) Law Enforcement division, as such we are part of Law Enforcement. All applicants need a background check (even if you're done before for some other organization or reason.)
6. New Candidate Orientation
Click to expand
Onboarding the new candidate class and meeting with current members during the Annual Meeting and Picnic Potluck.
Applicants that pass the background check are given the oath as a California Disaster Service Worker.
7. Candidate Training Fee
Click to expand
The candidate training fee is $275. Please do not send payment until you are notified that you have a confirmed spot in the training class. Due dates will be provided in that notification.
What's included in training fee
Training weekends
$275 covers all costs for all trainings except for First Aid. This helps us pay for camping and facilities fees, etc.
Uniform Pants
$50 of the training fee pays for your uniform pants.
The uniform pants are great all around outdoor pants, they're required for training weekends and are part of our Team uniform as a OES Disaster Service Worker (DSW).
What's *not* included in the training fee
The training fee does not include the cost of:
First Aid instruction
If you already have a current Wilderness First Aid & CPR certification, or higher, you do not need to attend this class.
Your uniform shirt (required, $65), hat (optional $20), and other miscellaneous items.
Gear or food for training weekends.