Join CALSAR
Why join?
Do you enjoy the outdoors? Do you want to make a difference and give back to your community doing what you enjoy? Are you prepared to make a significant time commitment?
How do I find out more?
Review the Basic Requirements
Check out the Applicant Milestone Schedule
Attend an Intro and Info Event
Make sure you can attend ALL Training Weekends
Fill out this form to let us know you are interested!
We will contact you when our next recruitment window opens. It is NEVER shared with anyone, for any reason, period. Our annual application process begins in May-June each year. Attendance at all training events is required. We strongly suggest you reserve those dates on your calendar before you apply.
Special Notes:
CALSAR is based in Northern California and as a practical matter, if you live outside of the greater Bay Area, we are not the best team for you logistically. Our training program requires one overnight weekend a month (primitive camping) in the Bay Area from October through May and regular, ongoing physical presence thereafter.
CALSAR is part of California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, Law Enforcement Branch. If you have ever been convicted of a felony, that will come out during the mandatory background check and we can not accept you.
What training will I get?
Outdoor Skills
Radio Communications
Advanced Navigation
Wilderness First Aid
Search Techniques
Rescue Procedures
Technical Rope Skills
Emergency Preparedness
Snow Survival (optional)
Find out more and check out the dates for training weekends on the Training Overview page.