Application & Selection Process

The fires, floods and media coverage of high profile searches over the last few years has generated a lot of interest in SAR in general and our team specifically. Our training resources and venues have limits so we can’t accept everyone that is interested in joining.

Our application and selection process follows these steps


1. Attend an Introduction & Information Event

    • Attendance at one of these is a required first step.

    • These 1 hour events are held midweek evenings and Saturdays in May-June in the East Bay, South Bay and San Francisco.

    • Times and locations are published in March and can be found here.

    • Attendees of the Introduction & Information Events are free to sign up for the Fitness Qualification hike.


2. Pass a Fitness Qualification hike

    • Use this link for the page that describes the requirement and directions to our qualification course. You’ll also be able to sign up for one the testing times on that page. We encourage you to take a practice hike prior to the qualification hike so there are no surprises.

    • Applicants that pass the Qualification Hike will receive a follow-up email with all the details on the next step- Intro Nav class.


3. Attend a 4 hour Introduction to Navigation 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.

    • Applicants that pass the Qualification Hike and attend the Nav class will receive an online application immediately after the Nav class.


4. Application and Interview

    • Applicants complete an on line application and schedule their interview.

    • The final step is a 20-30 minute interview before a panel of 3-5 current members.


5. Notification

    • Applicants will be notified within ~48 hours of acceptance as a candidate with orientation day details.