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. Joining Cal-ESAR is a selective process, our training resources and venues have limits so unfortunately we can’t accept everyone that is interested in joining.
2022-23 Applicant Milestone Schedule
Intro and Info Event May 7, 2022 Orinda
Intro Navigation Class* May 14, 2022 Walnut Creek OR
Intro Navigation Class* May 21, 2022 San Francisco
Interviews June 4, 2022 Orinda
Background Checks June 6 - 15 Moraga (by appointment only)
DSW Oath & Orientation June 18, 2022 Orinda
Fitness Qual June 25 & 26, 2022 San Rafael
*Note: Attendance at only ONE Intro Nav class is required. Applicants have their choice of attending the Walnut Creek OR the SF Intro Nav class.
Application and Selection Process
Attendance at one of these is a required first step.
These 1 1/2 hour events including Q&A are held in May-June in the greater Bay Area.
Times and locations are published in March and can be found here.
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 an online application after the Nav class.
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.
Applicants are * strongly encouraged *to take a practice hike on the Fitness qualification hike course before submitting an application. If you can not pass the Fitness Qualification Hike before training you will not become a candidate.
Applicant Notification
Applicants will be notified within ~48 hours of acceptance as a candidate with background check & Orientation Day details.
Acceptance as a Candidate is contingent on passing the background check and passing the Fitness Qualification Hike.
Applicant Background Checks
An extensive background check is conducted with DOJ, FBI and DMV databases. Any felony conviction is an immediate disqualification, without appeal. 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.
DSW Oath
Applicants that pass the background check are given the oath as a California Disaster Service Worker
Fitness Qualification
Use this link for the page that describes the Fitness Qualification hike requirement and directions to our qualification course. We strongly encourage you to take a practice hike prior to the qualification hike so there are no surprises.
Applicants that successfully past the Fitness Qualification Hike become Candidates, attend Orientation Day and begin the training course starting in October.