Auxilary Membership
Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue is seeking dedicated auxiliary members to support our team in various non-operational roles. These roles are vital to the smooth operation of our organization and ensure that our search and rescue responders can focus on fieldwork. We welcome individuals who are passionate about supporting SAR operations and making a difference in the community. Individuals need to be able to commit to at least two hours a week. Thank you for considering joining our team!
To Apply: Send an approximately 500 word cover letter (not resume) to [email protected]. Indicate which task stream you are most interested in (can indicate multiple streams) and an explanation of what experience you have that demonstrates you meet the required skills.
Below are the descriptions of available auxiliary roles. Click on the heading for a more detailed job description.
Equipment / IT Support Auxiliary Member
Join Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue as an Equipment / Tech Support Auxiliary Member!
Are you a hands-on person with mechanical or IT aptitude? We need your help to maintain and repair SAR equipment, manage inventory, and support our tech needs. This role is vital in ensuring our responders are always equipped and ready.
Administration Support Auxiliary Member
Join Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue as an Administration Support Auxiliary Member!
Do you have strong organizational and data entry skills? Help us keep accurate records, support our policy team, and ensure effective communication across the organization.
Community Outreach Support Auxiliary Member
Join Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue as a Community Outreach Support Auxiliary Member!
Do you enjoy working with the public and organizing events? We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to engage the community, support events, and help spread awareness about SAR operations.
Join Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue as an Auxiliary Board Member!
Do you have leadership experience and a passion for volunteer work? Help us lead our auxiliary team, manage tasks, and report on activities to the Board.
Regular GSAR Membership
Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue is not actively recruiting at this time. Our last recruitment finished in September of 2022.
The team is not currently recruiting new members. However, we hope the information about what we usually look for in a SAR volunteer is useful.
The team goes through a recruitment cycle every 2-3 years. When that happens, we advertise in the local newspaper, on social media and on this page.
Who are we looking for?
- An accomplished and active outdoor enthusiast who enjoys working with people and maintains a reasonable fitness level.
- No prior SAR experience is needed but we do look for enthusiasm, ability to work as a team player, and a minimum hiking experience.
- First-aid skills to a Basic First-Aid level (St John’s Ambulance Basic First Aid), or equivalent are desired, but not mandatory; any other backcountry skills will be an asset. You will own the minimum essential equipment for safe hiking and backcountry travel, and know its proper use.
If you’ve ever been lost and required rescue, we won’t hold that against you (just kidding).
What is involved in training?
If you are accepted to the team, you will become a member-in-training (MIT) for a minimum of one year before becoming a full member. MITs complete the 80-hour Ground Search and Rescue course (GSAR) with the team over their first six months, then become a member on probation for six months where they can participate in active call outs. The first six months of MIT training involves even more of a time commitment. MITs are expected to maintain an 80% attendance rate during this time.
When must I be available for callouts?
Sunshine Coast SAR members must be available for searches, rescues, and other emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
We also take part in committees, fund-raising, equipment maintenance, and the day-to-day running of a team of volunteers.
How many hours must I commit to SAR?
The most important thing when considering whether or not to volunteer is to evaluate the time commitment. If you will be unable to meet these minimum requirements, please do not apply.
- Sunshine Coast SAR members dedicate an average of 200 hours a year to the team including training and preparedness, active search and rescue activities and committee work.
- You must be available, at a minimum, to attend training every Tuesday evening (3 hours average) and one or two weekend days a month (6-8 hours average).
- Members in Training (MITs) must attend 100% of the Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) course (80 hr. total), and a minimum of 50% attendance at team training and searches thereafter.
- In addition to regular training, there are various SAR courses offered by the Justice Institute of BC, and other providers, some financed by Emergency Management BC, and others paid for by the team’s own fundraising. These are usually 24 hours (three to four consecutive days). You are also expected to maintain your first aid certifications.
- Members are also expected to take part in community education events, team management through committee work, and team fundraising.