Our application period is now open! If you are interested in joining Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, we encourage you to submit an application and attend one of our general meetings. Please read the information below and contact us with any questions. The application period will close on January 15th.

Click here to begin filling out a membership application!

Things you should know before applying:

  • All members must be 18 or older.
  • We are a 100% volunteer organization and do not get paid for our work.
  • Callouts occur at any hour (day or night) in all types of weather conditions, and are urgent in nature. Carefully consider your availability and flexibility.
  • We search for all kinds of people in a variety of situations, including missing hikers, hunters, children, Alzheimer’s patients, and suicide victims. We also complete body recoveries and evidence searches. You always have the option to decline a particular callout, but we want to be upfront that we do more than just find missing hikers.
  • Membership is not a quick process. There are a number of state and team requirements that must be met before you can respond to callouts. The length of time to complete all requirements varies due to differences in schedules, but we will impose reasonable time limits to meet these requirements.
  • Search and rescue can be the most rewarding thing you’ve ever done. But it can also be the most unforgiving and unappreciated work as well.

Check out our FAQS page to learn more about what we do. If you have further questions about PNWSAR, please email moreinfo@pnwsar.org. We'd love to hear from you!

 

Onboarding Process

 

Our onboarding process involves three stages: Application, Prospective Membership, and Trainee Status.

 

Application

 

Complete the online application and pay a $55 fee (the fee is refunded if you are not selected). Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2023.

 

If your application is accepted, we will schedule an in-person interview in late January where you will meet members of our Board of Directors and Training Committee.

 

After the in-person interview, we will select applicants to move to the next stage as Prospective Members. You will be notified of our decision, regardless if you are asked to move forward or not.

 

Prospective Membership

 

Prospective Membership lasts for three months. This is your opportunity to learn the ins and outs of SAR and our team. As a prospective member, you are required to attend:

 

 

At the conclusion of the Prospective Member period, the Board of Directors will vote on candidates to join our team with a Trainee Status. You will be notified of our decision, regardless if you are asked to move forward or not.

 

Trainee Status

 

As a Trainee you will have one year to attain the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association certification as a SAR volunteer. (Don’t worry, our internal training program will help you achieve this.)

 

You can respond to callouts once we confirm you’ve met the minimum qualifications (detailed below). Responding to callouts is one of the best ways to learn during this time!

 

During your first year in SAR, plan to log 150 - 200 hours on training exercises, meetings, and missions. Our expectation is that Trainees are fully engaged with the team while working toward attaining their certification.

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

You do not need to meet all of the qualifications below before you apply, but you will be required to meet them once you reach Trainee Status.

 

 

2024 Schedule

 

We're often asked about the time commitment required of our team members. Here is an outline of the 2024 training schedule to give you an idea of our non-mission commitments. Note: These are tentative and subject to change.

 

Monthly Meetings (in-person or virtual)

 

2024 In-Person Field Training for Prospective Members

 

2024 In-Person Field Training for Trainee Members

 

*Trainees who meet operational requirements are eligible to take part in missions*

 

 
Required Personal Equipment