Join Our Amazing Team
Ground Search and Rescue Members
Ground Search and Rescue is the foundation of everything we do out in the field in Search and Rescue. If you’re interested in accessing remote areas via helicopters, diving into swiftwater, or hiking trails in the dark of the night, it all begins with Ground SAR.
Next GSAR Recuirement
Stay tuned to this page and our social media platforms to learn about the next recruitment drive.
What is Bulkley valley SAR looking for in a member?
#1 is Commitment
We need members who are able to make Search and Rescue a priority, and commit the time, energy, and passion needed to do this job well.
#2 is Time
Search and Rescue will take whatever time you’re willing to give it. In addition to our tasks, which happen at all hours, there is a ton of work involved in training, meetings, maintenance, and other tasks to keep this whole thing going.
Fitness and Skills
You don’t need to be a mountain-climbing ultra-marathoner, but we will expect you to tromp through the bush, carry a stretcher, and hike up some hills at a reasonable pace.
There are a wide variety of skills that can lend themselves well to SAR including: advanced medical training, leadership experience, comfort with computer mapping tools, and general outdoor survival skills.
We also welcome people with experience in our specialty fields like mountaineering, swiftwater, climbing experience, or other specialized outdoor skills.
Don’t feel like you need to be an expert mountaineer to apply though, if you have time and drive, we’ll get you trained up!
Application Process
- Join us for an information session
- To kick off our recruitment drive, we hold an open house and information session at our hall. This event will give you a chance to meet some of our members, tour our facilities, and learn more about being a Search and Rescue volunteer. Our next planned recruitment drive has not yet been announced. If you are especially eager, please contact us and we may be able to arrange a visit or tour.
- Submit an Application
- All applicants must be at least 19 years of age as of the start of the course
- You must complete the application form, which also includes requesting a driver’s abstract from ICBC, and a criminal record check from the RCMP.
- Attend an interview
- Interviews are typically held in November, and occur face-to-face when possible at our SAR hall in Campbell River. They are typically held on a weekday evening.
- Attend GSAR
- If you’re invited to join us, you’ll be treated to an approximately 100-hour Ground Search and Rescue course. This training is generally held on weekends, and one weekday evening. This will include theoretical and hands-on training, and numerous practical evaluations of the skills taught. In addition to the class time, there will be substantial reading to do in order to prepare for the course as well.
Auxiliary Members
Auxiliary members perform a variety of support roles within SAR, everything from handling radio communications during our tasks, to helping us keep our finances and IT systems in order. If you have a skill, and time you’re willing to commit to SAR, please contact us below and we can talk!
Apply Any Time!
We are always happy to hear from generous people who are willing to help!
What is Bulkely Valley SAR looking for in a member?
Here are some of the specific roles we’d love to have a hand with!
- Radio and vehicle operators to assist us with tasks. We will train you on radio communications as needed.
- Information Technology. Help us keep all the technology we use up and running smoothly.
- Social Media
- Finance / bookkeeping
- Vehicle and building maintenance
Application Process
- Submit an Application
- All applicants must be at least 19 years of age as of the start of the course
- You must submit a driver’s abstract. These can be obtained at a Service BC location, by phone at 1-800-663-3051 or online from ICBC: Driving Records
- You must submit a criminal record check
- You must complete the application form
- Attend an interview
- Interviews are typically held in November, and occur face-to-face when possible at our SAR hall in Campbell River. They are typically held on a weekday evening.
- Attend Orientation Training