Membership

Volunteering:

Coquitlam SAR members are available for searches, rescues and other emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. From reading this web site you can find out information on the types of searches we do, the community events that we participate in, and the training we undergo. We also take part in committees, fund raising, equipment maintenance, and the day to day running of a team of volunteers. All of these things take time. We have an average of 40 searches a year, most on weekends but many during the week, most at night.

Who are we looking for?

Ideally, you are an accomplished and active outdoors enthusiast who enjoys working with people and you maintain 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 level of hiking experience.  First-aid skills to the Standard First-Aid level 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.

You will be available, at a minimum, to attend MIT training every Tuesday evening and one or two weekend days a month. MIT attendance must be 100% until the GSAR course is completed (80 hr. total), and a minimum of 50% attendance at team training and searches thereafter. If you will be unable to meet the minimum attendance requirements, please do not apply for membership in Coquitlam SAR at this time.

Time commitment:

We have weekly training meetings (3 hours average) and train one weekend day a month with the team (8 hours average). In addition to regular training, there are other SAR courses offered by the JIBC. These usually take up a three or four consecutive days. Community education events and other committee work may take place outside of regular training nights as well.  Fund raising requires more time commitment as well.

The most important thing when considering whether or not to volunteer is to evaluate the time commitment. We are unpaid, but we require a very high level of training which requires a significant time commitment.

Recruitment:

Coquitlam Search and Rescue welcomes applications from interested volunteers. Our recruitment process happens approximately once every two years. We notify the community of this process with articles in local newspapers and on this web site. Applications on file are reviewed and some members are selected to attend a one day evaluation hike.  After the hike, we invite some of the applicants to attend an interview with the selection committee, and finally, if selected, we notify you. Any applications that we receive between recruitments are kept on file, and we will contact you when the next round occurs.

Training:

If you are accepted to the team, you will become a member-in-training (MIT) and subjected to a minimum of one year of training to become a full member. MITs complete the Ground Search and Rescue course (GSAR) with the team over the 1st year. The first six months of MIT training involve an even larger time commitment than usual, and MITs are expected to maintain a 80% attendance rate during this time. For more information you can see our training section.

Application:

We always welcome applications. The first step is to fill in the membership application form, add details concerning your volunteer experience, training and qualifications and send it to us (fax, email or regular mail). We will contact you when our next recruitment period comes around.

Download Application here: Membership Application <pdf>

What selection process do we use?

  1. The first step is to submit a written application.
  2. Applications will be reviewed and the best-qualified candidates will be invited to an evaluation hike. This hike will take place in terrain that is typical for searches in this area, and it is rated a moderate hike. We will be looking at your level of fitness, outdoors knowledge, attitude, proper gear, etc.
  3. The final step will be an interview of about 30 minutes with our recruitment committee.  We will let you know the time and place for interviews, by email, following the hike.
  4. Selection of MIT’s will be made as quickly as possible after the interviews, and all those interviewed will be informed of the results. If you are not selected we will let you know why. Those who are selected will begin training in early November and will be eligible to become full members once all training requirements have been completed.

Questions? email us at membership@coquitlam-sar.bc.ca