Recruitment
We host our annual operational recruitment drive between December 1st 2024 – January 31st 2025, offering individuals the opportunity to join our team.
Thank you for expressing interest in becoming a part of Technical Search & Rescue.
If you possess verifiable experience in Search & Rescue, please reach out to vicepresident@tsrgp.org. We carefully evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, we continuously seek support team members to aid in our operations. If you’re keen on supporting our efforts, please review the basic requirements and job description provided below and complete the application form.
Our Operational Teams are at the forefront of active Search & Rescue missions, with members actively engaged in navigating various terrain environments to achieve our incident objectives – truly embodying the concept of “Boots on the Ground.”
Support Teams also play a pivotal role in our Search & Rescue endeavors by providing invaluable assistance to Operational Teams. Tasks can range from transportation of personnel, equipment, or supplies to administrative duties, public education, fundraising efforts, and gear maintenance. Many of these tasks don’t necessarily require physical strength or field attendance.
If you’re eager to contribute to your community through our organization, rest assured that we’ll find a suitable role for you to fill.
Why Choose to Volunteer?
At Technical Search & Rescue, every member serves as a volunteer, driven by a shared passion for community service and safety. None of our members receive financial compensation for their invaluable contributions.
Many of our volunteers are outdoor enthusiasts who find solace in knowing that a team of specialists stands ready to assist them in the event of emergencies while exploring the great outdoors. Others are compassionate individuals deeply invested in the well-being of their community, striving to make it a better and safer place for all.
Since 2014, the Government of Canada has officially acknowledged the vital role played by volunteer Search & Rescue teams in ensuring the safety and welfare of the Canadian public. As a token of appreciation, the government has introduced a $3,000 tax credit for volunteer search and rescue members who dedicate a minimum of 200 hours of service to their communities throughout the calendar year.
Job Descriptions:
Operational Member: Operational Members collaborate as a cohesive unit under challenging conditions and diverse terrains to locate, rescue, and administer medical aid to individuals in distress across urban, rural, and wilderness settings, regardless of weather conditions. Responsibilities encompass a wide array of tasks, including hiking, search operations, lifting, and operating various vehicles such as ATVs, boats, and snowmobiles. While no prior skills are mandatory, proficiency in beneficial areas such as knot tying, map reading, GPS navigation is advantageous. Successful candidates must demonstrate dedication, teamwork, cooperation with other agencies, ability to follow instructions, work with minimal supervision, possess effective communication skills, and skillfully assess risks while completing tasks safely.
Minimum Requirements:
- Attendance at THREE SAR Basics Training Weekends, typically scheduled in April and May, with the final weekend including an overnight outdoor skills session.
- Commitment to dedicating a minimum of 60 hours annually.
- Possession of a current standard first aid and CPR certificate before commencing SAR basics training, and completion of a Criminal Record Check (available at a reduced fee of $10 for TSR candidates with a letter).
Support / Non-Operational: We seek individuals interested in contributing to non-operational aspects of our team. Opportunities include:
- Light equipment maintenance
- Data recording during events
- Fundraising efforts
Application Process:
Before proceeding with your application, kindly review the basic requirements as outlined above.
Please be advised that upon submission of your application, our recruitment team will review your application and will be in-contact with you for further steps in the application process. If you want to follow up please email recruiting@tsrgp.org
Membership Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for basic membership, individuals must meet the following prerequisites:
- Be at least 18 years of age or older
- Demonstrate a genuine desire to serve the community
- Have sufficient availability to commit to involvement in a community organization
- Possess current standard first aid and CPR certification
- Provide a Criminal Record Check (Required for All Positions)
Member Recruitment Schedule for 2025:
- Open Recruitment Period: December 1, 2024 – January 31, 2025
- Open House Information Session: January 12, 2025
- 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM @ 5801 100 Street – Grande Prairie, AB (South Bear Creek)
- New Recruit Hike: February 2025
- Search & Rescue Basic Training: March/April 2025
- Search & Rescue Basics Overnight: May 2025
Rest assured, all information provided in this form is strictly confidential and will be utilized solely by Technical Search and Rescue for the purpose of reaching out to prospective new members. Your privacy is of utmost importance to us as we strive to build our exceptional team.