Requirements to join SBCSAR
- be willing to commit many hours to the team
- be in excellent physical shape
- be at least 18 years of age
- possess a high school diploma
- possess a drivers license
- be a US citizen or legal resident
- no felony convictions
- be of good moral character
- be willing to work as part of a team
Besides these requirements, consider your reasons for joining the team and the level of commitment you are willing to give. Consider these
questions before starting the application process.
How Much Time Does SAR Take?
This point cannot be stressed enough. In a given year, about 40 people attend a recruitment meeting. Most take applications, only about 20 return them and are interviewed. About 15 pass both the interview and the Sheriff's Department background and start our Academy. Maybe 5 succeed in the Academy and join the team, and of those, 2 will not have enough time and don't participate much.
Search and Rescue is a second job! and takes time away from every other aspect of your life including family time, job, and hobbies. The team spends many hours training new members and we try to take only those who have enough time and commitment. We are looking for dedicated people who will be in town for at least three years and want to participate in all aspects of the team. If you are in the process of some big life changes (having kids, starting the Fire Academy, switching jobs, just moved to Santa Barbara), we will probably ask you to wait a year and see if you still have enough time - has it been mentioned that SAR takes oodles of time???
How Do I Join?
The first step in the
application process is to attend a recruitment meeting. The meetings last about one hour and take place in several locations throughout the county. Recruitment meetings are the perfect opportunity to have all your questions about team answered.
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