* NOTICE: This application is for Park County Search and Rescue in COLORADO.
* Park County Search and Rescue is not accepting applications for Field Active Team Members at this time.
* The next opportunity to apply as a prospective field member will be in the spring of 2025 due to our upcoming MRA reaccreditation.
* Park County Search and Rescue is accepting applications for Associate Team Members.
** There are 3 parts to the application: Personal Resume, Release and waiver of liability and Emergency Notification Request. All 3 forms must be filled out.
What is a "Field Active Team Member"?
A Field Active Team Member is an individual who remains prepared to respond to wilderness emergencies at any time. Our membership consists of persons trained in technical rope rescue techniques, emergency medical skills, as well as technical search and rescue skills. To become a Field Active Team Member, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Application and Background Check: Submit an online application, waiver, and the necessary information for a background check. (Applicants must have a valid Colorado driver’s license.)
- Interview: Attend an in-person interview day.
- Training: Successfully complete the PCSAR Prospective Member course.
- Fitness Assessment: Participate in and pass the physical fitness assessment.
- FEMA Training: Complete the online FEMA ICS-100 and ICS-700 courses.
- Safety Initiatives: Check off our team safety initiatives.
After successfully completing the above outlined requirements, candidates undergo a final evaluation. PCSAR’s Board of Directors will vote to decide whether to onboard candidates as team members.
If accepted, new members enter a one-year probationary period. During this time, they must meet specific participation requirements, such as attending a designated percentage of trainings and rescue callouts, to maintain active status on the team.
Important Things to Note:
PCSAR is an all volunteer organization. Members give freely of their own time and money in order to acquire the life-saving skills and knowledge required to provide safe and successful search and rescue operations. While PCSAR provides training and minimal team gear, individuals are responsible for their own kits.
There are many different roles and levels of support - you don't have to be a world-class climber to provide an indispensable service to the search and rescue community. General outdoor skills & experience are mandatory for an applicant. Prospective Member training builds on your existing outdoor experience to teach search and rescue skills.
Experience and Skills Highly Sought After (but not required):
- Avalanche rescue training (AAA Avy Rec 1, Avy Rescue, etc)
- Ski patrol
- Incident Command System (ICS)
- Rock climbing (single and multi pitch, sport, traditional, big wall, etc)
- Technical Rope Rescue
- Emergency Medical Services (EMT, Paramedic, RN, etc)
- Radio communications
- UTV and snowmobile operators
Important Dates: Attendance at all is REQUIRED (no exceptions)
These events are by invitation only.
In person interview date
August 24, 2025; 9:30 - 13:30; Bailey building
Prospective Member Training Dates
Oct 5, Oct 12, Oct 19, Oct 26, Nov 1, 2025
All are 09:30-17:00; Fairplay building
Overnight Mock Mission
Nov 8, 2025 @ 18:00 - Nov 9, 2025 @ 10:30, location TBD
What is an "Associate Member"?
An Associate Member is someone that is available to support the team in various situations and new associate members are accepted at any time throughout the year. Do NOT apply to Associate Member as a "stepping stone" to Field Active Team Member, please apply for Field Active Team Membership if that is your aspiration. Typical roles include: Equipment Manager (FP / Bailey, Communications Manager, Fundraising Manager, Grants Manager, Small engine maintenance & repair, IT assistance, Logistics support during missions, Drone Operators, Liasion to other agencies (if prior skills), Training support, specialty areas including: medical, technical rescue, avalanche & PIO, and others.
PCSAR associate members give freely of their own time in order to assist team members in providing safe and successful search and rescue operations, training and other events.
If you are interested in becoming an associate member of PCSAR you will need to complete a resume, waiver, and submit information for a background check. The PCSAR Interview Team will review your resume and if your background check clears with the Park County Sheriff you will be invited to join our team as an associate member.