How to become a Member
Gone are the days when members of the public are called to help search for a missing person. SAR members must be highly trained for any kind of search emergency because risks to searchers are high. People often go missing in inclement weather, dangerous or hard to access locations, or occasionally evade help. These risks decrease greatly with training and experience, and there is a lot to learn. Therefore all ERSARA members are required to go through Basic Search and Rescue Skills training.
To join ERSARA you must be at least 18 years of age, have access to a vehicle 24/7 and have a clean criminal record – no exceptions. Successful candidates will be required to pay a non-refundable registration fee ($80) which is due prior to training.
Applications are accepted anytime, however please note:
Due to the intense training for new members, ERSARA generally recruits only every couple of years*. Applications received prior to a recruitment event are filed and once an event is scheduled, all applicants we have on file are contacted with next steps.
Due to the searches we participate in, we have to limit the number of our members that come from public safety professions (police, fire, EMS, military). These members have the same training and recruitment requirements, but are voted in by the Regular membership, can not hold an elected position and do not have voting privileges. It may take longer than normal to go through this process. We also ask current ERSARA members to have 2 years with us before applying to a public safety career.
Members of other SAR groups who wish to join ERSARA, or former members of ERSARA, do not have to wait for a recruitment year and may apply at any time by providing the appropriate documents (letter of reference from your former group, your SAR resume and copies of all current training certificates). After this information has been reviewed, an interview will take place, along with a security clearance. Additional training may be required before becoming active.
If you would like to join our dedicated team, please print and read our info package and application. Inquiries & applications must be e-mailed to: join.ersara@ersara.com
* At present, and based on our current cycle, the next (tentative) recruitment is Fall 2025. Note the recruitment schedule is determined by our Executive team and the two year cycle is subject to change. Check the website or contact us to get the latest update.