Join Our Team
Learn more about our team and our training
Prospective candidates must attend a pre-academy orientation.
Two dates are available (you only need to attend one)
October 12, 2023 - 6:00PM
January 11, 2024 - 6:00PM
You must attend an orientation before applying.
San Mateo County Search and Rescue is an all-volunteer professional organization.
Please send a message to contact@sanmateosar.org if you are interested.
Our recruitment season begins January 1 of each year. Applications are accepted January 1 through January 23. Interviews will take place at the beginning of February and applicants will be notified of acceptance by mid February. A link to our application will be posted on January 1, 2023. Before you can apply, you must attend one of two Thursday orientations above. Both orientations start at 6pm. Please send a message to contact@sanmateosar.org if you are interested.
Typically, our training academy begins late February and ends April. The academy consists of weekly Wednesday evening sessions and 4 Saturday sessions. Due to the large amount of material covered, all sessions are mandatory. Upon completion of the Training Academy, graduates will be field-ready members of the team - meaning you can go out on searches! This is where the real training begins. Graduates will also be eligible to submit their Sheriff's Office background paperwork to become fully sworn members of the team.
Once a member has completed all training requirements, passed the Sheriff's Office background check and demonstrated a high level of participation and commitment to the team, the member will be sworn in as a San Mateo County Search and Rescue member. The entire process takes approximately 1-2 years.
Training and advanced skill development are an ongoing commitment.
For more information contact: contact@sanmateosar.org