Join Us

Application Submission

Our annual recruitment season opens January 1 and runs through January 23. Applicants must attend one of two mandatory orientations held on October 8, 2026 and January 8, 2027 (both begin at 6:00 p.m.) at the San Mateo County Regional Operations Center (501 Winslow St, Redwood City, CA 94063) before submitting an application. The application link will be posted on January 1, 2027, and interviews will take place in early February. Final selections are typically announced by mid-February. 

Training Academy

New members begin their journey with our Training Academy, which runs from late February through April. The academy includes weekly Wednesday evening sessions and four Saturday field trainings, all of which are mandatory due to the comprehensive nature of the material. Upon graduation, participants become field-ready members — qualified to participate in search and rescue operations within San Mateo County — and are invited to complete the Sheriff’s Office background process to become fully sworn members of the team.

Service Commitment

Joining San Mateo County Search and Rescue is a serious commitment that goes well beyond the typical volunteer experience. The process to become a fully-sworn member takes around 1–2 years, and skill development continues long after the academy through ongoing exercises, specialized certifications, and real-world missions. 

Our members train and operate in physically and mentally demanding environments, often for extended periods and in challenging conditions. You’ll be called to respond at any hour of the day or night, sometimes in harsh weather or rugged terrain. We ask that all prospective members carefully consider the time and energy this work requires. 

On average, trainings and meetings total about 10 hours per month and, while no prior search and rescue experience is necessary, most applicants have some outdoor experience such as hiking or backpacking. A typical search involves traveling confidently over difficult, off-trail terrain while carrying a 20-pound pack.

In addition to search operations, our volunteers support the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office at community events where additional personnel are needed. These efforts strengthen our connection to the community and showcase the dedication of our team.

While the demands are significant, the rewards are even greater. You’ll gain valuable technical skills, build lifelong friendships, and become part of a team united by a shared purpose: to save lives and serve our community when it matters most. All training is provided by the unit, and members have the opportunity to develop expertise in a variety of specialized disciplines. 

If you’re interested in joining or have additional questions, please email contact@sanmateosar.org.