Join the Team
Thank you for your interest in the our team. Becoming part of the team is a privilege that comes with great rewards, but also much responsibility. The decision to apply to be a part of the team should not be taken lightly as the work can be physically, mentally and emotionally challenging.
You don’t need any special skills or experience to join the team. We are looking for people with the right attitude and a genuine desire to help others without thought of personal reward or recognition. The good news is that we provide extensive training in everything you need to become a qualified searcher and first responder. Our team members come from many different backgrounds and professions, and many find ways to leverage their skills as SAR team members.
Be sure to read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). If you have any further questions, reach out to us at applicants@contracostasar.org.
Annual SAR Academy
The SAR Academy for entry-level (Type 3) SAR members is held once a year, in September.
Those who wish to continue to the next level, which is optional (but recommended), may also attend the Type 2 Academy for two weeks in October.
Both academies encompass four-hour classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights as well as several full weekend days. All of the entry-level academy classes and exercises must be completed in order for a student to become a full-fledged team member. Anyone who wishes to apply should first consider whether the timing is right for a busy fall schedule of training.
The Application Process
CoCoSAR starts recruiting in February each year for the fall Academy.
The application process is as follows:
First, you must fill out an "New Member Interest Form" (below) to register for an orientation meeting. You will then receive information about attending our 90 minute orientation session.
Attend one of our orientations and request an application
Submit your application
Complete an oral board interview
Complete a background check and fingerprinting
Take the First Step!
Start by filling out an interest form here.
Or, if you prefer, you can use this printable form and send it in via either:
Email to applicants@contracostasar.org
Regular mail or drop it off in person to:
Office of Emergency Services
1850 Muir Road
Martinez, CA, 94553
Attn: SAR
Once we receive your Interest Form, we will email instructions about how to attend an orientation meeting. Orientations are held February through June at 7:00 pm on the first Thursday of the month.
Applications are only given out after you attend a new-member orientation. You are strongly encouraged to submit an interest form first to receive more information about the meeting. For future in-person meetings, you may attend without advance notification, but it helps us if you submit an interest form in advance to us to let us know you’d like to attend.