Get Involved

Ground Searcher

Assist in locating missing persons on foot, performing hasty searches, grid searches, and support tasks during deployments.

K9 Support Handler

Work alongside trained search dogs, providing assistance with tracking, scent detection, and operational support in the field.

Technical Rescue Support

Aid in specialized rescue scenarios such as rope operations, rigging, and confined space support after proper training.

Water Rescue Support

Assist with flood or swiftwater rescues, including shore-based safety, rope systems, or boat-based support if trained.

UAV/Drone Operator

Provide aerial imagery and situational awareness during missions, helping locate missing persons or assess terrain.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Operate ATVs, UTVs, or heavy machinery to transport teams, move equipment, or access rugged areas during missions.

Medical/First Aid Support

Provide first aid or medical assistance in the field, working under qualified medical personnel as needed.

Logistics Support (Field)

Assist in transporting equipment, setting up staging areas, and ensuring teams are supplied in the field.

Communications/Radio Operator

Maintain reliable contact between field teams and command using radios and communication systems.

Incident Command Support

Assist command staff with operations, planning, logistics, and documentation during missions.

Training Coordinator

Organize and schedule training sessions, ensuring volunteers receive the skills and certifications they need.

Community Outreach & Education

Represent Guadalupe SAR at public events, schools, and safety fairs to raise awareness and build community ties.

Fundraising & Grants Volunteer

Research, write, and support fundraising efforts through grants, sponsorships, and donor engagement.

Administrative Assistant

Support daily operations with scheduling, filing, record-keeping, and organizational tasks.

Finance & Donations Coordinator

Help manage nonprofit finances, donations, and grant reporting to keep the organization compliant and transparent.

Public Information & Media Support

Handle social media, press releases, and communications with the public and news outlets.

Technology & GIS Support

Manage mapping tools, data systems, and digital platforms that support search planning and operations.

Equipment & Vehicle Maintenance

Maintain and repair SAR gear, vehicles, trailers, and other essential equipment.

To join Guadalupe Search & Rescue (Guadalupe SAR) as a volunteer, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum 18 years of age

• U.S. citizen or legal resident

• No disqualifying criminal offenses

• Willing to submit to a background check

All volunteers are required to pay $100 annual dues. First-time applicants submit this payment upon completing the volunteer application, and returning volunteers renew their annual dues each April. (Dues paid now through April 2026 will cover the 2026 operational year.)

This $100 covers the annual background check as well as ongoing operational costs.

For those intending to serve in the field, volunteers are responsible for costs related to their training and certification, personal protective equipment (PPE), clothing and uniform items, and individual gear required for operational readiness.

Volunteers who wish to participate in deployments outside the local area may also be responsible for their own lodging and travel expenses, though Guadalupe SAR strives to have these costs covered through donations, grants, and community partnerships whenever possible.

One of our long-term goals is to reduce the financial burden on volunteers through continued fundraising and grant support. As Guadalupe SAR grows, we aim to cover more of the costs associated with specialized equipment, lodging, and advanced training, allowing participants to focus fully on serving the mission.

Sponsorships to cover volunteer expenses, including the annual dues, are available to be requested and reviewed for those facing financial hardship.

(Please Note: The following section applies only to volunteers who plan to serve in the command center or in the field. Volunteers serving only in local or remote administrative roles are not required to complete these training modules.)

All Guadalupe SAR volunteers that will serve on a deployment must complete a series of basic training modules from the National Incident Management System (NIMS) before they are eligible to deploy. These courses ensure that every volunteer understands how to operate within the Incident Command System (ICS) during real-world emergencies.

The following free, online FEMA courses are required and can be completed at your own pace through the FEMA Emergency Management Institute:

• FEMA NIMS IS-100c: Introduction to ICS

• FEMA NIMS IS-200c: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents

• FEMA NIMS IS-700b: National Incident Management System (NIMS) – An Introduction

• FEMA NIMS IS-800d: National Response Framework – An Introduction

In addition to NIMS coursework, all deployable field Guadalupe SAR volunteers are required to complete GSAR1 (Ground Search & Rescue Level 1) training. This provides the essential field skills needed to safely and effectively participate in missions. Guadalupe SAR aims to offer GSAR1 training for new volunteers twice a year.

Additional specialized training opportunities will be offered for those who wish to grow their skills and serve in advanced roles.

Once your application and background check are approved, you will receive a welcome letter with links to approved vendors and suppliers for uniforms, along with information on available discounts for required gear.

As part of your welcome package, each volunteer will also receive one free Guadalupe SAR hat and t-shirt.

Volunteers are responsible for purchasing their own uniform items and field gear, as outlined in the welcome materials. This ensures that every responder has the proper equipment to safely and effectively participate in missions.

You are welcome to submit an application at any time, even before attending a meeting. Once your background check has been completed and approved, you’ll receive a welcome letter with details on required training, gear vendors, and your complimentary Guadalupe SAR hat and t-shirt.

If you’d like to learn more before applying, you can also attend one of our regularly scheduled organization meetings — either in person or online. These meetings are open to the public and are a great way to meet the team, ask questions, and see if volunteering with Guadalupe SAR is the right fit for you.

From there, your next steps will be completing the required FEMA courses and GSAR1 training, gathering your gear, and preparing to become deployable if you would like to serve in the field.