Volunteer

Join Us

We conducted a Member in Training (MIT) intake in Spring, 2024 for Active Members, and for Non-operational Resource Members. Applications are NOW CLOSED. Please contact our [email protected] email if you have any questions.  

When there is a need, NSR accepts applications in the spring, holds interviews in the early summer and brings on new members starting in September. Please read through this section thoroughly and feel free to email any questions to [email protected].

If you are interested in becoming an MIT and then Active Member, please read through the following job description and Q&A to get an idea of what applying to join NSR means and to see if you can make the commitment.

Active Member, Member-In-Training Summary

  • 2 year program
  • High attendance expectations (80-100% of all training and general call-outs)
  • Average of 400-500 hours per year
  • High special event attendance expectations
  • Must complete the JIBC Ground Search and Rescue certification (integrated into the 2 year program)
  • Must complete a wilderness first aid course (provided by the team)
  • Must complete extra training as required to develop skills
  • Must be able and willing to purchase required equipment to function as a SAR volunteer

The ideal candidate will posses all or most of the following criteria (more criteria are considered):

  • High level of physical fitness (eg. Grouse Grind in less than an hour, able to carry a backpack that weighs 20-50 pounds in uneven terrain over long distances, able to lift weights that exceed 50 pounds)
  • High level of North Shore trail knowledge (experience with Cypress, Grouse, and Seymour areas)
  • Experience hiking, snow-shoeing, touring
  • Experience climbing, mountaineering, ski mountaineering
  • Experience camping
  • Avalanche Safety Training (AST 1)
  • Basic First Aid and CPR
  • Owns most of the following outdoor equipment in good repair (eg. Gortex clothing, 60-70 L backpack, hiking boots, mountaineering boots, crampons, ice-axe, harness, transceiver, probe, shovel, helmet etc.)
  • Employed or self-sufficient, with employer approval (they should understand the commitment and be all right with you potentially being late/missing work due to a task).
  • Able and willing to commit 5 years minimum to the team
  • Lives on or near the North Shore (North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Lions Bay)
  • Is a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident (required)
  • Owns a reliable car with a class 5 license
  • Owns a cellphone (required)

Special skills and unique experience will be considered as well in making selection decisions. These may be experience in the emergency services, guiding background, ski patrol, fire fighting, and more. Also note that NSR will provide avalanche safety gear and other personal protective equipment to successful applicants. If selected for the MIT program, the candidate must be available over the summer (June – Sept) for a trial period which will include various activities and equipment/facilities maintenance.

Non-operational Resource Members

Sometimes, we also look for dedicated volunteers in our community who want to donate their time and energy to support North Shore Rescue. When we have specific needs, we open applications. When we do,  we want people invested in working with us for the long-term, who are enthusiastic about the roles we’ve identified, have existing and relevant skillsets, and want to be a part of the team. We will bring you on-board as a non-operational resource member, help you understand your role, support you with a point-person, and make sure your to-do list is nice and long!!! All our active field members do these roles too, but we’re busy and could use a hand.

Some Questions and Answers

What is North Shore Rescue?

What is a Member-In-Training (MIT)?

How big is the team?

How much time does it take up?

How often is the team called out?

How long do the calls take?

What area does the team cover?

Where does the money come from for all this?

Do you get paid?

What about dogs?

Are there other teams?

Time Commitment

Skill and Equipment Requirements

What courses should I take to improve my chances of being selected for the team?

How will my time with the team be spent?