Join Us - We are recruiting
Running a successful search and rescue operation requires a wide range of skills. While our search technicians are out in the field, we also rely on volunteers behind the scenes to handle essential tasks such as administration, public relations, and finances. In addition our support team plays a vital role in logistics, equipment maintenance, and deploying boats and vehicles, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
If you have the time, dedication, and skills to contribute in any of these areas, we’d love to hear from you. We are continuously seeking new recruits, and each year we hold interviews and inductions for both search technicians and support team members.
Please note that this work is not glamorous. It’s often sensitive and, at times, can be emotionally challenging. When we are operational, we uphold the highest levels of confidentiality and integrity, especially as our work may draw public and media attention.
SEARCH TECHNICIAN
We recruit on an annual basis, drawing up a waiting list throughout the year, prior to the start of our selection and induction process.
Requirements
- Hold a valid UK driving licence and access to a car 24/7
- Consent to a Disclosure and Barring Service check (enhanced).
- Physically fit and able to walk at least 5 miles in 2 hours.
- Comfortable in the outdoor environment.
- A team player with a good sense of collective responsibility.
- Be professional, honest and trustworthy at all times.
Selection
Prospective applicants will be invited to attend one of our Open Evenings (invitation only), this will provide the applicants with the opportunity to find out in greater detail, what being part of the team entails.
Interested candidates will then be asked to attend selection interviews.
Training
In the first 4 months you will be trained over 5 weekends in basic first aid, communications, navigation and search and rescue skills. The final weekend you will progress to our Search and Rescue Technician course (SARTech), which upon successful completion enables you to become an operational Search Technician.
Progressing on there may be opportunities to train further as part of the Water, Drone and Medical Team.
If you think you have what it takes to be part of the Search and Rescue team, please submit your intention to join via the contact us button below.
SUPPORT ROLES
Support team members form the backbone of our operation, either operationally or back end. They may also be called upon to help with our training, posing as "missing persons" during search exercises, or medical casualties during our medical training.
Whatever role you choose within BLSAR there is a great sense of being part of a team doing something very rewarding, and helping to save lives in Berkshire.
1. OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
Operational Support members provide direct physical support to the operation, which may include vehicle, boat or equipment positioning and preparation. Although they are not part of the search team they may be required on site to support the search operation.
2. GENERAL SUPPORT
General Support members are involved in our logistical support, helping the team with Public Relations, IT, fundraising and various other non operational roles.
We ARE currently recruiting for the following General Support roles...
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Membership Secretary
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Financial Officer
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Fundraising Officer
- Public Relations Lead
- Data Protection Lead
More details of the above roles can be found - HERE
If you have experience in any of the areas above and you are able to offer your services on a voluntary basis please contact us using the "Contact Us" button below.