NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEER ADULT SAR TECHNICIANS
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for Volunteer Search and Rescue (SAR) Technicians. Our Search and Rescue program is made largely of volunteers who are highly trained, motivated, and willing to be called out anytime day and night to search for missing persons and to rescue injured individuals.
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office will train new volunteers; however, desirable skills include prior outdoor/SAR experience, technical skills (such as climbing/rope rappelling/radio communications), experience in the medical field (RN, Paramedic, etc.), and Incident Command experience.
There is a strong youth component on the Linn County Search and Rescue team and applicants must be willing to work with and lead youth SAR members. Successful applicants must be willing to attend regular SAR trainings/meetings as well as have a strong commitment to respond to callouts, at times in inclement weather, when their schedule allows. SAR Technicians will be expected to provide the majority of their own gear.
All Volunteer SAR Technicians will be required to acquire and maintain an Oregon State SAR certification. The following outlines the requirements to become SAR certified and expectations of SAR Technicians:
• Complete ICS 100, 200, & 700 (available to do online through FEMA)
• CPR and First Aid certified
• Must be able to attend and complete an 8-week adult SAR Academy March 7, 2023 – April 28, 2023 (overnight exercise April 27th and 28th). Every Thursday night, 6pm-9pm, and every Saturday, 9am – TBD (roughly 3pm).
• Complete an LCSO SAR Technician Task Book within two years (specific skills shown during missions)
In addition, the following annual requirements are expected of volunteer SAR Technicians:
• Attend 30 hours of SAR related activities annually to maintain SAR certification (includes training and mission response).
• Annual Physical Fitness test consisting of a two-mile walk with a 25-pound pack in 30 minutes.
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office will move forward with the first 25 applications received. Additional applications may be kept in reserve. Once the first 25 applications are received, the oral board interview and physical fitness test will be scheduled. Applicants must pass both phases to move to the background phase.
Minimum Requirements:
• High School Diploma or G.E.D
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• United States citizen or legal resident
• Must possess a valid Oregon Driver’s License
Background check:
Finalists for this position will be subject to an extensive background investigation. Some issues that might cause an applicant to be withheld from further consideration include, but are not limited to the following:
• Felony convictions
• Misdemeanor convictions for: Domestic Violence, Currently named as a Respondent in a Restraining Order, Crime of dishonesty; and/or Crime that resulted in serious physical injury to another
• Illegal manufacture, transport, or sale of a controlled substance
• Any repeated convictions of an offense, which indicate disrespect for the law, a lack of good moral character or disposition towards violence and disorder
• Discharge from employment, where such discharge indicates poor behavior and/or an inability adjusting to discipline
• Persons convicted of a petty larceny
• Registered Sexual Offender
**The Linn County Sheriff’s Office has a zero-tolerance policy on Controlled Substance (drug use), that is not prescribed. Controlled substances include, but is not limited to, any controlled substance listed in Schedules I through V of the Federal Controlled Substance Act, including marijuana and psilocybin that is otherwise lawful to use under Oregon, Washington, or any other state’s law.**
For questions regarding this program, the position of Volunteer SAR Technician, and/or any part of the process, please reach out to SAR Coordinator, Ric Lentz at 541-812-2274 ext: 4693.