Joshua Tree Search and Rescue 2026-27

This opportunity is open to applicants until Saturday, 9/5. The most highly qualified applicants can expect to be contacted with more information the week of 9/6.

☀️ Joshua Tree National Park is recruiting a few new members of our Search and Rescue (JOSAR) team! ☀️

JOSAR was established in the 1990s to respond to emergencies such as climber falls, missing hikers, and overdue parties. The team is comprised of highly trained staff and volunteers are on-call around the clock and ready to respond to a variety of incidents. Due to the complexity and frequency of incidents, the team includes members that perform physical duties including search, technical, and tracking and members that perform stationary support functions such as incident management assistance and logistics.

Members in technical rescue positions of JOSAR should have a high level of physical fitness and comfort in desert environments. JOSAR members routinely perform difficult physical labor in extreme conditions. Skills such as rock climbing, backcountry navigation, backpacking, desert survival, and tracking are valuable, but not required to apply. Field positions require a medical clearance from a doctor and completion of an arduous pack test.

Members in administrative support positions don’t require the same level of physical fitness. Skills valuable for support members include logistics, finance, GIS/cartography, mechanical and technological skills for equipment maintenance, and skills related to supporting friends and family of subjects during and after an emergency.

Required of all applicants:

• All new volunteers must attend Basic Search and Rescue course on Saturday 10/10 and Sunday 10/11.
• Commit to at least four SAR trainings and/or incidents per year.
• Live within 2 hours of Joshua Tree National Park, with preference given to Morongo Basin and Coachella Valley residents.
• Submit required volunteer hours and maintain required documentation.
• Follow JOSAR search protocols and Incident Command System (ICS) procedures.
• Work cooperatively with NPS staff and law enforcement, other volunteers, visitors, and partner agencies like fire and ambulance.
• Recognize and avoid potentially hazardous situations.
• Complete Incident Command System (ICS) courses IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and A-100 helicopter safety
• Complete National Park Service (NPS) Basic Search and Rescue (BSAR) course before volunteer service begins
• Open NPS Search and Rescue Technician 2 (SRT2) task book within one year of signing volunteer service agreement

Required of applicants to technical rescue positions:

• Ability to hike, scramble, and climb through steep, rocky, and backcountry terrain.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds of gear and equipment.
• Assist with searches, rescues, and visitor carry-outs.
• Work around helicopters, emergency vehicles, and other hazards.
• Technical rescue requires additional training.