Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) - Crater Lake National Park

Currently Recruiting For: Winter 2026/2027 season

How to Apply:

Please apply through this posting AND email a resume, dates of availability, and at least three references with email and phone contact information to crla_vrp_volunteers@nps.gov.

Full time OR part time Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) volunteer opportunity. Required training will be provided.

Preference will be given to those with NREMT EMT-B or First Responder qualifications that are current, but it is not required.

Crater Lake National Park is recruiting 3-6, full-time, Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) volunteers and multiple part time volunteers! The volunteer’s primary role will be to provide thorough and accurate visitor safety information at trailheads and on trails about current conditions and environmental hazards in order to help prevent visitor injury and illness. During a PSAR patrol, volunteers should expect to travel between 3-10 miles on assigned trails or routes in potentially extreme weather conditions and monitor popular trailhead areas for up to eight hours.

PSAR volunteers will also assist with general park operations to include compiling visitor use data, project work, assistance with search and rescue (SAR), snow removal, traffic control, special events and other operational support as needed.

Volunteers may have the opportunity to be trained in search and rescue techniques, leave no trace principles, Hike Safe, incident command system, and other position specific trainings. There is also opportunity to learn about other park operations based off of your availability and interest.

Housing:

Housing may be provided for full time volunteers. Housing is a room in a shared apartment or house, no housing is available for part time volunteers. Rooms may be shared. No pets allowed in housing. RV space is extremely limited during the summer months but may be available for RV’s less than 27 feet. RV space is not available in winter due to snow.

Applicants wanting to stay in park housing must be a full time volunteer and will be scheduled for 40 hours per week. The full time volunteer must be available for a minimum of 90 consecutive days.

Volunteer Dates and Hours:

Summer:

Start date is planned between May 15 and June 15, ending September 30.

Winter:

Start date is planned between November 1 and December 15th, ending May 31.

Start and End dates may be flexible depending on park needs and volunteer availability. Weekend and holiday work is required.

Full time volunteers will be scheduled for 40 hours per week. They must also be available for a minimum of 90 consecutive days. Schedules are generally 8-9hr days 4-5 days per week.

Part time volunteers must be able to complete at least 5 days of trail patrol per season after they have completed all training and orientation requirements to patrol independently.

Qualifications:

·        Current and valid Driver’s license

·        Registered vehicle that meets all travel requirements (3 Peak Snow tires in winter)

·        Be able to be CPR/AED certified – training provided by the park if needed

·        Hike/ski/snowshoe in extreme weather conditions with a 35-pound+ backpack at approximately 7,000ft for 3-10 miles regularly

·        Ability to be professional and courteous to visitors, staff and other volunteers with respect for other points of view

·        Handle difficult questions or complaints in a tactful and professional manner providing accurate information

·        Willingness to learn

·        Ability to work independently

·        Be open to mentoring

·        Have basic computer skills

·        Wear a volunteer uniform

·        Willing to live in a remote location

Contact:

Crater Lake VRP Volunteer Coordinator at crla_vrp_volunteers@nps.gov

Area information:

Please visit our website to learn more at Crater Lake National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). Crater Lake National Park has the deepest lake in the United Stated and is in Oregon’s Cascade Mountain Range. It is one of the snowiest inhabited places in American with snowfall reaching 42 feet, Winter Snow Data. Winter temperatures are generally mild with highs averaging 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures rarely reach 80 degrees. There is regularly impact from wildfire smoke during the summer months. Elevation in the park ranges from around 5,000 feet up to 9,000 feet. There are multiple opportunities for recreation within the area including other national park sites, forest service and BLM lands, ski resorts, and the Oregon coast just to name a few.

Groceries and supplies can be found in our nearest full-service towns of Klamath Falls which is approximatly 1hr 15min drive from the park and Medford with is approximately a 1hr 40min drive.

**In winter, vehicle restrictions are in place which require vehicles to have chains in the vehicle or have winter traction tires on the vehicle.

“Chains” include link chains, cable chains or any other device that attaches to the wheel, vehicle or outside of the tire that is specifically designed to increase traction on ice and snow.

“Traction tires” are studded tires, retractable studded tires or other tires that meet tire industry standards for use in severe snow conditions.

Tires designated by the tire industry as suitable for use in severe snow conditions are marked with a symbol of a three-peaked mountain and a snowflake on the sidewall.

“Retractable studded tires” are tires with embedded studs that retract to at or below the wear bar of the tire and project not less than .04 inch beyond the tread surface of the tire when extended.

Studded tires” are tires with studs that are made of a rigid material that wears at the same rate as the tire tread. The studs must extend at least .04 inch but not more than .06 inch beyond the tread surface. Studded tires are only legal for use in Oregon from Nov. 1 through March 31.

Oregon Department of Transportation: Chains and Traction Tires