Whether you’re an avid hiker, know your way around boats or vehicles, or are an expert at feeding large groups, Halifax Search & Rescue relies on a variety of skills at all times and welcomes your involvement.

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Volunteer Roles

Volunteering at Halifax Search & Rescue fulfills a variety of interests and areas of specialization—be they related to on-the-ground searching, managing the logistics of a search and rescue operation, educating the public, organizing fundraising events or working behind the scenes to assist with the administration of the organization. Orienteering, digital mapping, cooking, management, tracking, mechanical know-how, first aid, radio communications, event planning, fundraising, boating, accounting, IT, grant writing—the list of goes on. Volunteer expertise at HSAR is numerous and varied, and all roles are vital to supporting the HSAR team.

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The HSAR Volunteer

It is incredibly rewarding to assist someone in times of need. Halifax Search & Rescue volunteers rally in these times with skill, strategy and precision to execute search and rescue operations 24/7, 365 days a year. We are one of the most active search and rescue teams in North America per capita.

Most search and rescue operations focus on locating and rescuing lost people, and these incidents are rarely convenient or known to the public. Searches often occur at night, off trail in rough terrain, and in challenging weather conditions. HSAR team members are willing and able to respond in these conditions, and understand that responding to a search is a priority. While we have fun as a team, we are not a club or an avenue for training. Halifax Search & Rescue is an emergency response organization that requires a substantial and consistent commitment throughout the year.

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Join the Team

Halifax Search & Rescue is always looking for good people. Twice a year, we host a Prospective Volunteer Information Session for anyone interested in joining the team. These sessions are the best times to visit the base, meet team members, and start the application process. We look forward to meeting you!

We’re not currently recruiting. Next intake round expected in late 2024.

Click here to sign up to be notified when our next recruitment round opens:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Uhq8S-v_miiocfW4XbvIYXzfXeWt89__lVa_U2Nc28M/

Have a question? Check out the FAQ for answers to some of our most common questions.