Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue (SBCSAR), the all-volunteer, nonprofit organization operating under the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, is now recruiting dedicated individuals for its 2027 academy. For over 60 years, SBCSAR has provided critical 24/7 emergency search and rescue services across the county’s 2,550 square miles and beyond, responding to lost hikers, injured adventurers, swiftwater incidents, technical rope rescues, alpine/snow & ice operations, and more.
Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue is a professional search and rescue team that responds to emergencies throughout Santa Barbara County in coordination with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. SBCSAR’s highly trained volunteers deliver compassionate, professional assistance in wilderness, urban, and mutual aid scenarios, often in partnership with fire departments, U.S. Forest Service, and other agencies.
Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue is seeking individuals who are motivated, reliable, and committed to long-term community service. Membership requires a significant time commitment, beginning with a rigorous academy and continuing throughout a member’s time on the team through training, meetings, and emergency response.
“Being part of SBCSAR is a serious commitment,” said Jason Copus, Recruitment Coordinator for Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue. “Our team trains extensively and responds in challenging environments. Team members gain advanced skills in search techniques, medical response, high-angle rescue, swiftwater operations, human tracking, and more while making a real difference in emergencies. This is not a casual volunteer role. It requires dedication, accountability, and a long-term commitment to serving the community and working as part of a highly disciplined team.”
The 2027 academy is a rigorous six-month program designed to prepare provisional members for the demands of active search and rescue operations. Successful completion of the academy is followed by a one-year probationary period of ongoing training, field experience, and evaluations before full membership.
To apply for the 2027 academy and begin the path to becoming a provisional member, interested individuals must attend one of the upcoming Recruitment Information Meetings.
These identical sessions are the required first step: Attendees will learn about team responsibilities, the academy structure, commitment expectations, physical and background requirements, and the full application process. Applications are distributed only at these meetings.
Recruitment Information Meetings (Attend one only – sessions are identical):
Location for all meetings:
Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue, 66 S San Antonio Road in Santa Barbara.
Requirements include being at least 18 years old, in excellent physical condition, possessing a high school diploma and valid driver’s license, U.S. citizenship or legal residency, and a strong commitment to team-based training and operations. The selection process involves application submission, interview by recruitment board, thorough background checks, polygraph, and interviews conducted with the Sheriff’s Department.
These meetings offer an opportunity to meet current members, ask questions, view equipment, and hear real stories from the field. No prior experience is required — just motivation, fitness, and a desire to help others.
Individuals who are interested in serving their community, working as part of a highly disciplined team, and committing to the demands of search and rescue are encouraged to learn more about the recruitment process and what it means to be a member of Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue. The information meetings provide an opportunity to gain a clear understanding of the expectations, training, and long-term commitment required to be part of the team.
