Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) at Crater Lake National Park
ORGANIZATION: National Park Service
Please visit the new page to apply.
Currently Recruiting For: Summer 2025 season
Full time OR part time Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) volunteer opportunity. Required training will be provided.
Crater Lake National Park is recruiting 2-3, 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. You may also provide information, orientation, and safety messaging to visitors in a visitor center or backcountry office setting. During a PSAR patrol, volunteers should expect to hike between 3-10 miles on assigned trails in potentially extreme weather conditions and monitor popular trailheads 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 general park operations 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.
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 the contact information listed below.
Housing:
Housing may be provided for full time volunteers which will be 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 available to work a minimum of 32 hours per week for a minimum of 90 consecutive days.
Volunteer Dates and Hours:
The start date is planned between May 15 and June 15, ending September 30 for summer positions. Winter positions planned start is between November 15 and December 15th, ending March 31. Ending dates may be flexible depending on park needs and volunteer availability. Weekend and holiday work is required.
Full time volunteers must volunteer for a minimum of 32 hours per week for a minimum of 90 consecutive days. 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:
· Valid Driver’s license
· Registered vehicle that you are willing to use to commute in park
· Be comfortable working closely with law enforcement rangers
· 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
· 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 temperatures are generally mild with highs averaging 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures rarely reach 80 degrees but there is regularly impact from wildfire smoke. 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.
Start Date - 2024-05-13
End Date - 2025-04-30
Activities include: Back Country/Wilderness;General Assistance;Trail/Campground Maintenance;Visitor Information
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About National Park Service
Location:
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Mission Statement
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Description
The U.S. National Park Service, www.nps.gov, cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. We care for more than 400 national parks and help communities preserve their historic places and open spaces.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
This is a Virtual Opportunity with no fixed address.
DATE POSTED
January 30, 2025
SKILLS
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
- Sunday;Monday;Tuesday;Wednesday;Thursday;Friday;Saturday