PSAR (Preventative Search & Rescue)

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THIS IS A NON-LAW ENFORCEMENT POSITION.

Primary Assignment

Remaining highly visible to park visitors while conducting patrols in an effort to provide visitors with

information, assistance, or directions. Providing traffic control services at high visitation overlooks and

parking areas. Primary duty is to conduct foot patrols of front and backcountry trail system (hikes average 4-6 miles) disseminating Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) information and messaging.

Other Notable Assignments

• Train and function as a park Search and Rescue (SAR) team member taking part in:

-Responding to and identifying injured and/or distressed hikers

-Coordinating EMS and SAR resources to assist park visitors

-Respond to and assist minor medical incidents (First Aid/CPR training provided)

-Searching for missing/separated parties or disabled vehicles within the park's boundaries

-Assist with rescuing injured hikers from the canyon as a wheeled litter team member

-Provide assistance during EMS calls to include: carrying gear, assisting with family

members of patients, or transporting stranded patrol vehicles.

• Staff Visitor Center information desk and assist in park orientation for visitors
• Assist with planning backcountry hiking trips and issue backcountry permits
• Traffic control associated with congested areas, disabled vehicles, and motor vehicle accidents
• Attend Law Enforcement briefings as appropriate
• File lost and found property reports as needed
• Be involved with park and county events (marathons, festivals, bike races, parades, etc.)
• Drive vehicles to various locations, in and out of the park boundary for servicing and transportation of people and materials for special events
• Provide basic roadside assistance to motorists to include, but not limited to, calling for roadside assistance/tow services, battery jumpstarts, changing tires and providing basic hand tools
• Provide courtesy rides, as appropriate, always abiding by safety restraint laws. All occupants will wear seatbelts, to include child restraint devices. Courtesy rides are typically limited to visitors with disabled vehicles and stranded hikers
• Provide courtesy transportation for rangers requiring pick-up or drop-off at trailheads
• Assess trail conditions and make minor trail repairs as part of a team
• Work with Law Enforcement and resources to identify and install regulatory signage throughout the park to prevent social trails, pets on trails, litter, etc.
• Assist in administrative matters
• Perform other duties as deemed appropriate in a variety of areas

Applicants should be able to complete all of the duties outlined above. Persons in this volunteer position will need to regularly practice patience, flexibility, and have exemplary customer service skills.

Experience with PSAR, SAR, and visitor services operations are desired.

Weather and Climate

In summer the days tend to be pleasant, with daytime highs in June typically in the high 60's to low 80's (F),

high 70's to low 90's in July and August, while September is similar to June. The rainy season occurs in July

and August with frequent, usually brief, afternoon thunderstorms which produce heavy rain and frequent

lightning. Snowstorms in April and October aren't uncommon and may produce heavy snowfall.

Bryce Canyon National Park elevations reach 9,100 feet (2778 meters). People with heart or respiratory

concerns should be especially careful to not over exert themselves.

Exposure

Volunteers may be exposed to heat, sun, and other weather conditions including lightning. Outdoor

environment presents the possibility of coming into contact with spiny and poisonous plants, and desert

animals including venomous snakes and non-venomous insects and reptiles. This position will require the

incumbent to spend ample time on their feet, standing for long periods of time, hiking on steep and uneven terrain, etc. Comfortable, supportive and appropriate-for-terrain footwear is a must. A fitted pack is highly recommended. When assisting with Search and Rescue (SAR) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS),

there is potential for traumatic injuries.

The incumbent should work safely, practice Operational Leadership principles, maintain situational

awareness, and only operate as a member of a team.

Start Date - 2025-05-01

End Date - 2025-10-15