The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue is seeking volunteers to join its search and rescue team.

Volunteers participate in search and rescue efforts in Central Oregon. Volunteers should be over the age of 21 and comfortable in back country in all types of weather. No prior experience is required, but applicants should be willing to learn and improve their outdoor skills, as well as their physical conditioning. Volunteers should also have job flexibility to respond to emergencies at any time.

To be considered, potential volunteers must complete and submit necessary applications by Jan. 25, and pass a criminal and driving history background check. Applicants must also complete an interview and in-depth questionnaire. Volunteers must commit to first-year training, which includes a general training academy in April, and first-aid and CPR training. Volunteers will also be required to pay an initial fee of $100 upon acceptance into the training academy, which will be used to purchase required search and rescue clothing.

Application materials can be obtained at the main Sheriff’s Office substations in Bend, along with all substations in La Pine, Sisters and Terrebonne during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. Applications can be returned to any Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reception window, or by mail to SAR Recruitment Coordinator, 63333 W. Highway 20, Bend, OR, 97701.

— From staff reports