As a Manager – Search and Rescue (SAR), you will lead and oversee search and rescue operations and teams dedicated to saving lives in emergency situations. You will be responsible for coordinating complex rescue missions, managing personnel, allocating resources, and ensuring operational readiness across your assigned region or unit. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on involvement in critical emergency response, making it essential for someone who is both an effective manager and committed to public safety.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include supervising SAR personnel, developing and implementing operational procedures, coordinating with partner agencies and emergency services, and ensuring compliance with federal safety standards and regulations. You will manage budgets, oversee equipment maintenance and procurement, conduct training and drills, and maintain detailed records of all operations. During active rescue missions, you may be directly involved in command and control decisions, working under high-pressure conditions where quick thinking and sound judgment are critical.
This position is based within National Defence, typically in a regional SAR coordination centre or with an operational SAR unit. You will work in a dynamic environment that requires flexibility, as SAR operations can occur at any time and may involve extended hours during active missions. The role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while building a career in public safety and defence.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of search and rescue (sar) services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the search and rescue (sar) team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To be successful in this role, you should have a post-secondary education in a related field such as emergency management, public administration, military science, or a relevant discipline. Many candidates enter this position with previous experience in search and rescue operations, emergency services, or military operations.
Professional development is ongoing and includes specialized SAR training, incident command system (ICS) certification, and management training offered through National Defence and other federal institutions. You may also pursue certifications in emergency management, leadership development programs, and specialized rescue techniques depending on your operational area (marine, land, or air SAR). Continuing education in areas such as risk management, interagency coordination, and advanced leadership is encouraged throughout your career.
Most positions require a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain security clearance. Some roles may require additional certifications such as first aid, water safety, or other operational qualifications specific to your assigned SAR environment.
Entry Plans
Entry into the Manager – Search and Rescue position typically occurs through several pathways within the federal Public Service:
1. Advertised Competitions: National Defence regularly posts competitions for management positions. You can find current opportunities on the Government of Canada's Job Bank website (jobs.gc.ca) or National Defence's careers portal (forces.ca). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
2. Internal Lateral Moves: If you are already a federal public servant, you may be able to transition into this role through internal staffing processes, which may have different eligibility requirements and timelines than external competitions.
3. From Military to Civilian: Canadian Armed Forces members, including those with SAR experience, can transition into civilian SAR management roles. Your military service record and operational experience are valuable assets in the application process.
4. Merit-Based Pools: National Defence may establish recruitment pools for management positions, allowing qualified candidates to be selected as positions become available without repeated competitions.
Regardless of entry pathway, candidates must complete a thorough application process that typically includes a written exam, interview, and reference checks. A security clearance will be required before employment begins.
Part-Time Options
This is primarily a full-time, permanent position given the nature of SAR operations and the management responsibilities involved. However, some flexibility may be available depending on operational needs and your specific unit.
While the role itself is not typically offered on a part-time basis due to the critical nature of SAR management and command responsibilities, National Defence does offer flexible work arrangements in some circumstances, such as compressed work weeks or adjusted start times, provided operational requirements are met.
Remote work is generally limited for this role, as SAR management requires your presence at the coordination centre or operational facility during shifts. However, some administrative aspects of the position may be completed remotely on a case-by-case basis.
If you have specific flexibility needs, these should be discussed during the recruitment process or after hire with your manager and human resources advisor, as accommodations are made where operationally feasible. The demands of search and rescue operations mean that emergency scheduling and extended hours should be expected as part of this career.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
