Search and Rescue Coordinators play a vital role in saving lives and protecting Canadians in emergency situations. You will work as part of a team dedicated to coordinating search and rescue operations across Canada, ensuring that resources are mobilized quickly and effectively when people are in distress. In this role, you will manage communications, logistics, and personnel during rescue missions, working alongside military personnel, coast guard members, and civilian emergency services.
Your responsibilities will include receiving distress calls and emergency reports, dispatching rescue teams and equipment to incident locations, tracking ongoing operations, and maintaining detailed documentation of all activities. You will need to make quick decisions under pressure, often in challenging weather conditions and remote locations. Working as a Search and Rescue Coordinator means being part of a dedicated team committed to excellence in emergency response and always being ready to help those in need.
You will work in a dynamic operational environment, which may include control centres, coordination offices, or forward operations bases. The role offers the opportunity to develop specialized skills in emergency management, team coordination, and crisis response while contributing directly to public safety across the country.
Key Responsibilities
Perform search and rescue (sar) duties supporting public safety and security, Conduct assessments, investigations, and monitoring activities, Enforce regulations and respond to incidents, Prepare reports and maintain operational records
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To become a Search and Rescue Coordinator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring post-secondary education in emergency management, public administration, or a related field. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for this role.
Once hired, you will complete comprehensive training that includes SAR operations procedures, communication systems and protocols, map reading and navigation, incident command systems, and emergency response procedures. You may also pursue certifications such as Incident Command System (ICS) certification, emergency first aid, and advanced dispatch training. Professional development opportunities are available through the Department of National Defence, including specialized SAR courses, leadership development programs, and advancement into supervisory or management positions. Many coordinators pursue additional certifications in emergency management or related disciplines to enhance their career prospects.
Entry Plans
There are several pathways to join the Canadian Armed Forces as a Search and Rescue Coordinator. The most common route is through open Government of Canada job competitions posted on the Public Service Commission website (jobs.gc.ca) and the DND Civilian Workforce Careers portal. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and typically accept applications on an ongoing basis.
You may also enter through bridging programs if you are transitioning from military service or other federal government positions. Lateral moves from related fields such as dispatch coordination, emergency management, or military operations are also possible. Some positions may be filled through casual or term employment first, with opportunities to move into permanent roles based on performance and organizational needs. Students can explore co-op or internship placements with DND to gain experience and increase their competitiveness for permanent positions. We encourage you to check the career portal regularly for new opportunities and to speak with a recruitment officer about the best entry path for your background and experience.
Part-Time Options
Search and Rescue Coordinator positions are typically full-time roles due to the operational nature of SAR work and the requirement to maintain continuous coordination capability. However, limited part-time opportunities may be available in administrative or planning roles supporting SAR operations.
Flexible work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis for certain administrative duties, subject to operational requirements. Given the emergency response nature of the work, coordinators in active operational roles should expect shift work, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as rescue operations continue 24/7. Remote work is generally not available for active coordination positions, as coordinators must be present in control centres or operations facilities to manage real-time rescue activities. If you are interested in discussing flexible arrangements for your specific situation, we recommend speaking directly with the hiring manager during the recruitment process about what options may be available within your team or location.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
