Volunteer Rope Rescue Team Member

Search & Rescue | Disaster Response | Technical Rescue

Organization: Navigator Emergency Services

Location: Michigan (statewide response, with occasional nation-wide deployments)

About the Role

Navigator Emergency Services (NES) is building a Volunteer Rope Rescue Team to support search and rescue operations, disaster response, and emergency incidents across Michigan. Team members may respond to wilderness rescues, industrial incidents, missing person searches, and disaster or emergency operations in coordination with local, state, and federal partners.

This position is primarily volunteer, with the potential for paid deployments when response activities are funded through government contracts, grants, or donations.

Responsibilities

• Perform low- and high-angle rope rescue operations
• Assist with wilderness, urban, and industrial search and rescue missions
• Support disaster response and emergency operations
• Operate within the Incident Command System (ICS)
• Maintain rescue equipment and personal readiness
• Participate in required training, exercises, and team deployments

Preferred Qualifications

• Rope Rescue Operations-level certification (or higher)
• EMT certification (preferred; higher medical credentials welcome)
• Prior experience in SAR, technical rescue, disaster response, or fire/EMS
• Ability to function effectively in austere and high-stress environments
• Strong teamwork, communication, and safety-focused mindset

Commitment & Compensation

• Volunteer position with flexible availability
• Training and deployments scheduled as needed
• Paid work may be available depending on incident funding, government contracts, and donations

What We Offer

• Meaningful, mission-driven rescue work serving Michigan communities
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Opportunities to participate in real-world rescue and disaster responses
• Pathway to compensated deployments as funding allows