YSAR is a youth development organisation dedicated to fostering the next generation of community volunteers within the Search and Rescue (SAR) and Emergency Management (EM) sectors. They deliver a three-year training programme to secondary school aged students through a blended learning programme of Wednesday evening classroom sessions throughout the first three school terms, reinforced by six practical weekend exercises throughout the year, culminating in a five-day end of year exercise.

Volunteers deliver sessions:

• In the classroom
• On site with sector partners
• In the outdoors

YSAR's Dunedin branch is looking for volunteer instructors to help with the delivery of the 2025 programme (and beyond!). They're open to hearing from people with skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Education
• Leadership
• Outdoor education
• Emergency response experience (such as FENZ, Police, Emergency Management, St. Johns, Emergency Radio, Surf Lifesaving, Coastguard)

There is flexibility within the programme to suit your skills and availability – teach some ad hoc sessions in your particular area of expertise OR

• become a regular instructor for the duration of the programme

Whether you are able to commit to a few sessions or a weekly commitment, your contribution will help shape the future of search and rescue and emergency management through working alongside and influencing incredible young people to make a lasting impact and create a safer, more resilient future for all.

Requirements

• Experience in outdoor education, emergency management or search and rescue.
• Ability to engage with and inspire young people.
• Familiarity with online environments like Microsoft Teams would be an advantage (or a willingness to learn)
• Full Drivers licence
• Clean Police Vet
• A Police background check is required for this role.