Volunteer With WRIG

Join our dedicated team of search and rescue professionals. Make a difference in your community while developing valuable skills and serving others.

Why Volunteer with WRIG?

Volunteering with WRIG offers unique opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and meaningful community service.

1

Professional Training

Receive comprehensive training in search and rescue techniques, wilderness survival, and emergency response.

2

Meaningful Service

Make a direct impact in your community by helping locate missing persons and supporting emergency operations.

3

Team Environment

Join a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers committed to saving lives and serving others.

4

Skill Development

Develop valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and emergency response.

5

Equipment Provided

WRIG provides specialized equipment and gear needed for search and rescue operations.

6

Flexible Commitment

Multiple volunteer roles available to accommodate different schedules and skill levels.

Volunteer Roles

WRIG offers various volunteer opportunities to match different skills, interests, and availability levels.

Ground Search Team Member

2-3 missions per month, monthly training

Requirements:

  • Physical fitness for wilderness hiking
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions
  • Complete 40-hour basic SAR certification
  • Maintain current first aid/CPR certification
  • Own basic outdoor gear and equipment
  • Available for emergency callouts

Training Required:

40-hour initial course + monthly exercises

Time Commitment:

6-8 hours per month minimum

K9 Handler

Weekly training, 2-3 missions per month

Requirements:

  • Own a suitable dog for SAR training
  • Complete K9 handler certification program
  • Commit to 2+ years of training
  • Available for regular training sessions
  • Physical ability for wilderness operations
  • Transportation for dog and equipment

Training Required:

18-month certification program

Time Commitment:

10-12 hours per week

Drone Operator

Monthly training, on-call for missions

Requirements:

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Own or access to professional drone equipment
  • Technical aptitude for equipment operation
  • Complete WRIG drone operator training
  • Maintain equipment and certifications
  • Available for emergency deployment

Training Required:

Specialized drone operations course

Time Commitment:

4-6 hours per month

Communications Specialist

Support missions and training events

Requirements:

  • Amateur radio license (preferred)
  • Technical communication skills
  • Complete communications training
  • Ability to operate under pressure
  • Available for extended operations
  • Detail-oriented documentation skills

Training Required:

Communications systems certification

Time Commitment:

4-6 hours per month

Medical Support

Medical support during missions

Requirements:

  • Current medical certification (EMT, Paramedic, RN, etc.)
  • Wilderness medicine training preferred
  • Physical ability for field operations
  • Complete WRIG medical protocols training
  • Maintain professional certifications
  • Available for emergency response

Training Required:

WRIG medical protocols + wilderness medicine

Time Commitment:

6-8 hours per month

Support Volunteer

Flexible support roles

Requirements:

  • Reliable and committed to the mission
  • Complete basic orientation training
  • Available for various support tasks
  • Good organizational skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Background check clearance

Training Required:

Basic orientation and role-specific training

Time Commitment:

2-4 hours per month

Application Process

Our comprehensive application process ensures that volunteers are well-prepared and properly trained for search and rescue operations.

1

Submit Application

Complete our online volunteer application form with your background and interests.

2

Background Check

All volunteers undergo a comprehensive background check for safety and security.

3

Interview Process

Meet with WRIG leadership to discuss your interests and determine the best fit.

4

Orientation

Attend a comprehensive orientation session to learn about WRIG operations and policies.

5

Training Program

Begin your role-specific training program with experienced WRIG members.

6

Active Membership

Join active operations and continue ongoing training and skill development.

Ready to Apply?

Start your journey with WRIG by completing our volunteer application form.

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EMERGENCY NOTICE

For Emergencies or to activate a SAR response, DIAL 911 IMMEDIATELY

The contact form below is for non-urgent, general inquiries ONLY. In emergency situations, always contact local emergency services first.

Contact Us

Have questions about volunteering, training, or our services? We'd love to hear from you.

Send us a Message

Contact Information

General Inquiries

[email protected]

Headquarters

Memphis, Tennessee
Serving Tennessee and surrounding states

Response Availability

24/7 Emergency Response

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM

Important Information

501(c)(3) Non-Profit

Tax-exempt charitable organization

FEMA Certified

Federal emergency response qualified

NASAR Member

National Association for Search and Rescue