RMRU’s Annual Application Period is Open Until November 30

If you are a strong hiker with a flexible schedule and an interest in helping others outdoors, we would like to hear from you.

Start your application

Not sure you’re a fit? Our Joining FAQ covers the time commitment, training, gear, and more.

Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit is an all-volunteer team of rescue professionals. At any hour of the day or night, law enforcement, national park, or military officials may call on us to search for and rescue hikers, climbers, and other outdoor enthusiasts in trouble. Our members come from all walks of life, and regularly leave their jobs — or their beds in the middle of the night — to answer a call for help. Founded in 1965 and a member of the Mountain Rescue Association, RMRU has about 40 members and responds to around 50 missions a year.


RMRU members gathered on a granite summit with a team banner, forested valley below

Is RMRU right for you?

We’re looking for people with:

  • A flexible schedule, and a willingness to commit significant time to training and rescue missions.
  • Physical fitness, with an emphasis on long hikes in steep terrain, including cross-country travel and overnight trips in unfavorable conditions.
  • A positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and the temperament of a team player.
  • The ability to stay calm under pressure.

These are hard requirements. Expect to put in more than 500 hours in your first year, between the Search and Rescue Academy, monthly trainings, meetings, and missions.

RMRU probably isn’t for you if:

  • You don’t have much free time.
  • You’re mainly looking to pad a résumé for the Forest Service, fire, or similar.
  • You aren’t comfortable in bad weather: darkness, rain, fog, heat, cold, ticks, poison oak, heights, rain, freezing rain, rain that turns into freezing rain, snow.
  • You can’t “embrace the suck.”
  • You’re not a team player, or you can’t check your ego at the door.

What helps, but isn’t required

Technical mountaineering experience, medical certifications, and former fire, rescue, or military experience are all a plus. We train thoroughly and don’t expect anyone to know everything on day one — but you do have to be a strong hiker. Anyone that has comfortably completed Whitney, Cactus to Clouds, or similar hikes recently is likely a good candidate.

What membership requires

To be accepted, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Pass an RMRU interview panel.
  • Pass a Riverside County Sheriff’s background check.

As a new member, you must:

  • Attend at least 75% of Riverside County’s Search and Rescue Academy, held one weekend a month for four months, in addition to regular training.
  • Attend at least 75% of RMRU’s monthly trainings.
  • Attend at least 50% of general membership meetings.
  • Respond to at least 15% of missions (callouts).
  • Pay $100 in initiation dues.
  • Hold current American Heart Association CPR and First Aid certification.
  • Complete FEMA’s IS-100 and IS-700 online courses.

For gear, training topics, and more, see the Joining FAQ.

Where we operate

Our area of responsibility covers all of Riverside County. Most missions and trainings take place in the San Jacinto range, though we often assist other teams throughout the mountains and deserts of Southern California. Members can live anywhere in Southern California, provided they are willing to travel to trainings, missions, and meetings.

How to apply

Applications are open until November 30. Complete the application form and we will be in touch.

Start your application

Questions before you apply? Read the Joining FAQ or email info@rmru.org.