We're Recruiting | Thank you for your interest in joining Môn Search and Rescue (MônSAR).
Before applying, please take the time to read the provided information on the expectations and commitment involved in joining our team.
About us
MônSAR is a volunteer Search & Rescue team operating across Anglesey and North Wales. We are a Lowland Rescue team, and a proud member of the North Wales Mountain Rescue Association (NWMRA).
Our volunteers provide a wide range of specialist capabilities and work alongside emergency services and other rescue organisations to help locate, reach and assist people in need.
We work closely with a wide range of partner agencies and organisations including North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust, mountain rescue teams, cave rescue, local authorities, and rescue helicopter crews.
Effective teamwork, communication, and interoperability are therefore fundamental to everything we do.
Our operational capabilities include:
Search - Responding to missing and vulnerable persons incidents and conducting structured searches in a variety of environments.
Rescue - Providing a capable response to a wide range of incidents, including in difficult and remote locations.
Rope rescue - Operating at height and in steep, challenging, or otherwise inaccessible terrain using specialist rope equipment.
Water rescue - Supporting incidents involving inland water and providing trained personnel and equipment for water-related searches and rescues.
4x4 Response - Providing off-road driving and logistical capability, including transporting personnel and specialist equipment to locations inaccessible by standard vehicles.
Training & Commitment
Joining MônSAR is a significant commitment.
Our core team training takes place every Wednesday evening, as well as one full day training during the final weekend of every month.
In addition to these routine scheduled sessions, members are expected to undertake additional training, skills maintenance, and Continued Professional Development (CPD) throughout the year.
During your initial 6 months with the team, a minimum attendance level of 70% is expected. This requirement is in place to ensure new members receive sufficient exposure to the training programme, develop the required competencies and are able to progress safely towards operational qualification.
Meeting the attendance requirement alone does not guarantee qualification. Members must also demonstrate the required knowledge, practical skills, fitness, teamwork, and operational competence across the relevant areas of training.
Fitness & Physical Requirements
MônSAR operations can be physically demanding and applicants must be capable of undertaking strenuous activity in challenging environments.
As part of the application and selection process, applicants will be required to complete a fitness assessment. Candidates should be physically fit and capable of working for extended periods outside, often in poor weather and on difficult terrain.
Team members will be required to:
- Walk significant distances over rough, steep or uneven ground
- Carry their own personal operational equipment for extended periods
- Carry and move heavy specialist rescue equipment as part of the team
- Work at height or in difficult terrain following appropriate training
- Undertake prolonged physical activity during searches and rescues
- Work effectively while tired, cold, wet, or under operational pressure
- Assist with the movement and care of casualties and equipment
In addition to the physical demands of the role, Search & Rescue work requires emotional resilience. Members may be exposed to traumatic incidents, injuries, and, on occasion, deceased persons.
Applicants must therefore understand that MônSAR is not simply a training or social organisation. When deployed, we are expected to operate safely, professionally, and effectively alongside our emergency service and rescue partners.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for individuals who are committed, reliable, physically capable, and willing to learn.
You do not need to arrive with previous Search & Rescue experience.
Our training programme is designed to develop the skills required, as long as you are prepared to commit the necessary time and effort to becoming a competent operational team member.
Joining MônSAR is an opportunity to develop a broad range of skills, work alongside highly experienced personnel and ultimately play a direct role in helping people when they need it most.