Join TERT

Volunteer with the Timpanogos Emergency Response Team

Minimum Requirements

To join TERT, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Pass the Sheriff's Office background checkUtah County Sheriff's Office checks are done annually for all members.
  • Hold current CPR & Basic First AidOr a higher license (EMT, WFR, Paramedic, RN, MD) by the start of the season.
  • Attend both spring training daysMarch 6, 2027 in Provo and May 15, 2027 at Aspen Grove (first season).
    Learn about spring training →
  • Complete online station trainingOnce you're accepted, you'll get access to the team portal. Complete each station's course before you sign up for shifts there.
  • Serve your shifts each season2 full weekends, or 1 full weekend + 2 single days. Every member serves at least one overnight weekend.
Not required, but they boost your application:
  • Priority Amateur (ham) radio license
  • Priority Advanced medical: WFR, EMT, Paramedic, or higher
A TERT Weekend

Here's what a weekend on the mountain looks like at each duty station.

TERT members hiking toward the Hidden Lakes area TERT members stationed at the Emerald Lake shelter Foggy day at Emerald Lake Snow on tents at High Camp
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High Camp

Full weekend 2 nights on the mountain Strenuous hike in
  1. FridayAfternoon

    Meet at Aspen Grove & hike in

    Meet the team at the TERT shack just north of the Aspen Grove parking lot, then hike ~5 miles with all your weekend gear, gaining ~3,200 feet of elevation, to the Hidden Lakes area and set up camp. It's a strenuous hike.

  2. FridayOvernight

    Ready around the clock

    Many hikers climb overnight to watch the sunrise. If someone needs help, the team is positioned to respond quickly.

  3. SaturdayAll day

    Emerald Lake & the summit

    The team bases at the Emerald Lake shelter to help hikers who need it. If staffing levels and incidents allow, members may hike to the summit, talking with hikers and sharing safety information. Hiking to the summit is at the discretion of the team leader.

  4. SaturdayOvernight

    Second night on the mountain

    Another night at camp, on call for anyone who needs help.

  5. SundayMorning

    Pack up & hike out

    Break camp and hike down. The shift ends Sunday by noon.*

Who's on the team: at least one High Camp Team Leader, at least one communications person, one or two designated medical team members (EMT, LPN, FR, etc.), and general team members.

No backpacking experience required, but this is a strenuous hike with a full pack. You'll need the right gear and conditioning for any weather, from thunderstorms to snow.

More about High Camp →
Members: See the High Camp packing list →   
The brown TERT trailhead shack in the forest The TERT trailhead shack with a light dusting of snow
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Trail Heads

Full weekend or single day Communication hub Ham license required

TERT staffs the trailhead shacks at both Aspen Grove and Timpooneke. Trail Head members are the communication hub, relaying information between High Camp, Stewart Falls, the other trailhead, and the Utah County Sheriff's Office. Every trailhead member must be a licensed ham radio operator.

Two ways to serve: the weekend shift runs Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon, camping at the trailhead and on call overnight. The single-day shift runs 8 AM to about 6 PM*, working alongside the weekend member: greeting hikers, heading up the trail to help when needed, and covering the shack during breaks.
  1. FridayAbout 4:30 PM

    Open the trailhead shack

    Arrive, set up, and check in with dispatch. Members camp at the nearby campgrounds, and family members are welcome to camp with you.

  2. SaturdayAll day

    Keep everyone connected

    Greet hikers and share trail conditions, weather, distances, and Leave No Trace information. Relay radio traffic between High Camp and other locations when necessary, perform regular check-ins with dispatch, occasionally help hikers who may need assistance when they are closer to the trailhead than to High Camp.

  3. SundayUntil mid-afternoon*

    Wrap up

    Staff the trailhead through Sunday when the High Camp team comes down.

More about Trail Heads →
A TERT member at Stewart Falls Three TERT members pose together for a selfie
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Stewart Falls

Single day Saturdays & holidays First aid focus

A great way to fill your single-day assignments. The Stewart Falls team spends the day at this popular waterfall as a visible safety presence, providing first aid and directions to hikers. It's ~4 miles round trip with ~680 feet of elevation gain, carrying team gear.

  1. Saturday8 AM

    Gear up & hike in

    Meet at the TERT shack north of the Aspen Grove parking lot and pick up the team gear: medical kit, chairs, sun shade, radio, and water filter. Then hike to the falls.

  2. Saturday9 AM – approximately 5 PM

    On duty at the falls

    Treat hikers who need first aid and give directions, including to hikers arriving from Sundance. The team stays in radio contact with the Aspen Grove Trailhead and High Camp team leader.

  3. SaturdayAbout 5 PM*

    Hike out & head home

    Hike back down and return the team gear to the shack.

More about Stewart Falls →
The view toward the Timpanogos Basin from where Rovers spend the middle of their shift
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Timpooneke Rover

Single day Saturdays & holidays Strenuous, ~11 mi round trip

A team of two hikes the Timpooneke Trail, helping hikers with directions, water, first aid, and good advice on the part of the trail volunteers rarely reach. It's a long, hard day that takes High Camp-level conditioning.

  1. Saturday8 AM

    Start at Timpooneke

    Meet your teammate at the Timpooneke trailhead, pick up the Rover medical pack and public safety radio, and check your radios.

  2. SaturdayMidday

    Up high on the trail

    Hike ~5.5 miles to the junction in Timpanogos Basin, helping hikers along the way, and spend time there where hikers often need help with the route, water, or a decision about turning back.

  3. SaturdayLate afternoon*

    Head down & wrap up

    Hike down by the team's turnaround time, checking on hikers as you go, then return the gear and report your day.

Who's on the team: a Medical Rover (at least First Responder or Wilderness First Aid) and a Radio Rover (ham radio license required), who check in regularly with the High Camp Team Leader.
More about the Rover →

* End times are approximate. If the team is helping with an incident, your shift may run later until it's resolved or handed off to Search and Rescue.

Your Path to the Mountain

From application to your first shift.

  1. By January 2

    Apply

    Submit your application. You'll get an acknowledgment when we receive it.

  2. Early January

    Video interview

    Selected applicants meet with a panel of team leaders.

  3. End of January

    Selection & vetting

    You'll be notified of your status. New members are then vetted by the Utah County Sheriff's Office.

  4. March 6 & May 15

    Spring training

    New members attend both: indoor training in Provo (8 AM–12 PM) and hands-on outdoor training at Aspen Grove (8 AM–about 1 PM).

    Learn about spring training →
  5. After you're accepted

    Online station training New

    Once you're accepted, you'll get access to the TERT team portal and online training. Each duty station has its own course. Complete it before you can sign up for shifts at that station.

  6. Memorial Day – mid-September

    Sign up & serve

    Complete 2 full weekends, or 1 full weekend + 2 single days, each season. A full weekend includes two nights on duty at High Camp or a trailhead.

Every spot on the team counts

  • We have a limited number of spots each season, set by what the Sheriff's Office can fund for volunteer liability insurance.
  • Once you commit, that spot is yours for the season. Your insurance is paid up front for you and only you, so if you drop out or can't make it, we cannot replace you.

Please apply if you can truly commit this season. If school, a move, or a new job might get in the way, we'd love to see your application next year.

Costs & Equipment

TERT is an all-volunteer team. Here's what the team provides and what you'll need to cover yourself.

The team provides

  • Liability insurancePaid by the Utah County Sheriff's Office for each committed member.
  • Medical packsStocked packs at both trailheads, Stewart Falls, High Camp, and for the Rover.
  • Public safety radiosFurnished by the Sheriff's Office for team communication.
  • Parking permitsIssued by your team leader for your assigned shifts.
  • TrainingSpring training days and online station courses.

You provide

  • A TERT shirtYou'll need at least one to wear on duty. Shirts are ordered before the season.
  • CPR & First Aid certificationPlus any higher-level medical training or license renewals.
  • Clothing & personal gearLayers, a warm jacket, and rain gear for mountain weather.
  • Backpacking gear (High Camp)Pack, sleeping bag and pad, and everything else on the packing list (viewable once you become a member).
  • Ham radio equipmentIf you're a licensed operator, your own handheld radio.
  • Gas & foodTravel to and from your station, and your own meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time does TERT take?

Every season, new and returning members serve:

  • Either 2 full weekends, or 1 full weekend plus 2 single days, between Memorial Day and mid-September

Before you serve, you'll also complete:

  • Two spring training days in your first season (March and May)
  • Online training for each station you'll serve at
Do I need medical experience? Priority

You need current CPR and Basic First Aid certification by the start of the season, or a higher-level license (EMT, WFR, Paramedic, RN, MD). Advanced medical providers are a big help to the team and are given priority.

Do I need a ham radio license? Priority

It's not required to join, but communication in the field is critical, so applicants with an amateur radio license are given preference. A license is required to serve at the trailheads and as the Radio Rover.

Do I have to stay overnight?

Yes, for at least one weekend each season. Every member serves either at least 2 full weekends, OR at least 1 full weekend plus 2 single days. A full weekend means two nights on duty, either at High Camp or camping at a trailhead (trailhead shifts require a ham license).

Single-day shifts at Stewart Falls, on the Timpooneke Rover, or at a trailhead count toward the rest of your requirement. If you can't commit to at least one overnight weekend this season, we'd love to see your application in a future season.

Do I need backpacking experience for High Camp?

No, but a High Camp shift is like a two-night backpacking trip, starting with a strenuous hike of ~5 miles and ~3,200 feet of elevation gain. You'll need the right gear and conditioning for any weather, from thunderstorms to freezing temperatures to snow. See the High Camp packing list.

Can I choose where and when I serve?

Yes. Once you're accepted, you'll get access to the team portal, where members sign up for their own shifts. You'll need to complete a station's online training before you can sign up for shifts there.

What if my plans change after I commit?

Your liability insurance is paid when you commit, and spots are limited, so we cannot replace you once that insurance has been paid for. Before you commit, think about what's coming up: school, exams, a move, a new job, a wedding. If something might get in the way, it's completely okay to wait a season.

Does it cost anything to volunteer?

The Sheriff's Office covers your liability insurance, and the team provides medical packs, radios, and training. You'll pay for your own TERT shirt, CPR and First Aid certification, gear and clothing, and travel and food. See Costs & Equipment for the full list.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes, you must be at least 18.

When will I hear back about my application?

You'll get an acknowledgment when we receive your application. Selected applicants are contacted for video interviews in early January, and final decisions go out by the end of January.

Ready to Apply?

Applications for the 2027 season are due January 2, 2027. It takes about 10–15 minutes, and you don't need a Google account.

Apply for the 2027 Season

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