Volunteer with KBT-ESF
Ways to Get Involved
KBT-ESF has volunteer roles for every skill set - whether you're hands-on in the field or prefer to support from behind the scenes.
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Field Volunteer - Direct community support including welfare checks, disaster reconnaissance, and lay-responder stabilization
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Remote Support - Situation monitoring, verification workflows, incident map updates, and public information support
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Administrative Support - Documentation, coordination, communications, and organizational support
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IT / Technology - Website, systems, data management, and technology infrastructure
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Mechanical / Equipment - Generator maintenance, vehicle support, equipment checks, and minor repairs
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Logistics - Supply management, inventory tracking, and transport coordination
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Training & Education - Help develop and deliver community preparedness programs
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Photography / Documentation - Field and event documentation and after-action records
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Grant Writing / Fundraising - Research, writing, and donor outreach support
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Social Media / Communications - Content creation, community outreach, and public information
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Private Investigation - Assist in missing persons cases. (requires state licenses)
Basic Expectations
All KBT-ESF volunteers are expected to uphold the following standards at all times:
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Safety-first mindset - your safety and the safety of others is never negotiable
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Respectful, professional conduct with the public and partner agencies
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Operate within your role - do not exceed your training, scope, or assignment
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Follow coordination guidance and documentation standards
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Never represent yourself as law enforcement, EMS, or a government agency
The training requirements below apply to field and operational volunteers. Administrative, clerical, and remote support volunteers have a separate onboarding track.
Required prior to or within 180 days of field deployment:
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CPR and First Aid (current card, any accredited provider)
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Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Awareness
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FEMA IS-100: Introduction to Incident Command
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FEMA IS-700: NIMS - An Introduction
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The FEMA courses above are completely free and taken online at your own pace. KBT-ESF covers the cost of CPR/First Aid and BBP training for accepted volunteers.
Recommended Within 180 Days (Required for some positions)
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FEMA IS-200: ICS for Single Resources
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FEMA IS-800: National Response Framework
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Stop the Bleed (basic)
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SKYWARN Severe Weather Spotter
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These courses are free or low-cost and can be completed at your own pace. They are not required to apply.
Encouraged for Field Volunteers as continued education
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​​HAM Radio Technician License
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PPE Awareness Training
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CERT - Community Emergency Response Team
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FAA Part 107 (UAS/Drone Operations)
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Incident Safety Officer​
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Basic Life Support (coordination support only - not clinical)
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Hazmat Awareness
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Responding Effectively Training Tools (Family & Law Enforcement)
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Weather Radar Fundamentals
Safety Designation (Blue Vest) - Advanced Lay Responder / Site Safety Officer
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Volunteers designated as KBT-ESF Safety hold advanced certifications and serve as the designated site safety officer and advanced lay responder on deployments.
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Volunteers with a background in law enforcement, fire service (career or certified volunteer), incident safety, or medical services (EMT, paramedic, physician, nurse, or equivalent) auto-qualify with current CPR/First Aid. All others must hold:
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CPR/First Aid (current)
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Advanced First Aid
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Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP)
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All required FEMA courses listed above
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Stop the Bleed
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Onsite safety awareness orientation
Before You Apply
Volunteering with KBT-ESF is meaningful work, and because we operate in real emergencies alongside community members, we take the application process seriously. Please read the following before submitting your application.
Background Screening
All applicants undergo a background screening prior to field deployment. Results are reviewed on an individualized basis. We consider the nature of the role, time elapsed since any offense, and demonstrated rehabilitation. A prior record does not automatically disqualify you. We evaluate each application on its own merits. Volunteers in roles involving organizational systems, donor data, or financial infrastructure are subject to additional review standards.
Have Something to Disclose?
If you have something in your background you'd like to discuss privately before applying, we encourage you to call us directly at (360) 937-4921 and ask to speak with the Executive Director. That conversation is confidential and will not count against your application.
Role-Specific Requirements
Some volunteer positions require specific certifications, training, or educational background beyond our standard onboarding requirements. These vary by role and will be communicated during your onboarding conversation. If you have questions about whether your background qualifies you for a specific role, ask us, we would rather talk it through than have you self-select out.
Pre-Volunteer Phone Call
Before you are brought on as an active volunteer, we conduct a brief phone call with every applicant. We want to get a sense of who you are, what draws you to this work, and what role might be the right fit. It's also your chance to ask us anything. We want you going in with clear expectations on both sides.