Search and Rescue (SAR) Subject Matter Expert / Instructor

Are you a former or retired U.S. Coast Guard Operations Specialist (OS) who is also an experienced trainer, ideally in an international capacity? We have an opportunity for you! Harkcon is looking for 2 SAR SMEs to travel to the Philippines in January 2026 in support of a U.S. Coast Guard project to support the Philippine Coast Guard as they ramp up SAR planning and coordination.

Harkcon is seeking experienced SAR planning Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with in-depth operational knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard maritime search and rescue planning concepts, processes, and tools to provide "over-the-shoulder" technical assistance during live operational scenarios to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) SAR controllers as they plan and coordinate maritime SAR cases. SMEs should be competent in training and mentoring SAR controllers internationally, including the ability to assist with classroom instruction, exercises, and live operational demonstrations. SMEs must be comfortable collaborating with host nation SAR personnel and facilitating training that may include the interpretation of bilingual instruction between English and the host nation's language. You do not need to be bilingual. SMEs should have an understanding of and/or experience with the Technical Assessment and Installation phases of SAROPS.

Education / Technical Competence Requirements

• Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) Knowledge: SMEs should possess a solid understanding of maritime SAR theory, system elements, and operational planning, typically gained through formal Coast Guard training or equivalent maritime education.
• Information Technology Proficiency: They must be knowledgeable in the computer systems that support SAROPS, with at least a basic understanding of Windows 11 and the technical configuration of the SAROPS environment
• Geospatial and Environmental Data Systems: Familiarity with ESRI ArcGIS (v10.5 or later) and environmental data systems used by SAROPS is necessary, as these are integral to the modeling and simulation of drift trajectories and search area optimization
• Analytical and Modeling Skills: Experience with simulation algorithms, environmental modeling, and optimal resource allocation within SAR contexts is highly desirable.
• International training experience is strongly desired (e.g., as a member of a U.S. Coast Guard Mobile Training Team (MTT)).

In summary, SMEs delivering the SAROPS Phase III course should be:

• Experienced maritime SAR planners trained in U.S. Coast Guard operational methods.
• Technically proficient in SAROPS software and related GIS/IT systems.
• Capable instructors familiar with all three SAROPS implementation phases.
• Comfortable operating in multinational and bilingual training environments.

International travel to and from Manila, Philippines is required.

• You must have a U.S.A. tourist passport that is valid through September 2026 or be willing to obtain one prior to travel.
• Travel is anticipated in January 2026 - duration: approximately 2 weeks.

Harkcon, Inc. is an is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer - Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation / Age