Operations Leader status is available to members who have been active in Search and Rescue for over 5 years and are certified as a Wilderness Search Tech I and have completed a Search Management Course. Operations Leaders are often invited to other advanced SAR Management trainings to include advanced Incident Command System courses, WCASIE 3 courses, etc.

All General SAR Members receive course studies in Incident Management. An Operations Leader is qualified to assist in leading most Search and Rescue Incidents at the discretion of the Sheriff's Office.

Generally an Operations Leader is contacted when a SAR callout is pending to assist with mission planning and preparation.