Emergency Response Operator (Casual)

Surf Life Saving; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 39,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

Surf Life Saving NSW is seeking casual Emergency Response Operators for the State Operations Centre in Belrose, Sydney. You will be the first point of contact for incident calls and radio traffic, assess situations, and dispatch resources to support emergency services and Surf Life Saving members.

The role emphasizes strong communication, accuracy, and the ability to work weekends and holidays in rotating shifts within a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Certificate II in Public Safety/Emergency Management, or equivalent experience.
• Typing speed of 50 words per minute with at least 90% accuracy.
• Strong weekend, school holiday and public holiday availability with rotating shifts.
• Current Surf Life Saving membership or willingness to join.
• Radio operations certification, or willingness to obtain it.
• Familiarity with Surf Life Saving operations, emergency call-taking or dispatch environments would be highly regarded.
• Competent computer skills, including Microsoft Office and web-based databases.

Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact for incident calls and radio traffic.
• Assess situations, dispatch resources and support emergency services and Surf Life Saving members.
• Monitor resource movements, including watercraft and aircraft, and maintain accurate operational logs.
• Contribute to post-incident reporting and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with a dedicated team to help keep our community safe.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Decision making under pressure

Typing 50 wpm

Weekend availability

Radio and dispatch familiarity

Education

Certificate II in Public Safety/Emergency Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Web-based databases

Radio operations certification

Job description

Emergency Response Operator (Casual)

Location Belrose, Sydney NSW

Are you calm under pressure, quick to respond and available to work during weekends and school holiday periods?

Surf Life Saving NSW is seeking casual Emergency Response Operators to join our State Operations Centre (SOC), the communications and dispatch hub that supports patrols, lifeguards, UAVs, rescue services and partner emergency services across NSW.

This role is particularly suited to people who have strong weekend and school holiday availability, as these are peak operational periods for Surf Life Saving NSW.

As the peak body for coastal and aquatic safety in NSW, SLSNSW plays a vital role in keeping communities safe. Our SOC coordinates more than 2,700 incidents and oversees more than 3,300 rescues annually across 11 Regional Branches.

What you’ll do

• Be the first point of contact for incident calls and radio traffic.
• Assess situations, dispatch resources and support emergency services and Surf Life Saving members.
• Monitor resource movements, including watercraft and aircraft, and maintain accurate operational logs.
• Contribute to post-incident reporting and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with a dedicated team to help keep our community safe.

What you’ll bring

• Strong communication skills, attention to detail and sound decision-making under pressure.
• Competent computer skills, including Microsoft Office and web-based databases.
• Typing speed of 50 words per minute with at least 90% accuracy.
• Strong availability to work weekends, school holidays and public holidays & flexibility to work rotating shifts, including morning, day and afternoon shifts.
• Certificate II in Public Safety/Emergency Management, or equivalent experience. Introductory emergency management units will be provided on shift.
• Radio operations certification, or willingness to obtain it.
• Familiarity with Surf Life Saving operations, emergency call-taking or dispatch environments would be highly regarded.
• Current Surf Life Saving membership, or willingness to join.

What’s in it for you?

• Develop skills in a vital and purpose-driven industry.
• Ongoing training and support.
• A supportive working environment within a positive and professional team.
• A dynamic culture focused on community impact and safety.
• The opportunity to work in modern, light-filled refurbished offices in a relaxed and sociable environment.

Location: Surf Life Saving NSW Headquarters — Belrose