SLSNZ - Rock Fishing Advisor

Surf Life Saving New Zealand; Auckland; On-site; NZD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Surf Life Saving New Zealand is seeking a passionate Rock Fishing Advisor to join our seasonal Coastal Safety team this summer. Based at Auckland's West Coast beaches, you will work with rock fishers to reduce drowning and injuries through education, hazard awareness and preventative action.

Under the Coastal Safety Operations Lead, you will monitor activity, inspect designated rescue equipment and share timely insights.

Qualifications

• Refreshed Surf Lifeguard Award.
• Strong understanding of West Coast surf environments and rock fishing hazards.
• Experience engaging with the public in outdoor environments.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Sound judgement and risk assessment abilities in coastal settings.
• Current Surf First Aid qualification.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Full or Restricted Driver Licence.
• Availability to work weekends and variable hours.

Responsibilities

• Engage directly with rock fishers at West Coast locations to promote safe behaviours and hazard awareness.
• Deliver practical safety messages that encourage safe behaviour.
• Monitor rock fishing activity, surf conditions and emerging risks.
• Provide on-site guidance and preventative education to reduce incidents.

Skills

Surf Lifeguard Award

Surf First Aid

IRB Crewman Award

Driver Licence

Communication

Risk assessment

Autonomy

Outdoor work

Public engagement

Tools

VHF Operator Certificate

SurfCom/Radio modules

IRB Operator

Job description

SLSNZ - Rock Fishing Advisor

Seasonal Fixed-Term | 40 Hours per Week | 10 Weeks
Start Date: 23 November 2026
Location: Auckland West Coast Beaches (Muriwai to Whatipū)
Pay Rate: $30 - $33 per hour base Weekend work required (not every weekend)

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is seeking a passionate and capable Rock Fishing Advisor to join our seasonal Coastal Safety team this summer.

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity to work directly with rock fishers on Auckland's West Coast, helping to reduce drowning and injury through education, engagement, hazard awareness, and preventative action.

Working under the direction of the Coastal Safety Operations Lead, the role monitors activity and hazards at priority locations, checks designated public rescue equipment and shares timely local insights. The Advisor maintains operational readiness and assists with incidents when safe, trained and authorised to do so.

Key Responsibilities

Rock Fisher Engagement & Coastal Safety

• Engage directly with rock fishers at key West Coast locations, promoting safe behaviours and hazard awareness.

• Deliver practical, consistent safety messages that encourage safe behaviour.

• Monitor rock fishing activity, surf conditions, and emerging risks.

• Provide on-site guidance and preventative education to help reduce incidents.

Public Rescue Equipment & Site Readiness

• Inspect and monitor public rescue equipment at designated sites.

• Record equipment condition and report issues promptly.

• Identify and elevate environmental or site hazards to operational leaders and project partners.

Standards, Safety and Insights

• Apply SLSNZ safety policies, NSOPs, and CSOPs consistently.

• Complete surveys, daily reports, and operational observations accurately and on time.

• Contribute insights that support regional planning and informed decision-making.

• Maintain a positive public presence that reflects SLSNZ values and strengthens trust in coastal safety services.

Collaboration & Emergency Response

• Work alongside Drowning Prevention Auckland, Auckland Council, to support education initiatives, research activities and coordinated project delivery.

• Assist with incidents, searches, and emergency response activities when trained, authorised, and safe to do so.

• Support effective multi-agency communication during operational incidents.

What You'll Bring

Essential Requirements

• Refreshed Surf Lifeguard Award.

• Strong understanding of West Coast surf environments and rock fishing hazards.

• Experience engaging with the public in outdoor or dynamic environments.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Sound judgement and risk assessment abilities in coastal settings.

• Current Surf First Aid qualification.

• Strong organisational skills and ability to work independently.

• Full or Restricted Driver Licence.

• Availability to work weekends and variable hours as required.

• Confidence operating safely in remote rock environments and exposed coastal terrain.

• IRB Crewman Award.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• SLSNZ Rock Module and demonstrated competence in rock navigation on Auckland’s West Coast.

• Experience in Surf Life Saving, Search and Rescue, or emergency services.

• Experience supporting community, volunteer, or seasonal programmes.

• VHF Operator Certificate and/or SurfCom/Radio modules.

• Advanced Lifeguard Award.

• Advanced Surf First Aid.

• IRB Operator and/or RWC Operator Awards.

What Success Looks Like

In this role, success means:

• Rock fishers receive clear, practical safety advice and have positive interactions with the programme.

• Hazards and emerging risks are identified early and managed appropriately.

• Public rescue equipment remains accessible and fit for purpose.

• Safety messaging contributes to safer behaviours and reduced incidents.

• Operational reporting provides valuable insights for SLSNZ and project partners.

• Emergency response support is delivered safely and professionally.

• Strong relationships are maintained with partner agencies and stakeholders.

• Lessons and insights contribute to the ongoing development of the rock fishing safety programme.

About You

You're a confident communicator who enjoys working with people from diverse backgrounds. You bring a practical, safety-first mindset, thrive in outdoor environments, and are passionate about preventing drowning and keeping coastal communities safe.

You can work autonomously when required but also value teamwork, collaboration, and maintaining strong relationships with volunteers, lifeguards, and partner organisations.

Reporting Structure

This role reports to the Lifesaving Manager (Northern Region), with day-to-day operational direction provided by the Coastal Safety Operations Lead.

The role operates with a high degree of independence and does not have direct people management responsibilities.

Why Join Us

At Surf Life Saving NZ, people are at the heart of everything we do. We support our clubs, volunteers and each other through our Kawa Tātaki:

Collaboration - working together to achieve more

Integrity - doing what’s right

Respect - valuing people and perspectives

Wellbeing - caring for ourselves and others

Fun - enjoying the journey

You’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation committed to a vision that no one drowns at the beach in Aotearoa New Zealand, while helping deliver safe, enjoyable events for our members and communities.

Sound Like You?

For more information, contact Chase Cahalane [e-mail]

Applications close Monday 30 September.