Ses local controller

Lead the transformation of volunteer emergency response on the Gold Coast as part of the City's Disaster and Emergency Management Unit – providing strategic and operational leadership of the Gold Coast State Emergency Service (SES) Unit, driving community resilience, and coordinating disaster response across one of Queensland's most dynamic risk environments.

The Disaster and Emergency Management Unit leads the City of Gold Coast's disaster management arrangements – enabling the Local Disaster Management Group, Local Recovery Group and Local Disaster Coordination Centre to effectively mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from disaster events, strengthening the safety and resilience of our community.

As a newly created role within the Disaster and Emergency Management Unit, the SES Local Controller will lead the operational management and support the enhancement of SES capability on the Gold Coast. Overseeing a large, diverse volunteer workforce of more than 400 volunteers across seven Groups, the role drives a coordinated "One City" approach across prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The City is on the cusp of a significant transformation of the SES, and it is an exciting time to join!

Operating from the City's state-of-the-art Disaster and Emergency Management Centre in Ashmore, the position represents the Gold Coast SES Unit on the Local Disaster Management Group and provides critical liaison to the Local Disaster Coordination Centre.

This is a key leadership role responsible for the command, control and coordination of SES operations across multiple hazard environments. Operating within the legislative framework of the State Emergency Service Act 2024 and aligned to approved SES doctrine and City of Gold Coast policies, the position provides authoritative operational leadership while strengthening the capability, readiness and welfare of the SES volunteer workforce.

The role is also central to maintaining trusted partnerships across Council and the broader emergency management sector, contributing to a coordinated, city-wide approach to disaster management.

• lead and coordinate emergency response activities using established incident management principles and SES doctrine, exercising delegated authority within legislative and organisational frameworks;
• build and sustain a high-performing volunteer workforce, driving recruitment, retention, training, and a strong culture of safety, wellbeing and operational capability;
• provide assurance to leadership on operational readiness and risk through compliance with legislative, doctrinal and organisational requirements;
• oversee SES facilities, fleet, equipment and systems, aligning asset capability with operational demand and risk;
• manage operational and capital budgets of approximately $1M, including expenditure oversight, forecasting and evidence-based investment advice, along with reporting to Council;
• contribute expert operational insight to integrated disaster management planning and inter‐agency coordination; and
• support public information, education and community resilience initiatives that strengthen preparedness across the Gold Coast.

• Relevant qualifications in emergency management (Diploma Public Safety (Emergency Management) or a related discipline (desirable);
• A current Queensland Working with Children Check (Blue Card) and C Class drivers license (mandatory);
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships within volunteer emergency services, supporting a diverse workforce across both operational and non-operational contexts;
• Eligibility to be an active member of the Queensland State Emergency Service (mandatory), including the ability to meet legislative appointment requirements and maintain SES training and competency standards (see qualifications listed in the Position Brief)

This role operates outside standard business hours and is structured to work across any 5-in-7 day period to meet the operational needs of a large, volunteer-based workforce, in line with the current Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. As a condition of employment, the incumbent will enter into this agreement with the City to reflect the requirement to lead volunteers at times they are available.

The position participates in on‐call and duty officer arrangements, including nights, weekends and public holidays.

The successful applicant must meet relevant legislative appointment requirements and maintain SES training and competency standards.

• Flexible work arrangements to suit your lifestyle, including hybrid/work from home options, flexible working hours and locations;
• Personal and professional development courses;
• Access to 350+ fitness facilities through Fitness Passport;
• 4 free confidential counselling sessions a year for you or an immediate family member;
• 1 free nutritionist and financial advice session per year.

We're committed to creating a diverse workplace and inclusive culture. We take pride in people who align with our high-performance principles. We believe that the diverse makeup of our workforce reflects the community we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities, and encourage candidates to discuss any support or adjustments they may need throughout the recruitment process.

To submit your application, please click apply now and complete the application form. You will be required to upload your resume and a cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining how your skills, experience and personal attributes will enable you to be successful in this role. Please note that you may also be asked to provide relevant qualifications, where applicable.

Wednesday 24 June 2026/11:59pm AEDT