* Exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic operational team (of staff and volunteers) in planning, preparing and responding to emergencies.
* Work in a volunteer-based agency supporting communities of NSW.
* Location: Based in Tamworth (regular travel to other locations).
About the Opportunity
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to guide a high-performing team in regional NSW. This role is pivotal in driving strategic outcomes through collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence across diverse functions. Reporting to the Assistant Commissioner North and West Operations, you will lead multidisciplinary teams to foster a culture of trust, accountability and continuous improvement. You will prepare communities for floods, storms and tsunamis, and lead their operational response and recovery. You will work with diverse volunteer Units as part of these preparatory activities, building sustainable capability and ensuring ongoing operational readiness. During emergency operations, you will be required to lead in formal operational and incident command roles. The Zone Commander is responsible for ensuring community safety through operational capability and readiness by developing and maintaining mature capability plans.
About the NSW SES
Our Mission: NSW SES saving lives and creating safer communities.
Our Vision: A trusted volunteer-based emergency service, working together to deliver excellence in community preparedness and emergency response.
The NSW SES serves the community as the lead agency for Floods, Storms and Tsunamis. We are recognised as the most versatile and widely used emergency service organisation in NSW. Our volunteers are highly skilled, experienced, and well- trained in the wide variety of roles they perform.
With over 10,000 volunteers we are committed to protecting and supporting the diverse communities of NSW. Learn more here
About you
To be successful in this role you will:
* have demonstrated experience in providing leadership and building cohesive teams across diverse disciplines / backgrounds and in various geographic locations;
* have an ability to lead and influence team members from across the agency in order to deliver services to our volunteers and the communities of NSW aligning efforts with organisational goals;
* build and maintain strong relationships with complex internal and external stakeholders;
* manage resources, budgets, and stakeholder relationships to ensure sustainable delivery;
* monitor performance metrics and drive continuous improvement across all areas;
* have a strong understanding of leading and engaging a volunteer workforce to support communities, before, during and after emergency events;
* have extensive experience in leading and managing the preparation and response to emergencies (or similar transferable skills);
* have or become a qualified Incident Controller Level 3 within 12 months;
* have the ability to travel, work on-call and work out-of-hours as required.
What we can offer you
* Attractive salary range of $149,739 to $173,174 + 15% field allowance plus 12% superannuation and leave loading.
* Our work is meaningful and rewarding. The SES mission is saving lives and creating safer communities and you can be an important part of our work.
* We have attractive leave entitlements including parental, sick, flex and recreation leave.
* Opportunities to build invaluable relationships across emergency service agencies and committees and other Government and community organisations.
* We care about our people. We have Mental Health & Wellbeing programs and services to support our people and operational and leadership training and development opportunities to develop our people. Some of these include:
o Fitness Passport
o LinkedIn Learning
o Member Assist Program for free confidential counselling support
o Flu vaccine program.
You Belong Here
* We care about people as individuals and are committed to diversity, inclusion, and new ways of working. We encourage applications from people of any age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, faith, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
* We want our people to reflect the diverse community we serve and are committed to creating an inclusive and flexible workplace. We want to know what this looks like for you so we can support your success at work.
* If you require reasonable adjustments, we are committed to supporting you throughout the recruitment processes and in the workplace. If you feel you may require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@ses.nsw.gov.au for confidential advice on options.
How to apply
Your application should include as separate attachments:
* A cover letter (maximum of one page) briefly responding to the essential requirements and your interest in the role;
* Responses to the targeted question (maximum of one page); and
* An up-to-date resume of no more than four pages detailing your skills and experience relevant to the role.
Targeted Question
* This role involves leading a diverse workforce including volunteers who contribute their time and expertise across various functions. Can you describe your approach to engaging, motivating, and sustaining commitment among a blended workforce of both staff and volunteers, particularly in complex or high-pressure environments?
Want to know more?
If you want to know more about this opportunity, please contact Brigid Rice, Director North & West Operations, brigid.rice1@ses.nsw.gov.au o r 0458 737 088.
The role description is available here.
Talent Pool
There will not be a talent pool created from this recruitment action.
Applications close: 11:55pm on Sunday, 26 April 2026
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