Region Operations Manager - Southern NSW
VRA Rescue NSW | Lead, Support and Empower Volunteer Rescue Squads
Location: Southern NSW
Lead with purpose. Support volunteers. Strengthen community resilience across Southern NSW.
About VRA Rescue NSW
VRA Rescue NSW is one of the largest volunteer-based rescue organisations in the state, proudly providing life-saving services to rural and regional communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our dedicated volunteers deliver frontline response in Road Crash Rescue, Land and Vertical Rescue, Flood Rescue, Search Operations, Cave Rescue, Emergency Communications and more.
Our mission is to
deliver world-class, volunteer-based rescue services
that save lives, increase survivability in emergencies, and build strong, connected communities across New South Wales.
The Opportunity
Are you passionate about supporting volunteers and strengthening community capability?
Were seeking a dedicated and people-focused
Region Operations Manager (Southern NSW)
to lead, mentor and support our network of volunteer rescue squads.
This role is all about
empowering local leaders
, ensuring squads are safe, capable and ready to respond, and fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and pride in service. You will work side by side with volunteers, helping them develop their skills, maintain operational standards, and deliver exceptional rescue services in their communities.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide leadership, mentoring and hands-on support to volunteer rescue squads across Southern NSW
* Build strong relationships with Captains and squad executives to guide and develop local leadership capability
* Support operational readiness through training, audits, and capability reviews
* Coordinate and assist with responses during incidents, emergencies and large-scale operations
* Promote compliance with safety, operational and rescue standards
* Represent VRA Rescue NSW in local and regional emergency management forums
* Strengthen inter-agency partnerships with NSW Police, RFS, SES, FRNSW and local government
* Report on regional activities, challenges and achievements to the State Operations Manager
* Contribute to a positive, respectful and inclusive volunteer culture
About You
You are a natural leader who thrives on helping others grow. You value teamwork, understand the challenges of volunteer service, and bring a calm, practical approach to problem-solving in operational environments.
Essential requirements:
* Minimum 5 years of experience in rescue operations (leadership experience highly regarded)
* Strong background in training coordination, safety, and compliance
* Excellent communication, relationship-building and mentoring skills
* Experience working in or alongside volunteer emergency service organisations
* Sound understanding of inter-agency operations and emergency management structures
* Current Driver Licence and ability to travel regularly within Southern NSW
* Availability to support operations during major incidents or heightened activity
* Reside in Southern NSW.
Desirable:
* Tertiary qualification in Emergency Management, Leadership, Business, or related discipline
Why Join Us
* Lead and inspire volunteers who make a real difference in their communities
* Play a key role in building capability and resilience across regional NSW
* Be part of a supportive organisation that values teamwork, respect and inclusion
* Enjoy variety, purpose and the satisfaction of seeing others succeed
How to Apply
If you are a motivated and community-minded leader who is passionate about empowering volunteers, we would love to hear from you.
Submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and motivation for the role via the 'Apply' button in this LinkedIn job advertisement or visit https://www.careers-
Lead with heart. Support volunteers and make a lasting impact across Southern NSW.