* Lead critical emergency response operations in a life-saving organisation
* Senior leadership role with strong community impact and operational influence
* Drive safety, readiness, and marine communications across NSW
* Be part of a purpose-driven service saving lives on the water every day
Marine Rescue in Action: Saving Lives, Supporting Communities
At Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW), we exist to save lives on the water. Every day, over 3,500 volunteers across 46 units respond to emergencies, manage the marine safety radio network, and help educate boaters to stay safe.
In 2025 alone, our crews rescued 10,000 people across 4,511 rescue missions, contributing to over 49,000 missions since our inception.
Our service is powered by people — volunteers, staff, and leadership working together with shared purpose. Backed by cutting-edge training, a world-class fleet, and the strength of our communities, we proudly serve NSW’s coastline and inland waterways.
We are a unique emergency service — values-led, impact-driven and fuelled by collaboration. Now, we’re looking for a Zone Commander Central to lead operational excellence, strengthen capability, and oversee marine communications across the state.
For more information, visit: www.marinerescuensw.com.au
Lead Operations That Save Lives
Marine Rescue NSW is looking for a full-time Zone Commander Central based in the Central Zone.
Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner Operations and Capability, you will lead end-to-end operational delivery across the Zone — ensuring preparedness, response capability, and strong engagement with volunteers, staff, and key stakeholders.
More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:
* Leading marine incident response and coordinating with emergency service partners
* Overseeing operational readiness including training, vessel capability, and workforce preparedness
* Overseeing 24/7 marine radio communications operations, ensuring effective monitoring, response, and coordination of marine safety services across the Zone
* Leading the integration of marine communications capability into operational response and readiness
* Driving a strong safety culture and continuous improvement across operations
* Supporting and leading Unit Commanders and volunteer teams across the Zone
* Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, agencies, and community groups
* Contributing to policy development, operational reviews, and post-incident analysis
* Ensuring effective resource allocation, budgeting, and operational performance
To read the full position description, please click here
About You
To qualify, you will need demonstrated leadership experience in emergency services, emergency management, or incident response. A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership role within a complex operational environment will also be essential.
Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:
* Experience working within volunteer-based organisations
* Strong understanding of safety, risk, and operational governance
* Experience managing budgets, resources, and operational performance
* Knowledge of maritime or emergency service legislation and frameworks
* Experience supporting or overseeing training in an RTO or regulated environment
As our ideal candidate, you will possess strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, along with the ability to build trust, influence outcomes, and lead through complexity.
This is a highly impactful leadership role suited to a calm, decisive, and collaborative professional who thrives in purpose-driven environments and is committed to strengthening frontline capability and community safety.
About the Benefits
You will receive a competitive remuneration package plus superannuation, along with:
* Not-for-profit salary packaging benefits
* Marine Rescue NSW work vehicle
* Flexible working arrangements
* Mobile phone and laptop
* Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
* The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a life-saving organisation
Join a Team That Saves Lives
If you are ready to lead operational excellence, support volunteers, and play a critical role in emergency response — we want to hear from you.
Apply now and be part of a service that makes a real difference every day.
Applications close: Friday 29 May 2026 (5:00pm AEST), or earlier if the position is filled.
Due to anticipated application volumes, we encourage early submissions as shortlisting may commence prior to the closing date. The closing date may also be adjusted if required based on recruitment demand.