Surf Emergency Response Operator

Environment:

Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) is the peak organisation for water safety and lifesaving services in South Australia and is affiliated with Surf Life Saving Australia. We aim to achieve zero preventable deaths in South Australian waters and build connected, inclusive communities.

SLSSA is responsible for the governance, development, promotion and administration of surf lifesaving throughout South Australia and has the responsibility for servicing its 9,000 members and 23 clubs.

Position Scope:

As part of the State Operations Centre (SOC), the SERO assists in delivering frontline operational services during both rostered and non-rostered activations, including support for surf clubs, lifeguards, Emergency Operations Groups (EOG), the Surf Emergency Response System, and in reporting, data analysis, and other operational tasks.  When working as a weekday representative of the SOC, the SERO operates in accordance with all SOC protocols under the operational guidance of the SOC leadership structure.

When the SOC is activated, the SERO collaborates with frontline volunteer SOC Operators and SOC Supervisors. These volunteers provide standard coverage during peak periods, including weekends and public holidays and as directed. The SERO also provides additional support during activations.

The SERO role is designed to support the lifesaving team and complement existing SOC structures and arrangements, reinforcing our commitment to a volunteer-led service delivery model.

Key Relationships:

• Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) Staff,
• State Officers and EOG Coordinators,
• State Emergency Operations Group (EOG),
• SOC Operators and SOC Supervisors,
• Surf Life Saving Clubs (SLSC) and Volunteers, and
• Government Agencies (SAFECOM, SAPOL, SES, Local Government).

Key Areas of Responsibility

The Surf Emergency Response Operator (SERO) is central to coastal safety operations, primarily through the management of SurfCom and the Coastal Safety Camera Network (CSCN).

Core Operational Duties

• Operate SurfCom: respond to SERS ("13 SURF") calls and SOC non-emergency calls, triage incidents per SOPs.
• Monitor the CSCN to support situational awareness, operational decisions, and coordination of lifesaving resources.
• Operate radio communications: Coastal Radio Network, SAGRN, VHF Marine, and 27 MHz radios.
• Implement emergency response procedures, including surf club/service activations, and act as Incident Commander until a Duty Officer arrives.
• Assist in distributing critical communications and procedural updates to the lifesaving community.

Data & Reporting

• Prepare operational reports to support funding, grant submissions, and annual reporting.
• Extract, analyse, and interpret Surfguard and SOC data to inform operational and strategic decisions.
• Conduct trend and risk analysis to support proactive decision-making.

Weekday / Support Functions

• Assist with Lifesaving Portal tasks and troubleshooting.
• Coordinate surf club activations and hot weather patrol requirements.
• Support Communications portfolio activities as required.

Operational Integrity & Team Support

• Maintain accurate incident records and comply with all SOPs.
• Complete tasks as directed and provide operational support to the wider SLSSA team.

Team Agreement

• Be a willing and positive contributor to Our Team Agreement.

"Our Team will create a fun and enjoyable work environment that we are proud of We will achieve this as a crew by:

CELEBRATING OUR WINS

SHOWING RESPECT TO ALL

SUPPORTING EACH OTHER

ACTING WITH INTEGRITY"

Essential Skills:

• Proficiency in relevant SLSA awards (or commitment to obtain with 1 month), including:

o SLSA Bronze Medallion; or

o SLSA Radio Operator Certificate and SLSA Observer Award.

• Ability to remain calm, assess priorities, and make sound judgments to respond effectively in emergencies or high-pressure situations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• SAGRN qualification (or commitment to obtain within 1 month).
• Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) ("VHF Marine Licence") (or commitment to obtain within 1 month)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to prioritise tasks effectively in a fast-paced work environment.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in coordinating complex incidents, including critical situations (or willingness to undertake intensive training).
• Practical knowledge of deploying and monitoring coastal safety technologies, such as surveillance cameras, drones, or rescue equipment.
• Proficiency in using or analysing incident data and/or GIS mapping tools to enhance situational awareness and support decision-making (or a commitment to undertake basic training within 1 month)

Desirable Skills and Qualifications:

• Current or previous experience in the State Operations Centre (SOC) service.
• Silver Medallion Patrol Captain Award.
• Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management Course.
• Control a Level 1 Incident Course.
• Mental Health First Aid Certification (or equivalent).
• SafeWork SA awareness course.
• Experience with ArcGIS software.
• Experience with Project Management Software (such as Jira).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Personal Attributes:

• Demonstrates integrity and leads by example, embodying the values of SLSSA.
• Displays commitment, drive, and initiative to achieve organisational strategic objectives.
• Displays a high level of confidentiality and is able to work within an environment that deals with complex and sensitive matters.
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic team player, with the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively to maximise outcomes.
• Exhibits maturity, professionalism, and excellent presentation skills, fostering confidence in those around them.
• Empathetic and considerate of others, promoting a supportive environment.
• Strong attention to detail and focus on accuracy.
• Solution-oriented mindset with the ability to tackle challenges effectively.
• Capable of prioritising workload and meeting set timelines.

Hours of work:

The position is casual, hours of work will be based on operational requirements, with shifts allocated on a team-based roster throughout the patrol season (typically from October to April).

Daily work hours typically scheduled on weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., inclusive of a 30-minute unpaid break.

Additional hours may be required at the direction of Manager, State Operations Centre & Technologies depending on operational needs.

Special Requirements:

They will also need to satisfy the requirements of a Working with Children's Check and National Police Check and have a current driver's license.

The successful applicant will be required to understand and comply with all relevant SLSSA's and SLSA's Policies and Procedures.

HOW TO APPLY:

You can find a full position description here:

Applications must be submitted via email to  with a cover letter and resume.

Please note that applications submitted via Seek will not be considered.

Applications close 5:00PM Sunday 28 September.

Brief enquiries may be made to the Manager, State Operations Centre & Technologies