Careers

Zone Duty Operations Manager – Batemans Bay to Eden

• Lead search and rescue operations from Batemans Bay to Eden coastline

• Join an organisation that rescued 10,100+ people, alongside dedicated volunteers

• Access to company vehicle, phone, laptop, up to $18,660 tax free salary packaging

About Us

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 2025–26 alone, our crews rescued 9,669 people across 4,438 rescue missions, contributing to over 50,000 missions since our inception. Our service is powered by our 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.

About the role

As Zone Duty Operations Manager Monaro, you’ll be the frontline operational lead coordinating incident response, supporting volunteers, and ensuring readiness across the zone, backed by a company vehicle and the close support of the Zone Commander South and Zone staff team. This is a permanent, full-time position based on the South Coast. Because the role involves hands-on coordination of on-water incidents, readiness inspections, and close day-to-day support of local units, candidates must be located in or able to relocate to the South Coast between Batemans Bay and Eden.

You will work an average of 37.5 hours per week (Sunday to Saturday), with two rest days weekly, including at least one full Sunday off per fortnight and one full weekend off per month. Some additional hours outside business hours, including weekends and public holidays, may be required from time to time.

Key responsibilities

• Leading MRNSW incident response and SAR operations in coordination with emergency services and maritime authorities
• Acting as the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) for the Monaro operational fleet, in line with AMSA requirements
• Providing risk management and operational oversight during incidents
• Carrying out readiness inspections, survey declarations and quality assurance to keep vessels and facilities deployment-ready
• Operating and coordinating the Marine Radio Network for the zone
• Supporting Zone Training Managers to keep member training, accreditation and RTO requirements on track
• Conducting after action reviews and operational reporting
• Promoting member safety, wellbeing and WHS standards, including the Critical Incident Support Service
• Representing MRNSW to leadership, members, stakeholders and the community
  

About you

• At least 3 years’ leadership experience in emergency services, emergency management or incident response, preferably with experience in a volunteer-based organisation
• Experience in maritime operations, preferably with formal qualifications such as a Certificate of Competency issued by AMSA
• Proven leadership, people and conflict resolution skills, with a track record of building collaboration across teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent MRNSW to key stakeholders
• Experience engaging and motivating people from diverse backgrounds, and removing barriers to inclusion
• A current driver’s licence and current Australian citizenship or permanent residency

Benefits

• A branded company vehicle provided for work use, with limited private use available upon approval
• Mobile phone and laptop provided
• Access to salary packaging benefits of up to $18,550 tax-free
• A collaborative, low-ego team culture that values people first

Start date: November 2026

Applications close: Thursday 1st October 2026 by 5pm. (Applications may close earlier than this date if a high volume of applications is received, so candidates are encouraged to apply early).

To apply: Please submit a covering letter and resume via Seek. Applications submitted through other channels will not be accepted.

Position description: The position description is available to download here.

Enquiries: For questions about this role, please contact Michelle Gibbs, Senior Manager People and Culture, at [email protected]