At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support emergency service operations across various locations in Victoria.
- Company: Join VICSES, a dedicated volunteer-based emergency service making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commuted allowance, superannuation, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that strengthens community resilience and responds to emergencies.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership and ability to travel as needed.
The predicted salary is between 116413 - 128631 $ per year.
$116,413 to $128,631 + 15% Commuted Allowance + 12% Super
Fixed Term - Full Time - 2 Years
Two new roles, which can be based at four VICSES locations - Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo or Sunshine.
Requirement: The successful candidate will need to be able to travel from their home or another non-work location to the Regional office or nominated ICC within 60 minutes from being notified when rostered on as the Duty Officer Outside of Ordinary Hours.
ROLE SUMMARY:
The Operations Manager (Reliever) provides flexible operational leadership across the Western Regional Service Delivery Teams, primarily relieving the Operations Manager – Unit Support (OM-US) or Operations Manager – Learning and Development (OM-L&D) during significant leave or vacancies. The role may also provide relief for State Operations roles as required.
The position substantively reports to the SACO but reports to the relevant line manager while undertaking relieving duties. Significant travel and periods away from home and the primary workplace are required.
As OM-US, the role leads the Unit Support Team (UST), ensuring effective and timely service delivery and providing leadership, guidance and support to VICSES Volunteer Units.
The role participates in Regional operational command rosters and undertakes Duty Officer, Agency Commander and/or Incident Management Team (IMT) functions during local, regional and state-wide operations, maintaining the required accreditations. The role is aligned to the Regional Agency Commander and L3 Incident Management role.
For more information on Commuted Allowance/IMT/Duty Officer role, please see this factsheet.
WHO WE ARE:
Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is a volunteer-based emergency service. Our highly skilled and equipped Volunteers are trained comprehensively in a wide range of emergency environments. To minimise the impact of emergencies when they occur and strengthen the community's capacity to recover swiftly and safely, VICSES focuses on working with communities and partners in building resilience to achieve more aware, informed and prepared communities. We support them to understand their risk and the relevance of taking action before, during and after emergency events.
As the largest road rescue network in Australia we have specialist teams that provide a 24/7 response to road accident and trauma incidents. We assist Victoria Police in search and rescue operations, and play an important role in supporting the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), Parks Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) during major bushfire and emergency incidents.
For further information about the role, please contact Sharon Unthank on **************@ses.vic.gov.au.
Applications close Wednesday, November 04, 2026.
VICSES is an equal opportunity employer committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable people, upholding the highest standards of integrity and community trust, and leading gender equality in the emergency management sector. All applicants are required to complete the relevant screening processes prior to appointment. VICSES also supports flexible working arrangements, subject to operational and business requirements. For more information on our values, benefits, and recruitment process, please visit ses.vic.gov.au/join-us/careers.
Operations Manager in Geelong employer: State Emergency Service Victoria
Join VICSES as a Fleet Coordinator and be part of a community-focused organisation dedicated to making a real difference in emergency management. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, you'll find meaningful opportunities to contribute to the safety and resilience of our communities. Located at our Derrimut facility, you will enjoy a collaborative environment that values integrity and gender equality while providing essential support to our dedicated volunteers.
Contact Details:
State Emergency Service Victoria Recruitment Team
