The New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is the lead agency for flood, storm and tsunami response and provides critical rescue and missing persons search capabilities in support of communities and partner agencies across NSW. The organisation is made up almost entirely of dedicated volunteers who commit their time, skills and leadership to supporting their communities when they are needed most.

Deputy Local Commanders are senior volunteer leaders and key representatives of NSW SES at a local government level. Within the Lower Namoi Cluster, the Deputy Local Commander works closely with the Local Commander, Unit Commanders, partner agencies and community stakeholders to set and achieve goals aligned with the NSW SES Mission and Vision.

The role provides leadership, coordination and support across multiple SES Units, overseeing preparedness, operational readiness and capability development while supporting volunteer leaders to deliver effective emergency response outcomes.

This role supports both operational and capability functions across the cluster, including:

• Operations – supporting the Local Commander with operational readiness, response, and the leadership and management of volunteers
• Capability & Support – supporting the Local Commander and Unit Commanders with training, exercising, membership, and administrative functions.

The Deputy Local Commander is supported by Unit Commanders and their Unit Management Teams, as well as a small contingent of staff who provide professional support to volunteer Units.

Working in collaboration with the Local Commander, the Deputy Local Commander – Lower Namoi Cluster will:

• Lead, command and manage response activities related to flood, storm and tsunami incidents in accordance with service doctrine at a cluster level.
• Lead cluster coordination in the development of operational readiness and capability across Units.
• In collaboration with the Local Commander, identify operational capability requirements to meet organisational and community needs.
• Provide leadership, management and professional development support, and manage minor grievances, complaints and interpersonal issues, escalating where required.
• Develop and mentor Unit Commanders and Deputy Unit Commanders to support achievement of outcomes and succession planning.
• Identify and support the management of assets including fleet, equipment and facilities to ensure safe, efficient operations.
• Provide leadership and guidance aligned to NSW SES values and Code of Conduct, supporting positive and effective working relationships.
• Develop and maintain key internal and external stakeholder relationships, particularly with Local Government and partner agencies.
• Contribute to the development of Local Emergency Management Plans as required.
• Maintain appropriate levels of operational capability, resourcing and readiness across the cluster.
• Attend Commander Meetings and Conferences
• Develop and Execute Training and Exercising at a Cluster level
• Understand and navigate the challenges and complexities of leading multiple Units.
• Opportunities to act as LC and represent cluster at committee meetings and be liaison between cluster and zone.

To express interest in this volunteer leadership opportunity, please click APPLY.