Emergency Communications Volunteer

Reliable communication is essential during an emergency.

As a volunteer with the SES Communications Support Unit, you will help emergency crews and incident-management teams exchange accurate information, coordinate their activities and maintain communications across Western Australia.

Our specialist unit is based in Kewdale and provides a 24-hour statewide response capability. Individual members participate according to their training, availability and operational requirements—you are not expected to be personally available around the clock.

No previous radio, communications or emergency-services experience is required. We provide the training and support needed to become an effective member of the team.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

* Support safe and effective emergency operations by communicating information clearly, accurately and promptly.
* Work as part of a disciplined team during training, exercises, planned activities and emergency deployments.
* Follow established communications procedures and maintain accurate operational records.
* Develop and maintain the skills required for your assigned roles.
* Contribute to a professional, respectful and safety-focused unit environment.

**KEY TASKS**

Depending on your training and assigned role, you may:

* operate base and field radio systems;
* receive, transmit and record operational messages;
* establish and operate radio and satellite communications equipment;
* prepare communications plans, maps and operational information;
* support incident-management teams with accurate and timely information;
* answer calls from members of the public requesting SES emergency assistance through the SES 132 500 service;
* deploy communications vehicles and equipment to incidents and exercises; and
* assist with communications training for SES units across Western Australia.

Members can develop into different operational, technical and support roles according to their interests, capability and experience.

**BENEFITS**

As a member of the Communications Support Unit, you will receive:

* all training required to perform your role safely and effectively;
* practical experience with emergency radio, satellite, mapping and communications systems;
* opportunities to support emergency incidents, exercises and community operations;
* access to broader SES training and development opportunities;
* experience working in structured teams where accuracy, reliability and sound judgement matter;
* opportunities to build transferable communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills; and
* uniforms and the equipment required for your role at no cost.

**WHO THIS ROLE SUITS**

This opportunity may suit you if you:

* communicate clearly and pay close attention to detail;
* remain calm when priorities change or information is incomplete;
* enjoy learning technical systems and structured procedures;
* can work reliably as part of a team;
* are willing to accept responsibility and continue developing your skills;
* can adapt to different tasks, environments and operational requirements; and maintain a strong focus on safety.

People from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Experience in radio, telecommunications, information technology, engineering, logistics, dispatch, mapping, administration, training or emergency services may be useful, but it is not required.

** Category **
Emergency Response

** Commitment **
Regular - more than 6 months

** Type Of Work **
Administration & Office Management,Education & Training,Safety & Emergency Services,

** Time Required **
Training is held Wednesdays from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm in Kewdale. Members are expected to attend at least 75% of training nights. Some required courses and exercises are held on weekends. Once trained, members may be invited to call-outs and deployments according to their availability. The unit provides a 24-hour response capability; individual volunteers are not expected to be available around the clock.

** Training **
No previous radio or emergency-services experience is required. Training covers SES induction, radio procedures, message handling, communications systems, mapping, call-taking, equipment deployment and role-specific safety before independent operations.