Volunteer with us:
Every year, we rely on about 5,000 volunteers to support Queensland communities before, during and after an emergency. We are always on the lookout for Queenslanders willing and able to help in the support of people, property and the environment.
Are you the type of person who takes a hands-on approach to emergencies?
Put your desire to get involved to good use, become a SES volunteer. Our volunteers perform a diverse range of functions to respond to local, state and national disasters and emergencies. By joining SES you will respond to many different types of activations as a result of disasters and emergencies including:
- Storms
- Floods
- Cyclones
- Rescues
- Transportation incidents (road/rail/air)
- Landslides
- Searches for missing persons
The SES is designed to empower people to help themselves and others in their communities in times of emergency and disaster.
Roles
It takes a diverse team who bring a range of skills from a range of backgrounds. As a volunteer, you must be proactive in times of calm and prepared in the event of an emergency.
Have you got what it takes?
- A commitment to serve and help others.
- Quick thinking and working as part of a team.
- Possibility of working extended and irregular hours.
- Personal resilience and the ability to operate in stressful situations.
- We offer an opportunity to participate in and develop a variety of emergency and rescue skills, including chainsaw operations, flood boat operations, road crash rescue and land search.
Prerequisites
- Enthusiastic and willing to give back to your community
- Willing and able to activate during disasters and emergencies
- Applicants may be required to possess a certain level of fitness appropriate to the role and the functions they will be performing
- Applicants over the age of 18 must undergo a Criminal History Check
- Applicants will need to apply for a Blue Card from Blue Card Services, or show evidence of an existing Blue Card
SES will undertake a check on your criminal history if you are over the age of 18. Past offences will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may or may not affect the success of your application.
The Queensland Government takes the safety of Queensland's children extremely seriously and as a result Queensland is recognised as having one of the strongest working with children check systems in Australia. Blue Cards are one of a range of measures in place to protect children.
Some functions performed by SES staff and volunteers fall within regulated employment under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000; meaning that a percentage of our permanent, part-time, and volunteer workforce are required to hold a current blue card.
*If you are a disqualified person or a negative notice holder, you are not eligible to apply for a blue card. Contact Blue Card Services on 1800 113 611 to discuss your eligibility options.
Find further information at:
Additional links:
Police criminal history check form (PDF, 350KB)
Guide to apply for a blue card online (PDF, 840KB)
The Process to Volunteering
- Register your interest and attend an information evening
- Contact your nearest SES Area or Region Office if you have questions
- Complete probation period and mandatory training
If you are successful
New volunteers will be invited to attend induction training by their local SES Group. You will be provided with protective clothing and relevant equipment based on your role within the SES group. Training and education are ongoing for volunteers, and over time you can expect to develop your skills in the following areas:
- first aid
- map reading and navigation
- how to operate a two-way radio
- basic rescue
- rescue from heights and depths
- road crash rescue
- flood boat rescue
- emergency operations management
- storm damage response
- land search techniques
- leadership and team-building
- instructional techniques (training others)