SLSNZ - Search and Rescue Lead

Location: Wellington | Permanent, full-time |$80 - $85k

Strengthen the readiness and capability of Surf Life Saving’s local Search and Rescue squads
Connect national strategy and standards with practical local delivery
Work alongside volunteers, Police and SAR partners to help keep communities safe

Help strengthen Search and Rescue capability across Aotearoa

Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s Search and Rescue teams support Police and partner agencies to respond when people are missing or in distress around our coastlines and waterways.

We’re looking for a capable and highly collaborative Search and Rescue Lead to support the readiness, effectiveness and sustainability of our local SAR squads.

This role sits at the critical connection point between national systems and local delivery. You’ll build trusted relationships with volunteers, Squad Leaders, Police and other SAR partners, helping ensure squads are trained, equipped, connected and ready to respond.

About the role

Reporting to the Search and Rescue Manager, you will:

Maintain regular contact with squad leaders, understand local needs and help resolve or escalate issues
Support squad leadership development, succession planning, member recognition and connection
Maintain accurate readiness profiles covering people, availability, assets, training and approved capabilities
Monitor minimum training standards and accreditation, ensuring readiness gaps have clear actions and owners
Help squads understand and apply national guidance, tasking protocols and National Standard Operating Procedures
Build trusted relationships with Police District SAR Coordinators and local SAR and emergency-management partners
Connect squad leaders with relevant joint planning, training and operational activity
Participate in agreed on-call arrangements and support sustained or complex SAR responses when required
Support incident follow-up and debriefs, ensuring learning and agreed actions are captured and progressed
Provide initial member wellbeing support and connect people with peer or professional assistance where appropriate
Coordinate squad PPE, equipment, asset records, inspections, maintenance and replacement requirements
Work with squads and the SAR Education team to maintain practical annual training plans
Coordinate access to instructors, assessors, exercises and national learning opportunities
Provide practical administrative and financial support that reduces the burden on volunteers
Contribute to national SAR projects and continuous improvement within agreed capacity

Operational support may include attending incident control points and undertaking incident-management functions appropriate to your training, competence and agreed role. Any water-based response will require current qualifications and approval.

For a full position description click here

About you

You’ll be calm under pressure, organised and dependable, with the ability to build trust across volunteers, operational leaders and partner agencies. You’ll understand that successful SAR delivery depends just as much on strong relationships and reliable follow-through as it does on operational capability.

You will bring:

Relevant experience in Search and Rescue, emergency services, emergency management, lifesaving or a related environment
Experience working with volunteers or supporting teams across different locations
Strong relationship-building and communication skills
Confidence engaging with diverse communities and external partners
Good organisation, administration and follow-through
Sound judgement and a commitment to safe practice
Confidence using technology and a willingness to learn new systems
A full New Zealand driver licence and willingness to travel
Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends and participate in agreed on-call arrangements
The ability to meet SLSNZ’s Police vetting requirements

Relevant experience or qualifications in training, incident debriefing, wellbeing or peer support would be an advantage.

Why join SLSNZ?

This is an opportunity to make a practical difference to the people who volunteer to deliver a critical emergency service.

You’ll help squads remain ready and capable, support leaders and members to feel informed and valued, and strengthen relationships across the wider SAR system. You’ll also contribute local insight and operational learning that helps improve Search and Rescue delivery nationally.

You’ll join a purpose-driven organisation guided by our Kawa Tātaki, Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, Wellbeing and Fun, and connected through Kapa Kotahi, our commitment to working as one team.

Apply now

If you’re passionate about Search and Rescue and want to help build capable, connected and response-ready squads, we’d love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience.

Applications close November 6, 2026.

SLSNZ - Search and Rescue Lead