Careers

The NSW State Emergency Service is a proud employer of a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, faith, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community we serve and creating an inclusive and flexible workplace. People with disability are supported to access adjustments in recruitment processes and in the workplace, to enable them to demonstrate their skills and capabilities to meet the requirements of the job. As supporters of flexible working, we welcome discussions about how our roles can be undertaken flexibly. 

All NSW SES vacancies are advertised on the NSW Government website.

We also advertise our roles on other platforms including LinkedIn and Seek.

All applications must be submitted online at I Work for NSW.

Merit Selection Employment in the NSW Public Sector is based on merit principles. The Government Sector Employment (General) Rules 2014 sets merit as the criterion for employment decisions. Any employment decisions relating to a role in the Public Service is based on an assessment of the capabilities, experience and knowledge of the person concerned against pre-established standards for the role to determine the best person suited to the requirements of the role and the needs of the Public Service agency.

The NSW Public Sector Capability Framework provides a common and consistent description of the capabilities and associated behaviours that are expected of all NSW Public Sector employees, at every level, in every organisation. For more information visit the NSW Governments Capability Framework.

All NSW SES vacancies are advertised on the NSW Government website.

We also advertise our roles on other platforms including LinkedIn and Seek.

NSW SES State Headquarter roles are based in Wollongong, with Zone based roles throughout regional NSW and metropolitan Sydney.

The State if broken up into seven Zones each having its own Headquarters (HQ) with varied roles both operational and corporate. The HQ locations are:

• Metropolitan Zone - Rhodes
• Northern Zone - Metford
• North Eastern Zone -  Lismore/Goonellabah
• North Western Zone - Tamworth
• Western Zone - Dubbo
• Southern Zone - Wagga Wagga
• South Eastern Zone - Goulburn

We also have other regional office locations outside of the Zone Headquarters such as Parkes, Albury, Bathurst, Taree, Grafton, Broken Hill and Gunnedah. 

• Read and understand the Role Description including the Capability Framework and essential requirements to gain an understanding of what level of capability the role requires
• Ensure you have read and complied with the instructions in applying for the role
• Consider using the STAR method when formulating your cover letter and responses to targeted questions
• Respond to any essential requirements
• Attach an up to date Resume
• Attach any other required documents in support of your application if requested to do so
• Include the names of at least two referees, one of whom is a current or recent supervisor

You are encouraged to contact the Hiring Manager listed on the job advert if you would like to discuss the role or if you have any questions.

Your application will be reviewed by a Panel to determine if you meet the essential requirements of the role and relevant skills, experience and knowledge of the role.  Scores determined by the Panel will assist them in identifying who will be interviewed.  

If you progress to interview, you will receive an invitation to interview setting out the details of the assessment process and interview date, time, duration and Panel members.  You will be given at least three business days’ notice of the interview.

If you are unsuccessful at progressing to interview, you will receive a notification advising of this outcome.  

If you have been invited to interview, the Panel will assess you using three assessments which must include a behavioural interview (either face to face or virtual via MS Teams), and two other assessments.  These assessments could include online psychometric/personality assessments, presentation, work task, scenario or role play. 

You will be notified at the time of invitation what assessments you will be required to complete.

The interview process will usually take between 45-60 minutes and the Panel will consist of 2-3 members.  The Panel will be gender balanced and will include the Hiring Manager, often the manager for that role.

The NSW SES supports and encourages inclusion and diversity so if you require additional support or reasonable adjustments for an interview, we encourage you to contact the Recruitment team to discuss this.  Reasonable adjustments may include receiving interview questions prior to interview, longer time for to prepare assessments, being able to use your own technology, offered an Auslan interpreter.    

The Panel will also ask you a number of interview questions which will align to the Focus Capabilities of the role. Usually 4-5 interview questions are asked and you will also have some time at the end to ask the Panel any questions you may have. 

The Panel will convene to discuss and decide on who has met the focus capabilities of the role to the highest level, being recommended to offer. Those who met the focus capabilities of the role but are not offered employment, will be placed on the NSW SES Talent Pool for 18 months.

The Hiring Manager will conduct 2 x reference checks on the recommended candidate and prepare a recommendation report for HR/Recruitment Approval.

If you are offered the role, you will be contacted by the Hiring Manager to discuss salary, commencement date and other aspects of the role.

Recommended candidates may also be subject to a number of pre-employment checks that may include a criminal history check, conduct and services check and completing a Medical Health Declaration.

If you are unsuccessful at interview, the Hiring Manager will contact you and provide you with feedback to support you in future job applications.

Once you are onboarded at the NSW SES your manager will be in touch with you to discuss your first day on the job!  

In your first few weeks at the NSW SES, you will be invited to attend Induction Sessions led by Senior Managers in the People & Development Directorate and across other areas of the agency. 

You will also be required to complete a number of mandatory courses including Cyber Security Training and Code of Conduct & Ethics.