Volunteering
As a volunteer-based organisation that provides emergency assistance and support to the people of Western Australia, we rely on the compassion, commitment and community knowledge of dedicated volunteers.
Duty calls here.
It's not just a catchphrase, it's a call to action for those ready to make a significant difference. Volunteering with the State Emergency Service (SES) is a commitment to stepping forward when help is most needed.
Our volunteers are essential to our operations, providing support across a spectrum of roles from on-the-ground emergency responses to vital administrative functions. No matter your background or experience, there's a place for you in the SES. We're always looking for new volunteers to join our team.
Operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Serving 2.9 million Western Australians
Covering 13,500km of coastline
>13,000 incidents attended every year
Life changing work, at your pace
The SES provides invaluable response capabilities, providing essential response during storms, cyclones, floods, and other crises. We also work closely with WA Police on missing person searches and rescues, and have specialist units that support communications in bush fires and major disasters.
We are, however, more than just a response service. We are a community of volunteers who are passionate about helping others. We're everyday people, with everyday jobs, who come together to support those in the worst day of their lives.
- Great work/life balance.
- Volunteers are required to attend at least 75% of training days, but choose which dates, days, and times they are available for callouts
- Safety first.
- All volunteers are provided with comprehensive training, injury insurance, uniforms and equipment, and access to mental health and other support for both them and their families
- Awards and recognition.
- SES is recognised under the Australian Honours and Awards system. DFES holds ceremonies annually where members are recognised
Everyone brings something to the table
There are both responder and support roles available, depending on your location and the current need. Here's some examples of roles which may be available.
First Responder Roles
As a first responder volunteer, you will be directly involved in emergency operations, which are critical during natural disasters and other crisis situations. Comprehensive training is provided, ensuring that you are fully prepared to handle the following tasks:
Support Roles
Support volunteers are vital to the efficient operation of the SES. These roles may not require being on the front lines but are essential to the smooth execution of operations. Opportunities include welfare support, operations room staff, transport and logistics, and social media and communications.
Benefits of Volunteering with SES
United by the purpose of helping their communities stay safe, volunteers provide an invaluable service. Volunteering makes you feel good, and it's great for the community too. Here are some of the benefits of volunteering with the SES.
- Ongoing training and support
- Volunteers can choose from over 530 courses and qualifications, many coming with nationally recognised certificates, including Providing First Aid, Driving under Emergency Conditions, Search and Rescue, and more. Many of these skills are highly valued by employers and can be put into practice in real-world situations. All training is fully paid for by DFES — there is no cost to you, even meals are provided.
- Personal development
- As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to strengthen your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, all of which can be carried into your personal and professional life. You'll grow personally and professionally and learn how to operate in a fast-moving, high-pressure, dynamic emergency environment.
- Technical learning
- Volunteers are provided uniforms, boots, radios, and equipment. You'll learn how to use radios, emergency response networks, and other technical equipment as part of your usual duties. You will operate equipment that most people never get to see.
- Strengthen your community
- Volunteering is a great way to become more connected and contribute to your community. Whether you're working on the frontline, or in a supporting role, your local knowledge can play a vital role in strengthening your community and keeping it safe.
- Sense of achievement and purpose
- Volunteer work is beneficial for your community, but it can also make a positive impact on you. When you give back to your community, you're participating in something bigger than yourself, which provides a great sense of achievement.
- Form new friendships
- Volunteering also provides a place to connect with like-minded members of your community, work as a team, and bond over shared experiences. Working closely together with new groups of people can help you forge life-long friendships.
How to Join
We have roles available in both local SES units and specialist state-wide units.
Volunteering for the SES is a serious undertaking. We provide our personnel with extensive training, personal protective equiment (PPE), and take steps to enable safe operation, but there are risks, and depending on your role, you may be placed in potentially dangerous situations. You should take the time to think about each role, and speak to friends, family, and employers about your decision.
Getting started
If you would like to become a volunteer, please take your time to carefully consider the following:
- Why are you volunteering? What roles might reflect the contribution you want to make?
- How much time do you have to give, considering your work, family, and friends?
- Do you want to develop any specific skills? Will these skills be better developed in a response or support role?
- What type of roles interest you? What type of roles would not be your thing?
- To help you understand what is involved, read through the FAQs provided by DFES
Talk to your family
By its nature, the emergency services can take you away from home at short notice. Depending on your role, you may also be placed in potentially dangerous situations. It's important that you speak to your family before volunteering to ensure you all have:
- a clear understanding of why you want to volunteer;
- an appreciation of the time involved and the type of work you might be doing;
- agreement on the amount of time you might dedicate to the role;
- agreement about how the family will function if you are called out at short-notice or are on roster; and
- an understanding of the benefits to you, your family and the community.
Talk to your employer
Emergencies can happen at any time, so it's essential that you talk with your employer about your intent to volunteer to determine the level of support they can provide.
By having a conversation with your employer, you can help them understand the challenges, benefits and opportunities that come from having you volunteer, which includes DFES' Employer Recognition Awards.
Start your search
Considering what you, your family, and your employer have discussed and agreed upon, you can start looking for suitable volunteering opportunities over on the DFES Volunteering Website.
You can also visit your local brigade, group or unit to chat to local members and ask about available roles. They will be happy to show you around the premises and answer any questions you may have.
Check back
Volunteering opportunities come up all the time, so even if you don't see a suitable role straight away, be sure to check the DFES Volunteering Website regularly.
Remember, you can always visit your local brigade, group and unit to register your interest. Your local volunteer team will be happy to speak with you and can also suggest other local or regional opportunities.
I volunteer along with my husband and two sons - the Broome SES team are like an extension of my family. I've learned so many challenging skills that I never thought I would do in my life! I'm a proud member and guarantee you'll enjoy it as much as I do. Go on, challenge yourself!

I joined the SES because I wanted to be a part of a group of people who give back to their community without expecting anything in return.

I signed up on my 18th birthday, just like my Dad! I was drawn to Vertical Rescue because of the technicality and fast pace - if you put the effort in, it can take you anywhere and you'll meet the most amazing people along the way!

I love volunteering, not only for the good I am doing for the community, but for the friendships and camaraderie of my team. Volunteering helps give me a purpose and sense of worth in my busy lifestyle.

I joined the SES at the start of 2017 because I was looking for something to do outside of work and thought it was a great way to use some skills that I already had as well as learn many new ones. One of my most memorable experiences was not long after I joined SES, when we went on a search up near Two Rocks for an older gentleman that had been missing overnight. The other half of my search team found the person but we were then on-scene within minutes and spent time with this person until the ambulance arrived. He didn't let go of my hand until he was strapped in the ambulance bed and being loaded in the back to go to hospital for check-ups.
