ACT State Emergency Service

Being a member of the ACTSES is a significant and rewarding commitment.

As a volunteer with the ACTSES, you can expect to:

• Assist all members of our community, embracing diversity and inclusion.
• Be ready to help at any time, day or night.
• Embrace the elements – you might get dirty, tired, wet, hot, or cold, sometimes all at once!
• Work as part of a dedicated team, relying on each other’s strengths.
• Engage in critical thinking and problem-solving to tackle diverse challenges.

Service values 

The ACTSES is part of the ACT Public Service, and as such its volunteers demonstrate the values of:

• Respect
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Innovation

Becoming an ACTSES volunteer requires an investment of time and effort during your first few months in the Service.

New volunteers complete a structured training program that combines online learning, face-to-face training, practical activities, unit visits and assessment requirements. Operational volunteers will also complete foundational storm and water damage training to prepare them for emergency response activities.

Most initial training is delivered during evenings and weekends between March and July. Further information about training schedules and expectations will be provided during the recruitment process.

We understand that family, work, study and personal commitments come first.

ACTSES volunteers spend an average of around five hours each week participating in training, operations, community engagement activities and other service activities relevant to their role.

Most units train weekly, with additional opportunities to support emergency responses, community events and specialist training throughout the year. Whether in an operational or support role, volunteers contribute to the capability and readiness of their unit and the broader Service.

While ACTSES offers flexibility to balance volunteering with other commitments, members are expected to maintain regular involvement with their unit. Attendance requirements and service expectations will be explained during information sessions and throughout the recruitment process. Where personal circumstances change, volunteers are encouraged to work with their unit leadership team to discuss suitable arrangements.

What you’ll receive

The rewards are many – learning new skills, keeping fit, gaining valuable qualifications, earning respect within the community, having fun, and being active as part of a dedicated team. Additionally, you can also gain:

As an ACTSES volunteer, you'll receive:

• All required training at no cost
• Uniforms and personal protective equipment
• Access to wellbeing and support services
• Ongoing development opportunities
• Nationally recognised qualifications
• Opportunities to contribute to your community as part of a supportive team

No previous emergency services experience is required. ACTSES provides all training needed to perform your role safely and effectively, at no cost to volunteers. Training is delivered by experienced operational members, subject matter experts, and nationally qualified trainers and assessors. Volunteers can develop practical skills, gain nationally recognised qualifications, and build experience that can be used both within ACTSES and in other areas of work and life.

ACTSES volunteers can develop skills in:

• Storm and water damage response
• Land search and navigation
• Radio communications
• First aid
• Incident Management
• Community engagement
• Leadership and team management
• Four-wheel driving
• Chainsaw Operations
• Aviation support

and many other specialist capabilities.

Eligibility and Compliance Requirements

To join ACTSES, applicants must

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Hold or be eligible to obtain an ACT Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) card.
• Complete the required recruitment screening process, including a National Police Check
• Be willing to participate in training and ongoing development relevant to their role
• Have, or be willing to obtain, a Unique Student Identifier (USI) to receive nationally recognised training and qualifications
• Uphold ACTSES values, policies and standards of conduct

Health Requirements

The health and wellbeing of our volunteers is important to us. As part of the recruitment process, applicants are required to obtain a medical clearance from their general practitioner (GP).

Applicants will be provided with a medical assessment form to take to their GP. The assessment helps ensure volunteers can safely participate in training and operational activities relevant to their role.

Additional information and supporting documentation will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Fitness Requirements

ACTSES volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring different skills, experience and abilities to the Service.

A reasonable level of fitness is needed for many roles. Some activities may involve working outdoors, carrying equipment, walking on uneven ground, and operating in difficult weather conditions. To help keep our members and the community safe, some roles require volunteers to demonstrate they can safely perform the tasks involved. Fitness assessments are based on real SES activities and reflect the types of work volunteers may undertake in their role.

The ACT applies the SES Fit for Role Standards, and all recruits will be required to pass a national fitness assessment.

Information about role-specific fitness requirements and assessments will be provided throughout the recruitment process.