FAQs
What does SES do?
The State Emergency Service is a division of the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management (DPFEM). We are equipped to provide emergency response service for storm and flood, road crash rescue, and a range of general rescue and community support roles performed by our volunteers. We assist Tasmania Police in search and rescue operations and play an important support role to Tasmania Fire Service during bushfire response.
What skills will I learn?
SES offers various skills ranging from, work in a team, communicate in the workplace, provide First Aid, rescue operations, operate communication systems and equipment, traffic control, drive vehicles, navigation, map reading, storm and water damage operations, leadership, trim and crosscut chain sawing, road crash rescue, backing trailers, learning to tie knots and Work place Health and safety just to name a few.
Am I insured whilst training and performing duties?
Yes, DPFEM is obliged to and committed to providing appropriate support and assistance for SES staff and volunteers who sustain a work-related injury, illness or medical condition, while undertaking training and performing operational duties.
What legislation is SES under?
Emergency Management Act 2006.
How much does it cost to join SES?
Joining the SES costs nothing, only your time.
What age can I join SES?
The minimum age for joining SES is 18 years of age.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes. You will be required to serve a probationary period of minimum three months. Prior to commencement of the the probationary period, a National Police Record Check will be conducted.
You must agree for this check to be carried out when you complete the application forms, to enable your application for SES membership be processed.
A current Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP) may be required for some roles.
How often does the unit meet?
Most SES units will train fortnightly, check with your local unit as some may vary.
Is the training free or do I have to pay fees?
There are no fees for training, all training will be provided at no cost to the volunteers.
If I take time off work, will SES pay my wages?
No, each volunteer makes their own arrangements with their employer. The SES will provide letters of attendance to employers for any member who volunteers at an incident.
In some instances where volunteer members are employed as Tasmanian Government State Service employee, volunteer members may be eligible for deployment through the Tasmanian Government State Service Interoperability Register, or be eligible for volunteer leave from their employment under the State Service Act 2000.