ABOUT US
The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.
Having served Australia-wide for more than 140 years, our Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams, largely made up of around 2000 volunteers nationally, are often found during crisis and disaster situations nationally and internationally. Whether it’s a natural disaster like a cyclone, flood, bushfire or earthquake, or an incident such as a transport accident, structure fire or missing person search, SAES volunteers will be on the ground providing catering services to state emergency services such as police, fire and other first responders, as well as in evacuation and recovery centres. SAES teams also provide bedding, and material needs to assist displaced community members or may be in farmer’s paddocks, getting alongside the community as the clean-up begins.
This volunteer role plays a vital behind-the-scenes part in emergency response, by helping keep vehicles, generators, and equipment ready for service. The care, reliability, and practical support provided ensure SAES teams can respond quickly, safely, and effectively — bringing help, dignity, and hope to individuals and communities when they need it most.
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Emergency Response Readiness
Contribute to the preparedness of Salvation Army Emergency Services by supporting the operational reliability of vehicles, generators, and equipment, ensuring they are ready for rapid deployment when communities are impacted by disasters. Support readiness by helping ensure vehicles and generators are fuelled and operational, enabling response teams to mobilise quickly and without delay in times of need. -
Preventative Asset Care
Use practical skills, care, and attention to detail to help maintain vehicles and equipment through regular operation checks and basic upkeep, reducing the risk of failure during critical response activities. -
Inspection, Safety, and Reporting
Assist in routine inspections to identify safety issues, wear, or faults and report these clearly to the coordinator, contributing to safe operations and informed decision-making. -
Minor Maintenance and Practical Support
Apply hands-on skills to carry out minor repairs and maintenance tasks where appropriate, supporting efficient use of resources and keeping essential assets in serviceable condition. -
Clean, Organised, and Safe Depot Environment
Help maintain a clean, orderly, and well-organized depot that supports safe work practices, efficient access to equipment, and a professional working environment. -
Compliance and Safety Contribution
Assist with safety requirements such as testing and tagging of equipment if suitably qualified, helping ensure a safe environment for volunteers and staff involved in emergency response. -
Teamwork and Reliable Support
Work collaboratively with Coordinators and other volunteers, demonstrating reliability, flexibility, and a commitment to serving others as part of a broader emergency response effort.
Qualifications and skills (desired/required)
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Motor Vehicle Licence (C Class required; MR desirable), An MR driver licence is an advantage but not essential. SAES is willing to fund MR licence training for the right volunteer, supporting skill development while strengthening emergency response capability.
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General awareness or hands-on experience with small equipment and vehicles, demonstrating confidence, care, and a practical mindset when working with response assets.
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Familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Outlook, Excel, Word) is desirable for basic communication or recordkeeping tasks.
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Test and Tag Safety Certificate, Highly regarded but not required. Training and certification will be provided and funded by SAES, supporting volunteer growth and compliance with safety standards.
Background checks play an important part in our commitment to being a safe organisation. Below is what is required for this role.
As this role has access to TSA property and assets, and may supervising others, a Police Check is required.
Time commitment:
As agreed with manager
Development opportunities with this role:
This role will give volunteers an opportunity to develop skills and build experience in working with and leading others, problem solving, thinking innovatively and expressing ideas.
The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child related roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Additionally, certain volunteer roles may require a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration.
