Research and Information Lead

About Us

Surf Life Saving Western Australia (SLSWA) is an independent, non-profit community service organisation dedicated to its core purpose of 'Saving Lives and Building Great Communities'. We support thousands of frontline volunteers and manage contracted coastal safety operations state-wide. Central to our ongoing success and operational evolution is the evidence-based decision-making delivered by our Lifesaving Department.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an analytical, proactive, and outcome-focused Research and Information individual to lead operational intelligence, coastal risk data analysis, continuous improvement, and research initiatives across Western Australia.

Reporting directly to the Lifesaving Manager, this lead and proactive role brings evidence-based rigour to our lifesaving services. You will turn coastal incident databases, patrol trends, and environmental hazard risk evaluations into actionable operational intelligence, strategic reports, and grant opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Intelligence & Research: Collect, validate, and analyse coastal incident, rescue, and patrol data to identify emerging safety trends and risk profiles across WA beaches.
• Information Management & Dashboards: Maintain data quality standards and build high-impact performance dashboards to support internal leadership and external stakeholders.
• Coastal Risk Assessment: Evaluate beach hazard tools, conduct historical drowning analysis, and support coastal risk mitigation strategies in collaboration with land managers and coastal agencies.
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Assess the performance of existing lifesaving programs, recommend operational efficiencies, and contribute to data-driven funding/grant proposals.
• Stakeholder & Public Engagement: Translate complex operational data into clear circulars, executive reports, grant submissions, media backgrounders, and stakeholder presentations.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential Requirements:

• Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in Coastal/Marine Science, Data Analytics, Public Health, Health Promotion, or a related quantitative field (PhD or Master's - highly regarded).
• Data Analytics & Research: Proven capability in data collation, statistical/trend analysis, database review, and translating raw data into actionable insights.
• Report Writing & Communication: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated success in authoring complex research reports, briefing papers, or proposals.
• Time & Project Management: Ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and execute structured project plans.
• Licences: Current 'C' Class Australian Driver's Licence, Working with Children Check (WWCC), and National Police Clearance.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in grant proposal preparation and funding application workflows.
• Familiarity with the Surf Life Saving movement, coastal hazards, or public safety operations.
• Experience in group facilitation, volunteer management, or media engagement.

SLSWA is an equal opportunity employer with commitment to safeguarding children and young people. All candidates will be required to undertake a working with children check.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary Package: A base salary commensurate with experience plus Superannuation.
• NFP Tax Benefits: Access to Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) Salary Packaging Benefits for eligible employees (up to $15,900 per annum of everyday living expenses and an additional $2,650 per annum for meals and entertainment expenses), increasing net take-home pay through tax savings.
• Meaningful Impact: Direct involvement in initiatives that measurably protect the WA community and support coastal safety operations state-wide.
• Work Environment: Free on-site parking at our Balcatta headquarters, and supportive team culture.

How to Apply

Apply via seek. Please submit the following documents in PDF format:

1. A Cover Letter addressing your suitability for the key selection criteria.
2. Your current Resume / CV.

For more information, view the full position description at http://surflifesavingwa.com.au/about-us/slswa-employment.

Applications close on 05 November 2026 at 5:00 PM WST.

(Shortlisting will commence immediately upon receipt of applications).

For confidential inquiries regarding the position, please contact:

Mr. Chris Peck

General Manager – Lifesaving | Training

Phone: (08) 9207 6666 9207 6666)

Website: surflifesavingwa.com.au/about-us/slswa-employment