Operations Lead - Rural & Remote - Wheatbelt

St John WA has been serving the Western Australian community since 1922. Our organisation has grown into an integrated healthcare provider, connecting people across WA to lifesaving emergency services, urgent care, and health education.

We are a not-for-profit organisation, and we are committed to making a positive impact on the safety, wellbeing, and health of everyone, no matter where in WA they live. Our services are powered by more than 8,000 dedicated employees and volunteers who bring care, skill, and compassion to every corner of the state.

About the Role:

St John WA have an exciting opportunity for an experienced candidate to join the team in the Wheatbelt North as an Operations Lead (Ambulance Operations) on a full -time, permanent basis based in Northam with regular travel across the Wheatbelt North District. You’ll be part of a highly skilled, committed and collaborative team that together provide crucial and highly valued services to the rest of the organisation.

The Operations Lead oversees all operational aspects of the ambulance service within a specific District. This role covers Wheatbelt North district from Jurien Bay in the north to Southern Cross in the East and is bordered by Great Eastern Hwy. This role is responsible for leading and supporting crews to ensure they deliver high-quality care to the community, and this includes managing resources to ensure service delivery meets quality and safety standards. The focus of the Operations Lead will ensure that ambulance services in District are effective, efficient and of the highest quality.  

Reporting directly to the District Operations Manager, this role will be working a 4x4 roster (shift colour blue/red) 10.5 hours a day, working 7am – 5.30pm.  

What You’ll Do:

• Support the District Operations Manager in ensuring District key performance indicators (KPIs) are met within the time allocated by the General Manager. 

• Model leadership and promote wellbeing and support behaviours across the district. 

• Support the District Operations Manager in the delivery of a high-quality and efficient ambulance service within the designated District. 

• Monitor and report on performance and emerging issues, risks and opportunities to the District Operations Manager. 

• Provide support in the development and implementation of operational plans and strategic initiatives to support service delivery objectives in the designated District. 

• Report risks to the achievement of KPIs in a timely manner to the District Operations Manager and assist in managing these risks effectively. 

• Provide leadership to operational team members and be a model for overarching responsibility for the designated District which encompasses, but not limited to: 

• District performance, culture, budget, response performance, people management, staff training, compliance and succession planning. 

• Have the responsibility for the leadership, direction, management, mentoring and support of the operational team, including objective-setting, performance planning, regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports, management, and development. 

• Work collaboratively with all functions/departments to continuously improve district performance and culture. 

• Develop and maintain professional and effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to support the effectiveness of service delivery both on an operational and strategic level. 

• Leading district compliance through ensuring team members’ alignment with established policies, procedures and clinical practice guidelines 

Click here for the full Position Description  Operations Lead - Rural & Remote - PD 2024.pdf

What You’ll Need:

• Ability to deliver a high-quality service for the community, meeting performance targets and driving continuous improvement. 

• Knowledge of relevant regulations, standards and best practice in ambulance and/or healthcare service delivery. 

• Ability to support resource planning, budget management and performance evaluation. 

• Ability to deliver high-quality services, meeting performance targets and driving continuous improvement through a high performing team. 

• Ability to lead and develop a diverse workforce, including coordination of many volunteers, where required, across a geographically diverse area. 

• Understanding of clinical governance systems, risk management and regulatory requirements in the ambulance and/or emergency services sector. 

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of partners and stakeholders. 

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in paramedicine, health specific discipline, management, leadership or related area or equivalent work experience (highly desired). 

• Experience in healthcare management, healthcare service delivery and or emergency services, with a background in operational management (highly desirable). 

• Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in health-related discipline (Paramedic preferred) (desirable). 

What’s in it for you?

• $550 Health and Wellness reimbursement 
• Operational Uniform 
• Competitive remuneration package 
• Salary packaging options 
• Free emergency ambulance cover 
• Free first aid training 
• Company Vehicle on rostered days 

The Process:

Candidates must complete the online application form and prepare and submit the following as part of their application:

1. Up to date CV detailing key experiences and work history.

1. Completed Cover Letter addressing relevant experience, skills and Selection Criteria questions outlined below (submissions should be limited to a 1-page word document): 

• What is you motivation for applying to the Operations Lead position? 
• Please provide details of your experience in frontline leadership positions.  
• Can you provide an example of a time where you were required to lead teams through a time of conflict or adversity.  

Applicants will receive an automated receipt on application. If you have not received this email, please contact the Talent Sourcing team prior to the closing date and time. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Applications that do not include both a cover letter and resume may not be considered.

1. Psychometric Testing 

1. Panel Interview 

1. Successful candidate appointed to the position. 

Ready to Apply?

To apply for this exciting opportunity please select "Apply Now".

Alternatively, if you have any questions, please contact Keigan Donkin, District Operations Manager - Wheatbelt via email at Keigan.Donkin@stjohnwa.com.au

Applications close 4pm on Friday 13th of November 2026

St John WA is committed to creating an inclusive environment which provides a sense of belonging and enables a welcoming, diverse, capable and connected workforce who represent the community we serve. Our goal is to ensure people feel safe to be themselves.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ages, genders, nationalities, abilities, and cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and all other suitable applicants.

St John reserves the right to select a shortlist from the applications received. The selection process employed will be at the discretion of St John