Vacant Position: Watch Officer (VB) – 3 Positions

Rescue Service Skaraborg is a municipal association consisting of the municipalities of Skövde, Lidköping, Mariestad, Vara, Tibro, Töreboda, Hjo, Karlsborg, Essunga, Grästorp, and Gullspång. The area has a total population of approximately 190,000 inhabitants and covers an area of about 5,700 km². As an employee here, you are a vital part of achieving our goal to create safety, security, and care for those who live and visit our area. We highly value being a rescue service for everyone and strive for diversity among our employees. A fundamental prerequisite is therefore respect for everyone's equal value, which should also characterize every employee's conduct, both in meetings with the public and within the organization itself. We strive for a more balanced gender distribution and therefore welcome female applicants for this position.

Rescue Service Skaraborg faces an intense and exciting future, where our operations will grow in several areas. From April 1, 2027, we will form a joint rescue command system, Rescue Command System Skaraborg, together with Civil Protection Middle Skaraborg, with command centers in Skövde and Falköping. Do you want to be part of developing the overall leadership of tomorrow in our rescue command system? This is a real opportunity to contribute!

About the Position

As a Watch Officer (VB), you are responsible for the overall operational leadership in the rescue command system, primarily in the role of Operations Manager. You lead the work around the clock, prioritize resources, and make decisions based on the current situation report on behalf of the Watch Rescue Chief (VRC).

Job Responsibilities

The work involves, among other things:

• Leading and coordinating operations during both normal and high-stress situations.
• Analyzing the external environment and risk profile as a basis for decision-making.
• Contributing to efficient and safe operations by utilizing knowledge of current legislation and supporting risk assessments at the scene of an incident.
• Collaborating with other authorities and actors.
• Working in an environment where the pace is sometimes high and conditions change rapidly.

You will operate in various roles within overall leadership according to the Unified Command System (ELS), and may serve as a Rescue Leader or in a staff function if needed. The position is a combined role where you also serve as an Alarm and Command Officer and participate in development work and projects.

Who Are You?

As a person, you must have the ability to translate gathered information into actions that create actual effect. You communicate decisions quickly and clearly. You think strategically and create structure in complex situations. You have a tactical and solution-oriented approach, as well as the ability to interpret, understand, and apply governing documents in practice.

Qualifications and Merits

We are looking for you who have an operational background within the rescue service and experience leading in various contexts. You need to have the competence required to act as a Rescue Leader. You have completed one of the training courses that form the basis for the role, such as Command Course Incident Commander (Lk2a), Fire Engineer Education with RUB, or Rescue Command B, or older training that the employer deems equivalent.

Further education LK3 towards Watch Officer/Watch Rescue Chief and experience working in overall leadership or staff roles are meritorious. At the same time, we know that competence can be built in different ways, and we value the totality of your experience and approach.

Knowledge Areas

• Applied knowledge in LSO (Act Concerning Protection against Accidents).
• Basics of occupational safety and health legislation.
• In-depth knowledge of the command process and decision domains.
• Risk analysis, resource prioritization, and environmental analysis.
• Joint actor collaboration.
• Communication with media, collaborating actors, and the public during accidents and crises.
• In-depth knowledge of ELS (Unified Command System) and the framework "Common Grounds".
• Understanding the importance of tactics, method selection, and incident command, as well as risk assessment and occupational safety in an operational environment.
• Knowledge of collaborating actors, understanding their different perspectives and responsibilities.
• Situation awareness work.
• Communication methodology.

We place great importance on who you are as a person and how you contribute in a context. The role requires you to work focused even when conditions change rapidly, and to feel confident making decisions even when the picture is not complete.

You are clear in your communication, structured, receptive, and have an inclusive approach. We believe that you, like us, see the value of good teamwork. You will be part of a work team where we share experiences and continuously develop ourselves and the operations. We value a flat hierarchy culture where we support each other, take joint responsibility, and have room for both dialogue and reflection.

We believe in a sustainable working life, where well-being in the group is central. You share our view that development happens together and that a good climate is crucial for creating security, quality, and results over time.

Employment Terms

Type of Employment: Permanent.
Duration: Permanent, start date: 2026-11-02. Agreement on earlier start date can be made.

We actively work for gender equality and diversity in working life and thus wish to utilize the qualities that a balanced gender distribution and ethnic and cultural diversity can bring to the operations.

The Rescue Service is part of the civil defense. The position involves placement in the organization for heightened readiness and may involve military posting. Security clearance applies.

Interviews and employment may take place continuously during the recruitment process, so do not wait with your application. We decline offers of advertising and recruitment assistance in connection with this advertisement.