- Enjoy a schedule that enables work/life balance
- Work closely with flight and medical crews to support rescue operations
- Opportunity to utilise your current skills across a range of tasks
About LifeFlight
LifeFlight Australia is a leading aeromedical organisation dedicated to saving lives through rapid response medical services. Operating a fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, LifeFlight delivers critical care and emergency retrievals across Queensland and beyond. In addition to its lifesaving missions, LifeFlight runs a world-class training academy, equipping aviation and medical professionals with the skills needed for high-pressure environments. Our mission is to provide the highest standard of care and make a real difference in the communities we serve.
About the Role
As a Rescue Crew Officer (RCO), you’ll be a core member of LifeFlight’s helicopter crew, working closely with both the Flight and Medical teams to support safe, effective and lifesaving missions. You’ll take responsibility for the safety and management of the rear cabin during flying operations and oversee safe winching activities across overland, overwater, vessel and night operations.
Your role will also involve assisting with equipment and patient handling, and ensuring all rescue equipment remains serviceable and mission ready. You’ll be expected to promptly communicate any safety, serviceability or operational concerns to the Pilot and contribute to emergency and disaster response operations whenever required.
This full-time position is based at LifeFlight’s base in Toowoomba and operates on an equal-time roster of 2 day shifts, 2 night shifts and 4 days off — supporting a balanced and healthy work–life rhythm. This position is not a touring role and requires the successful applicant to reside within the local area.
About You
You’re someone who takes pride in meaningful work and being part of a team that delivers real impact for Queensland communities. With strong communication skills, a calm, adaptable approach and the physical fitness needed for operational duties, you feel at home in a dynamic aviation environment where supporting others comes naturally.
You’re committed to helping the crew operate safely and efficiently — whether that’s assisting with daily operational tasks, completing essential admin or stepping into non-flight duties that keep our service running smoothly. You bring a steady, team-first mindset, stay composed under pressure and are motivated by the opportunity to support LifeFlight’s mission of saving lives.
Mandatory Requirements
- Advanced First Aid (HLTAID014)
- Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy (HLTAID015)
- CASA Aviation Class 2 Medical Certificate
- Pass the LifeFlight RCO Functionality Assessment
- Fully vaccinated
- Eligible to hold a Working with Children (Blue Card)
Highly Desirable
- Certificate III in Aviation AVI30519 (Rescue Crew Officer)
- Undertake Helicopter Aquatic Rescue and Recovery (AVIW0003)
- SLSA Bronze Medallion
- Crew Resource Management
- HUET / EBS Qualified
- Dangerous Good Awareness
- Previous / Current RCO experience
Functionality Assessment
As part of the selection process, Rescue Crew Officer candidates will complete the LifeFlight RCO Functionality Assessment to confirm readiness for the physical demands of the role. Full details will be provided to those progressing.
The initial assessment Includes components 1–5 & 7–12, covering strength, endurance, lifting, and water capability. Post-qualification RCOs undertake components 1–10 at regular intervals.
Assessment components include:
- 30 sit-ups < 2 mins
- 20 push-ups < 2 mins
- 5 kettlebell deadlifts
- 1 km equipment transfer (16 kg) < 10 mins
- 500m stretcher carry (16 kg) < 6 mins
- 400m swim < 11 mins
- 300m swim in full RCO kit < 10 mins
- Tread water in full RCO kit – 10 mins
- 25m survivor tow in full RCO kit
- Pool exit / life raft entry
- 2.4 km run < 12 mins (initial test)
- 700m swim < 20 mins (initial test)
Why LifeFlight?
Meaningful Impact: Working with LifeFlight Australia provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. The organisation is dedicated to saving lives, delivering critical care services, and responding to emergencies. Employees can take pride in contributing to a mission-driven organisation focused on making a positive difference in the community.
Collaboration & Support: At LifeFlight, we are committed to fostering a culture of camaraderie and teamwork. Our aeromedical operations thrive on the close collaboration between medical professionals, pilots, and support staff, all working together in high-pressure environments. We value a supportive and inclusive workplace where individuals can rely on one another, creating a strong sense of purpose and unity. By harnessing the power of teamwork and pooling our strengths, we believe we can overcome any challenge, achieve our goals, and find fulfillment in the critical work we do.
Salary Packaging Options: As an employee of LifeFlight, you have the opportunity to benefit from salary packaging, allowing you to allocate up to $15,900 per Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) year towards general living expenses. This includes covering various everyday costs like groceries, petrol, mortgage, rent, and school fees, providing you with added financial flexibility and support.
We encourage applicants to apply; however, please note applications will not be reviewed until the new year with interviews to be scheduled from mid-January 2025
At LifeFlight, we’re committed to serving all communities across Queensland and beyond. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, to apply. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that diversity brings to our team and the communities we support.
This is an excellent opportunity to work in a growing organisation that is dedicated to saving lives and serving the community. If you believe you have the necessary skills and experiences we would love to hear from you today.
Note: the successful applicant will be required to undergo background checks including a national police check as a condition of employment. This position is only open to Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents, or those with unrestricted work rights in Australia. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be considered.
Eligible candidates will need to be fully vaccinated against MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Varicella, Pertussis, Hepatitis B and will be required to hold or to obtain a Working with Children Blue Card (Queensland).
Please note: We will be welcoming applications over the holiday period; however, they will not be reviewed until early in the new year.
Applications may be reviewed as submitted, with the possibility of interviews being conducted throughout the process.
Applications close on Sunday, 11 January 2026