Musician (Tenor Saxophone/Clarinet)

South Australia Police
Job reference: 859263
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Band of the South Australia Police

Musician (Tenor Saxophone/Clarinet)

(full-time, permanent)

$83,398-$102,491 p/year plus 10% shift allowance

The Band of the South Australia Police are seeking an accomplished and versatile Tenor Saxophonist, ideally with experience in jazz and improvisation, to join the Band of the South Australia Police for a full-time permanent position based at the Gepps Cross Police Complex.

It is highly desirable for the applicant to have existing clarinet doubling skills (including in jazz), or to demonstrate the aptitude and willingness to develop.

The successful applicant will demonstrate versatility to perform confidently across a broad range of musical genres and ensemble settings, from classical and concert band repertoire to traditional jazz, contemporary, commercial, and big band music.

Emphasis for selection will be placed on the ability to improvise in traditional jazz, swing, and big band styles. The applicant must demonstrate an authentic understanding of jazz idioms, phrasing, articulation, and stylistic interpretation.

About the Role

The Band of the South Australia Police has a long and distinguished history dating back to 1884 and today performs a diverse range of music for audiences across South Australia. This position offers the opportunity to combine high-level professional musicianship with a unique role supporting South Australia Police and engaging with the community through music.

As a member of the Band, you will perform across a diverse range of settings, including formal ceremonial duties, concerts, community engagements, major public events and contemporary entertainment performances. This variety requires musicians who can adapt quickly between different ensembles, musical styles and performance environments while maintaining a consistently high professional standard.

We are looking for a musician who should be comfortable both within an ensemble and in exposed or solo roles, who brings professionalism, preparation, reliability and a strong commitment to teamwork.

In addition to ensemble performance duties, all members are required to perform and march as part of the Parade Band. Successful applicants will receive training in marching drill and ceremonial procedures and will be expected to maintain a high standard of personal presentation, self-discipline and professionalism. As performances may take place in a variety of environments and weather conditions, a reasonable level of physical fitness, resilience and adaptability is essential.

All band personnel are shift workers and perform duties in evenings and on weekends as performances and other obligations require. Band members regularly travel to regional South Australia, and there may be requirement to travel interstate or overseas as necessary. Travel and meal allowances apply.

Audition

Applicants will be required to submit, as part of their application, a high-quality recording of between 5 and 10 minutes' duration that demonstrates versatility across at least three contrasting works, together with copies of the relevant sheet music. The recording must include an improvised work and a demonstration of any doubling instrument.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a live audition encompassing a range of musical styles, including relevant Concert Band, Parade Band and ensemble excerpts, as well as opportunities to demonstrate improvisation. The final stage of the audition process will consist of mock rehearsals with two small ensembles. Candidates who nominate jazz clarinet performance skills will also undertake an additional mock rehearsal with the SAPOL Dixieland Band.

Auditions will be held 2 and 3 November 2026 at the Band facility in Gepps Cross, South Australia.

Apply Now

You must either be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or hold Australian permanent residency to join SA Police. Musicians are appointed as police officers, and must be eligible and suitable for that appointment, but do not undertake operational police work. Probity and medical (including psychological/psychiatric) assessments form part of the South Australia Police recruitment process. Flexible working arrangements (including part-time arrangements) may be available. Applications should include a current CV outlining relevant professional performance experience, qualifications and other applicable musical experience.

Salary

$83,398 per annum during 12-month probation period
$86,125 per annum upon permanent appointment, rising to $102,491 over 7 annual increments.

A 10% allowance is paid on all hours worked, in lieu of penalty payments for specific shifts. Band members receive 6 weeks annual leave (20% leave loading applies) and all other police industrial entitlements.

Successful applicants will be subject to a probationary period for 12 months vide Section 27 of the Police Act 1998.

Enquiries

Sergeant First Class Adam Buckley
821 59677
adam.buckley@police.sa.gov.au

Application instructions

Please submit your application online via our website Application form

Recording in support of application to be uploaded via the Band Portal https://form.jotform.com/262517792257062

Applications close: 11/10/2026 11:45 PM

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.