Swellnet: We're Hiring!

thermalben's picture
By Ben Matson (thermalben)
Photo: Ben Matson

Swellnet: We're Hiring!

Ben Matson picture
Ben Matson (thermalben)
Swellnet Dispatch

Many of you may not know that Swellnet is a small family owned business, with just a handful of employees. We're also the last remaining Australian-owned surf forecast + surfcam website.

Therefore, being a small company it's quite a rare event - and somewhat of a privilege - to grow the business to the point where we can take on new staff.

And here we are!

We're looking at creating several new positions across a number of key areas over the next six months as the business continues to grow. But before we post individual job adverts across the usual platforms, we'd prefer to reach out to the Swellnet community first - as we'd much rather bring someone on board who's already part of our assembly. 

If any of the descriptions below are in your laneway, and you think that you can make a valuable contribution to the Swellnet business, please contact us via [email protected] (job agencies: please don't email, we're not interested).

Note: Swellnet's main office is in Kingscliff on the Tweed Coast - the image above is the view from the office balcony! - so we're favouring candidates who live in the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast regions.

Developers

Our programming requirements are extremely broad, so we’re interested to hear from people with some of the following expertise. In the short term we’re particularly interested in a Full Stack Developer.

Drupal, PHP, Linux, MySQL, AWS (EC2, RDS, Cloudfront, API Gateway), Node.js, Python, HTML/CSS/Javascript

Surf Forecasters

Ideally, we’re after candidates with a BSc in Meteorology and/or Oceanography. You’ll need good communication skills and a thorough knowledge of key Australian surf regions, and how they work from a surf meteorological point of view. Of course, you’ll need a relatable surfing background too.

Business Development / Operations / Support

Tying everything together is a crucial part of the Swellnet business, as is finding new opportunities to diversify our revenue streams. We are also looking for someone to assist with general support; the majority of which are grumpy old surfers who’ve lost their password, or don’t know how to turn their computer off and then on again (it’s actually more fun than it sounds).

Comments

spaceman's picture
spaceman's picture
spaceman Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 5:10pm

Terrible view from the office!

tubeshooter's picture
tubeshooter's picture
tubeshooter Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 6:07pm

And just a short stroll to the pub.

basesix's picture
basesix's picture
basesix Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 6:16pm

little known fact: kingscliff has all underground power cables. swellnet commissioned that 'power pole' art-installation in the pic above, to give their view 'that bali vibe'.

mr mick's picture
mr mick's picture
mr mick Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 7:11pm

Nah, not enough spaghetti wiring!! Looks too safe.

Switchfoot bob's picture
Switchfoot bob's picture
Switchfoot bob Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 11:14pm

Me cable jointer, me twist wires.
Me doctor, me bury mistakes.

Yendor's picture
Yendor's picture
Yendor Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 5:33pm

I remember standing outside Double Six nightclub in Canggu one evening and watching as the transformer on the pole would spit sparks in time with the bass hits from the music inside! It was awesome.

elrayoex's picture
elrayoex's picture
elrayoex Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 8:36am

I’ll have what your having

Yendor's picture
Yendor's picture
Yendor Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 11:03am

No jokes, literal sparks and arcing. Back in the days before the smart phone or I would have taken a video.

There might have been some of that after though, haha...

Craig's picture
Craig's picture
Craig Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 11:32am

Haha.

eastcoastbuoy's picture
eastcoastbuoy's picture
eastcoastbuoy Monday, 9 Sep 2024 at 12:49pm

Was it really sparking Yendor outside double 6 in 1995? ha ha ha . So many Good times in the wee hours at double 6.

sangsta's picture
sangsta's picture
sangsta Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 6:36pm

Is that a monkey in the palm?

mr mick's picture
mr mick's picture
mr mick Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 7:47pm

Ha, toooo many Bintangs!

john.callahan's picture
john.callahan's picture
john.callahan Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 5:27pm

Merchandise Co-ordinator - someone with knowledge and experience of both dropshipping sites and mail order merchandise for the planned line of Swellnet logo clothing and accessories, to be launching soon.

Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 7:09pm

I wish I had a swellnet hoodie.

stinky_wes's picture
stinky_wes's picture
stinky_wes Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 8:35pm

I wish I had more Swellnet legropes. Best one I've ever had!

Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 1:08am

The fabled ,
I've only heard great things.
Swellnet legropes come free with every longboard purchase in Byron.

Blingas's picture
Blingas's picture
Blingas Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 8:40am

I’ll order one or two also. Also you need to run a “people comp and charge entry fee of min $500 keep half other half for prize money” wait till best day of the year at the local spot

hoody's picture
hoody's picture
hoody Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 10:53pm

Loving my new Swellnet piece of string for my leggy

andy-mac's picture
andy-mac's picture
andy-mac Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 5:46pm

Not much work done that day me thinks!!

wbat's picture
wbat's picture
wbat Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 5:51pm

That would be fun!

mr mick's picture
mr mick's picture
mr mick Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 6:01pm

Hi Ben, I think I’m your man, look no further. I have plenty experience in Full Stack Development on the tables at any Casinos , even though I can’t quite remember any of those terms on any of the tables.

Surf forecasting : I’ll just check the conditions on your cameras every morning as most forecasters do, too easy. I have a keen eye ( yes only one eye works) & a good comend of tha englase lingo.

Business development and support : I certainly can support grumpy old surfers as being one myself I have much experience & also have a variety of crutches, wheelchairs & walkers for support to hire out a small fee!
To diversify revenue streams ,see above, re the casino tables.

And I have many ideas to grow your business, can’t go wrong.

So looking forward to hearing from you Ben, I assure you, you won’t be disappointed !
Very Sincerely yours,
Mr Mick

mr mick's picture
mr mick's picture
mr mick Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 6:06pm

Oh forgot to mention, as I live locally no need for fifo and no need for living away from home allowance, maybe from these savings just the odd bonus for sending your business into the stratosphere!

tubeshooter's picture
tubeshooter's picture
tubeshooter Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 6:21pm

You're obviously way overqualified.
What sort of remuneration would you be looking at for those skills btw, Mr Mick?

Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 7:08pm

Looks like tubeshooter just signed himself up for the new HR/Recruiting position.

tubeshooter's picture
tubeshooter's picture
tubeshooter Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 8:13pm

Nah, was thinking of poaching him.
He's obviously Penske material.

Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 8:23pm

That's one of my favorite episodes.
You need a manzia?

Jono's picture
Jono's picture
Jono Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 11:44am

There are a few Penske files here that need to be worked on.

mr mick's picture
mr mick's picture
mr mick Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 7:14pm

Remuneration? Is that like a pension plan?

benjis babe's picture
benjis babe's picture
benjis babe Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 8:56am

solid resume u have mr mick,
i would hire u

mr mick's picture
mr mick's picture
mr mick Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 4:52pm

Thanks BB, much appreciated, I can’t see Swellnet doing the unthinkable but they do have to go through the process.

bbbird's picture
bbbird's picture
bbbird Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 6:26pm

Future focus after good bottom line....
well done Swellnet team!

Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 6:38pm

Great news
Congratulations.
Where I live a short stack developer is someone who can make pancakes .

Re revenue streams Rivvia, Florence, Tenore, Mayhem, Album, JS, Webs gloves, y'all need to Advertise Here.

Grumpy old person syndrome entering this person's body. I bet stu wishes I would/could turn off my computer.

Sounds like a dream job , my skills and location couldn't be more remote .

Good luck digital nomads

mattlock's picture
mattlock's picture
mattlock Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 6:52pm

Hi Ben
I mostly turn up on time, The kids sometimes make me a bit late.
Will do the bare minimum required for the wage offered.
Am a stickler smoko and lunch breaks.
Will bludge on the boss's time when the opportunity presents.
I make excellent stovetop espresso and will make a killer music mix for the workspace,
I generally like to leave early to pick up the kids from school.

You got any thing for me?

Cheers Matt E
Dr D will give me a reference

seal's picture
seal's picture
seal Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 3:12pm

Not bad Matt but have you ever cooked a rump steak for smoko in a sandwich maker ??
This is just one of the many skills I possess, so I'm afraid you're probably not going to be shortlisted sorry to say !

Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 4:34pm

Far out that's impressive

shraz's picture
shraz's picture
shraz Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 2:01pm

cooked one in foil on my engine, where do I sign?

dstrosberg's picture
dstrosberg's picture
dstrosberg Saturday, 7 Sep 2024 at 9:27am

Ben, I think you’ve found your person in seal, can’t go past the smell of burnt steak wafting through the office.
Q. Can you use that power line as a flying fox down to the beach? No WHS issues there?

burleigh's picture
burleigh's picture
burleigh Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 6:48pm

Congrats on expanding your business team.

zenagain's picture
zenagain's picture
zenagain Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 7:10pm

Agreed. I wish you future success. This is a great site and a valuable resource in more ways than one.

Btw, there's something to be said for catering towards a somewhat niche market (grumpy, middle-aged surfers). We're a small but vocal group with great purchasing power.

Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 7:14pm

Val market enterprises

Juliang's picture
Juliang's picture
Juliang Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 9:39pm

I wouldn’t generalise, about the
“ great purchasing power “
Lol

zenagain's picture
zenagain's picture
zenagain Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 10:07pm

Broad brush statement.

As a collective.

nextswell's picture
nextswell's picture
nextswell Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 8:14pm

Ah shit should’ve finished that science degree 10 years back. Some great mentors on the team with Craig, Ben and Steve. Shout out to Mattlock and mr mick, couple of solid applicants.

Johan Wohlleben's picture
Johan Wohlleben's picture
Johan Wohlleben Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 9:05pm

Goodonya! Swellnet is the best surfing website around on all types of content. I first started looking in the late 90s (can’t remember which year but thereabouts)after moving to WA from San Diego and remember Ben responding to a message I sent complementing the site. Good to see things still being carried out in the same manner.

Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 1:10am

Nice one Johan.

tubeshooter's picture
tubeshooter's picture
tubeshooter Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 9:37pm

Yeah, all jokes aside it's great to see and hear this site is going well.
Kudos Ben, and the team.
It'd be cool to see a contributor or semi lurker score one or all of the roles.
Good luck all.

I've submitted my application and resume on a roll of 3 ply Sorbent for your convenience.

mr mick's picture
mr mick's picture
mr mick Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 5:46pm

Yep, very convenient for when you get/ give the shits, also showing how frugal you are with two uses of 3ply Sorbent, a good angle for getting on the short list.

Agree all jokes aside , good on ya Swellnet it’s showing that something’s working which we all know anyway!

velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 9:50pm

Good on you Ben and team, great to hear.

I've got a Linux backup on a little USB so it's a bit too small to be a full stack. Never know when you might need it tho.

Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 1:13am

I once had a Linux laptop.
Reporter style computer serve me well on my travels, a tech buddy recommended me the little guy . Won't crash he said .

velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 10:00pm

I'd link a 'Grumpy Old Men' vid but there's too many good quotes to choose from, they were the masters...

Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 1:16am

Grumpy old man > specializing in sarcasm, gray hair production and joint inflammation. Throw in a big splash of arthritis.

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 1:42pm

Way too accurate.

saurusv1's picture
saurusv1's picture
saurusv1 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 7:54am

Off topic, LD are you from Newcastle?

Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 10:00am

Yes, mater.

Standingleft's picture
Standingleft's picture
Standingleft Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 9:06am

I will fully out stack any developer (of green waste). I also clean gutters and gurney mould with the best.
You've got my number

McQuartzie's picture
McQuartzie's picture
McQuartzie Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 9:47am

I have a phd and I can drink beer, but I surf average am a shit coder and do surf forecasting from the weather map, and wont get out of bed for less than 150K a year. Any chances?

Island Bay's picture
Island Bay's picture
Island Bay Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 9:55am

MSc in physics/meteorology/oceanography. 30 years forecasting, including extensive marine/surf experience. 40 years surfing.
Living in NZ, but keen on N NSW.
How's the skiing in Kingscliff?

Pops's picture
Pops's picture
Pops Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 9:59am

First thing I thought on reading the article was "how long until IBs first forecast is published?"

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 11:02am

Haha, throw your hat in the ring I.B., you know how good it is over here!

No snow but heaps of walking/camping/4wding/river paddling.

velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 2:24pm

Go IB!

Spuddups's picture
Spuddups's picture
Spuddups Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 7:15pm

IB's your man. Already working remotely from his current top secret location in NZ. I can think of no better qualified individual.

Ben Elvy's picture
Ben Elvy's picture
Ben Elvy Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 9:57am

Congrats on the expansion plans. Hope you get the right people and continue on the upward trajectory.

conrico's picture
conrico's picture
conrico Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 10:20am

Great news congrats!

H2O's picture
H2O's picture
H2O Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 11:23am

Well done Ben and crew!

dandandan's picture
dandandan's picture
dandandan Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 11:36am

Great news! I am so used to the things I enjoy and rely on closing down rather than scaling up, stoked for you lot at Swellnet!

Island Bay's picture
Island Bay's picture
Island Bay Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 11:41am

It is very good news indeed. Congratulations, SN.

truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 11:58am

Looks like the boss has hotwired the ai WOTD portfolio...Buzzz! Surfs Up again crew!

Recruitment Officer Huey : Surfjustsurf for yer pension Ad
[ Swellnet Chiko Roll Run is up for Grabs! ]

[Fineprint] Goldie Hodads need not apply...not that kinda border run!

Love the surf stoke [Locals Only] Good luck with that Ben!
One last interview with Northern Rivers cup'a'soup crew...sounds cool Hippie Dude...Welcome aboard!
Ben said : "Boil us up a cuppa will ya!...WTF...Can't breathe!" [000] Sirens > ACA > UN Security Council.

tbb's pedal phone weeps...'So yer sayin' yer Cloudfront caught on fire & ya need all hands on deck!'

JB1's picture
JB1's picture
JB1 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 12:33pm

Im keen, but one question.

Is there a beer fridge in the office... very important as the Kingscliff bottle-o doesn't open until 10am, and I'll have the DTs by then.

Trentslatterphoto's picture
Trentslatterphoto's picture
Trentslatterphoto Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 12:48pm

I'm the worse employee one could imagine but I could tell yah when it good and when it's not at three locations. Main point is I'm from South Australia, the best Fookn state in Australia / world

andy-mac's picture
andy-mac's picture
andy-mac Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 1:10pm

Yes i just wish to concur, big congratulations!

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 1:43pm

Well done Ben I remember when you went to charging people how worried you were but here you are expanding great effort and great site.

Gra Murdoch's picture
Gra Murdoch's picture
Gra Murdoch Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 2:02pm

Dear Sir / Madam. I wish to throw my hat into the Swellnet ring and believe I have unique qualifications across all three areas listed. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Under my expert leadership, much loved quarterly Surf Journal White Horses was quietly taken down the back paddock and plugged between the eyes. SURF FORECASTING: I can provide world class long range forecast services absolutely no problem, as long as I can use the existing world class long range forecast information posted on Swellnet – essentially as a cut and paste reference. DEVELOPERS: How do I se

andy-mac's picture
andy-mac's picture
andy-mac Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 2:04pm

Or just bring back Ding Alley

pvfloripa's picture
pvfloripa's picture
pvfloripa Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 2:20pm

Excellent news! Congratulations. As an avid Swellnet fan since 2009, I am very happy for the team. I even started following your LinkedIn and Instagram today!

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 3:23pm

Benjamin .....So Happy that you were Rejected by B.O.M.

tubeshooter's picture
tubeshooter's picture
tubeshooter Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 5:42pm

Dear Mr. Matson,
Thank you for your email of August 29th. After careful consideration I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me employment with your company.
This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.
Despite Swellnets's outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at this time. Therefore, I will initiate employment with your firm immediately following my relocation to Kingy. I look forward to seeing you then.
Sincerely,
tubeshooter

thermalben's picture
thermalben's picture
thermalben Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 6:24pm

Wow, what an incredible response we've had in just one day! Kinda overwhelming actually.. some lovely people with impressive resumes have already been in touch. Gonna take me a little while to get back to everyone over the next week or so.

And, it looks like the comments section (above) has highlighted a few potential candidates for an upcoming position as Senior Vice President For Customer Success, Wellness And Good Manners In The Lineup. We'll be in touch in due course.

If the position eventuates, that is.

mr mick's picture
mr mick's picture
mr mick Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 8:06pm

That’s great news Ben.
See you at the next executive meeting.

Mr Mick,
Senior Vice President,

JB1's picture
JB1's picture
JB1 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 8:18pm

You sir, are a gentleman.

spinafex's picture
spinafex's picture
spinafex Saturday, 31 Aug 2024 at 10:27am

Hey when I was tossing up between Coastalwatch and you guys, the Surfline acquisition convinced me to go with you guys i.e locally owned. Re - revenue streams - you should ping the flowstate guys and see if there are any opportunies there i.e. instead of using the slider on the playback to find my waves. Flowstate does it for me and I pay somehow.

Tooold2bakook's picture
Tooold2bakook's picture
Tooold2bakook Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 9:08pm

Any chance you are also looking for a Data Scientist/ML engineer?

clif's picture
clif's picture
clif Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 1:08am

As someone with a PhD in social sciences I am qualified for nothing. However, if you need a UK-based pawn I am all yours lol (we no longer have MagicSeaweed, so a gap in the market!)

truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 10:14am

#1swellnet leads the way with world exclusive empathetic patriotic employment policy.

Single-handedly pulls the plug on the outsourced sweat shop Elder Abuse IT scam industry.

Wotz New in Seachange Agecare Scams!

#1 swellnet agecare lets Gromz surf their hotspot for hookin' up local hodad kooks to the NDIS.

Mandatory predatory poaching of Hodad's Spot X Party Wave wipes out the Internet!

News : Oz PM Ben's Time Magazine Cover...voted more empathetic than Prez Trump Mug Shot!

dannyz's picture
dannyz's picture
dannyz Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 10:22am

such good news! Been with you guys since the Fuidzone days!
my most frequently opened App/site.. keep it up!

Roystein's picture
Roystein's picture
Roystein Saturday, 31 Aug 2024 at 7:27am

I have extensive experience as an Assistant (to the) Regional Manager at a small paper company. I don’t do the surfing though.

thermalben's picture
thermalben's picture
thermalben Friday, 6 Sep 2024 at 11:35am

Got sidetracked with a bunch of things things this week so only now just starting to look through the large list of resumes... I'll try to get back to everyone early next week.

andyegan8's picture
andyegan8's picture
andyegan8 Saturday, 7 Sep 2024 at 6:50am

Hello Ben,

I am great with passwords and brilliant at organising grumpy old surfers as well as lots of high energy groms in their surf program

I would love the opportunity to apply for the operations support position.

I work fast, efficient and I am very organised and I love to have a laugh so combine my good wit and highly organised skill set and I think could definitely help you all remember your passwords

Andy ( Andrea)

Sanji93's picture
Sanji93's picture
Sanji93 Monday, 16 Sep 2024 at 7:26pm

Gday, is being based on the east coast a pre-requisite, or can sand gropers from the west coast apply too?

djizzah's picture
djizzah's picture
djizzah Friday, 20 Sep 2024 at 9:46am

that power pole and wires ugly as a bucket full of arseholes

basesix's picture
basesix's picture
basesix Friday, 20 Sep 2024 at 10:19am

^ on the plus side, the view of one of the best examples of locally driven, architecturally preserved, and community utilised mid-century gems more than makes up for it.
(George Rae & Chapman; Prosser & Franklin; Aspect Architecture):

tubeshooter's picture
tubeshooter's picture
tubeshooter Saturday, 21 Sep 2024 at 4:13am
Eddie Chapman's picture
Eddie Chapman's picture
Eddie Chapman Monday, 23 Sep 2024 at 1:24pm

i would like a job