Swellnet: We're Hiring!

By Ben Matson (thermalben)
Ben Matson

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 work@swellnet.com (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 Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 05:10 pm new

Terrible view from the office!

tubeshooter Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 06:07 pm new

And just a short stroll to the pub.

basesix Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 06:16 pm new

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 Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 07:11 pm new

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

Switchfoot bob Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 11:14 pm new

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

Yendor Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 05:33 pm new

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 Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 08:36 am new

I’ll have what your having

Yendor Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 11:03 am new

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 Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 11:32 am new

Haha.

eastcoastbuoy Monday, 9 Sep 2024 at 12:49 pm new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 06:36 pm new

Is that a monkey in the palm?

mr mick Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 07:47 pm new

Ha, toooo many Bintangs!

john.callahan Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 05:27 pm new

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 Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 07:09 pm new

I wish I had a swellnet hoodie.

stinky_wes Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 08:35 pm new

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

Lanky Dean Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 01:08 am new

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

Blingas Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 08:40 am new

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 Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 10:53 pm new

Loving my new Swellnet piece of string for my leggy

andy-mac Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 05:46 pm new

Not much work done that day me thinks!!

wbat Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 05:51 pm new

That would be fun!

mr mick Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 06:01 pm new

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 Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 06:06 pm new

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 Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 06:21 pm new

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

Lanky Dean Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 07:08 pm new

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

tubeshooter Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 08:13 pm new

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

Lanky Dean Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 08:23 pm new

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

Jono Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 11:44 am new

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

mr mick Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 07:14 pm new

Remuneration? Is that like a pension plan?

benjis babe Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 08:56 am new

solid resume u have mr mick,
i would hire u

mr mick Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 04:52 pm new

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

bbbird Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 06:26 pm new

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

Lanky Dean Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 06:38 pm new

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 Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 06:52 pm new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 03:12 pm new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 04:34 pm new

Far out that's impressive

shraz Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 02:01 pm new

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

dstrosberg Saturday, 7 Sep 2024 at 09:27 am new

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 Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 06:48 pm new

Congrats on expanding your business team.

zenagain Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 07:10 pm new

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 Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 07:14 pm new

Val market enterprises

Juliang Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 09:39 pm new

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

zenagain Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 10:07 pm new

Broad brush statement.

As a collective.

nextswell Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 08:14 pm new

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 Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 09:05 pm new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 01:10 am new

Nice one Johan.

tubeshooter Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 09:37 pm new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 05:46 pm new

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 Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 09:50 pm new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 01:13 am new

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 Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024 at 10:00 pm new

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

Lanky Dean Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 01:16 am new

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

memlasurf Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 01:42 pm new

Way too accurate.

saurusv1 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 07:54 am new

Off topic, LD are you from Newcastle?

Lanky Dean Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 10:00 am new

Yes, mater.

Standingleft Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 09:06 am new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 09:47 am new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 09:55 am new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 09:59 am new

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

AndyM Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 11:02 am new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 02:24 pm new

Go IB!

Spuddups Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 07:15 pm new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 09:57 am new

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

conrico Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 10:20 am new

Great news congrats!

H2O Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 11:23 am new

Well done Ben and crew!

dandandan Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 11:36 am new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 11:41 am new

It is very good news indeed. Congratulations, SN.

truebluebasher Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 11:58 am new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 12:33 pm new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 12:48 pm new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 01:10 pm new

Yes i just wish to concur, big congratulations!

memlasurf Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 01:43 pm new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 02:02 pm new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 02:04 pm new

Or just bring back Ding Alley

pvfloripa Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 02:20 pm new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 03:23 pm new

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

tubeshooter Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 05:42 pm new

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

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thermalben Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 06:24 pm new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 08:06 pm new

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

Mr Mick,
Senior Vice President,

JB1 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 08:18 pm new

You sir, are a gentleman.

spinafex Saturday, 31 Aug 2024 at 10:27 am new

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 Thursday, 29 Aug 2024 at 09:08 pm new

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

clif Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 01:08 am new

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 Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 10:14 am new

#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 Friday, 30 Aug 2024 at 10:22 am new

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

Roystein Saturday, 31 Aug 2024 at 07:27 am new

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

thermalben Friday, 6 Sep 2024 at 11:35 am new

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 Saturday, 7 Sep 2024 at 06:50 am new

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 Monday, 16 Sep 2024 at 07:26 pm new

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

djizzah Friday, 20 Sep 2024 at 09:46 am new

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

basesix Friday, 20 Sep 2024 at 10:19 am new

^ 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 Saturday, 21 Sep 2024 at 04:13 am new

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Eddie Chapman Monday, 23 Sep 2024 at 01:24 pm new

i would like a job