Resilient Communities Officer

Location: Head Office - Civic Building, Torquay

Job Category: Community Services & Development,Other

• Temporary Full Time - 12 month contract
• Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime, WFH and RDOs

Who we areThere are not many places in Australia quite like Surf Coast Shire, where you can surf at world-class locations like Bells Beach Djarrak, drive along the scenic coast on the Great Ocean Road, or explore the many waterfalls set in tranquil rainforests.

The shire spans the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation - the charm and values of a coastal lifestyle make it a place where people want to live, work, visit and experience an exceptional quality of life.

Surf Coast Shire Council services the community, striving to be innovative, flexible and committed to business excellence. As a workplace Council provides opportunities to do meaningful work that benefits our community and offers the chance to add to a great team culture. Our workforce is representative of the towns and communities it serves, and our culture is supportive, respectful, and connected to Council's purpose of helping our community and environment to thrive.

We work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.

Your new career
The Emergency Management team works in partnership with agencies, community groups and internal Council teams to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies that impact our region.

As the Resilient Communities Officer, you will focus on the planning, implementation and measurement of the Community Resilience Program, using a place based all hazards approach to build capacity within the community as it relates to Community Emergency Management.

This is a role where strategic thinking meets grassroots engagement - turning plans into practical, place-based outcomes that genuinely enhance community preparedness and recovery.

What you will bring to the role
You bring demonstrated experience in community resilience, emergency management or community development, along with a strong track record of building partnerships that translate strategy into action.

You are confident working across sectors and with diverse community groups, and you understand how to design initiatives that are sustainable, measurable and aligned to risk priorities.

To thrive in this role you will:

• Develop sustainable programs which build the capacity of community to address relevant risks within the environment.
• Deliver projects and community engagement activities in line with Council, emergency service agencies and community priorities.
• Facilitate the collaboration between Councils, relevant agencies, community groups and key stakeholders to deliver innovative and practical community resilience projects.
• Develop and coordinate a range of community education strategies to build resilience, raise awareness of environmental risk and recovery processes.
• Support the Surf Coast Shire Council emergency management responsibilities in partnership with other Council employees, emergency management and community safety organisations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities reasonably within the capabilities of the position.
• Provide assistance if required in Council's response to an emergency event.
• This role will require occasional work outside regular office hours including weekday evenings and weekends to support for community meeting or supporting emergency response.

Key selection criteria
Mandatory qualifications, experience and requirements

• Minimum degree qualification in community development or relevant social sciences discipline, or a related degree in environmental or emergency management, or equivalent experience (qualification check conducted).
• 2 years' experience in a community development context, including experience with projects and programs aimed at community resilience, emergency management and/or environmental sustainability.
• Experience in planning with communities for bushfire / other hazards and/or other environmental related initiatives.
• Excellent organisational, consultation and facilitation skills, including experience organising community engagement forums, meetings, workshops and liaising with community group members.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
• A current Working With Children Check
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council). A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in a Local Government environment.
• Project management experience, including the development and delivery of project plans.
• An understanding and experience of the emergency management framework and arrangements in Victoria.
• Developed skills in preparing reports, submissions and applications for grants.
• Ability to organise, prioritise and manage own work around agreed deliverables.

What you'll love working with us
Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

• Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options, RDOs
• Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
• Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
• Purchase of additional annual leave
• Free onsite parking

For more information
You'll find further details about the role, including accountabilities and key selection criteria, in the Position Description on our website - Position Description PDF .

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Sharna Whitehand, Coordinator Community Engagement Management on .

How to apply
Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:

• cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria
• copy of your resume.

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.

Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application.

Applications close at 11.59pm Thursday 26 March 2026

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.