Community Recovery

Cook Shire Council is seeking a passionate and community-focused Community Recovery and Resilience Officer – Bushfire Resilience (CRRO) to lead recovery initiatives and long-term risk reduction across bushfire-impacted areas of the Shire. Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, this fixed-term position aims to build capacity in preparedness and resilience within the community for future disasters.

This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in building stronger, safer, and more connected communities. The role involves working with residents, landholders, First Nations communities, and key stakeholders to foster bushfire preparedness, traditional fire management, and resilience planning.

• Establish strong community relationships across impacted areas to foster trust and meaningful engagement.
• Coordinate community-led recovery and resilience initiatives tailored to local bushfire impacts.
• Conduct community needs assessments and facilitate resilience training, planning days, and mitigation workshops.
• Design, support and implement recovery action plans aligned with Queensland's disaster management framework and Cook Shire strategies.
• Assist communities in accessing and managing grants to support recovery projects.
• Collaborate with emergency services, First Nations leaders, and stakeholders to promote local and traditional fire management practices.
• Monitor and report on project outcomes and ensure public bushfire information remains accurate and accessible.
• Prepare final transition plans to ensure the long-term sustainability of resilience initiatives.

• Qualifications and/or substantial experience in fire management, community recovery or disaster resilience.
• Demonstrated experience with geospatial software such as QGIS or similar.
• Strong working knowledge of Queensland's Disaster Management Arrangements, recovery principles and risk reduction.
• Familiarity with legislation including the Disaster Management Act 2003, and the Local Government Act 2009.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite and digital tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with diverse community groups.
• Proven ability to work independently, travel throughout the region, and deliver outcomes under minimal supervision.

• Make a real impact on community outcomes and help shape recovery approaches through community empowerment and inclusive engagement.
• Work in a dynamic role with diverse partnerships and program delivery.
• Great work-life balance.
• Be part of a team that genuinely cares about its people and its community.

Ready to roll up your sleeves and make a real difference? Apply now and help us keep our community looking its best.

To Apply, review the Candidate Information Pack for this position. To be considered for selection you will need to submit:

• a Cover Letter outlining why you are interested in this role; and
• a detailed and up-to-date Resume/CV.

Applications should be submitted online. Click on the "Apply Now" tab below to apply. Applications will close at 5.00pm Monday 15 September 2025. Cook Shire Council will be assessing applications as they are submitted, and may close the advertisement early if a suitable candidate is identified.

Job reference: CSC135

Position: Community Recovery & Resilience Officer

Location: Main Administration Office - 10 Furneaux Street, Cooktown

Tenure: Full Time - Fixed term until 31 March 2027

Remuneration: Queensland Local Government Industry (Stream A: Division 2, Section 1) Award – State 2017 – Level 5; $88,172.00 per annum + locality allowance

Superannuation: 12% superannuation contributions

Cook Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and encourages a diverse workplace. Indigenous community members and women are strongly encouraged to apply. All applications are assessed on merit.