Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer

Join to apply for the Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer role at NSW State Emergency Service.

Two full-time temporary roles available until July 2027, with potential for extension. One role based in North Eastern NSW, one in South Eastern NSW (location flexible within zones). Part-time and job share arrangements will be considered.

This is an Identified position and is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only.

About the opportunity

You will play a vital role in working alongside Aboriginal communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from flood. Your focus will be on building trusted relationships and ensuring that, through meaningful engagement, local community preparedness, warnings, and evacuation procedures are culturally responsive. You will partner with Aboriginal people and communities to co-design culturally informed service delivery that reflects the rich connection to Country and Water, and how this interlocks with addressing cultural considerations around warning, evacuation, and response. Additionally, you will support targeted community engagement activities, build the capacity of SES units, and strengthen local partnerships to foster connectedness and local relationships. This role offers the opportunity to lead community capability initiatives that protect lives, land, and culture while embedding SES's strength-based approach to working with communities.

About the NSW SES

Our Mission: NSW SES – saving lives and creating safer communities.

Our Vision: A trusted volunteer-based emergency service, working together to deliver excellence in community preparedness and emergency response.

The NSW SES serves the community as the lead agency for Floods, Storms and Tsunamis. We are recognised as the most versatile emergency service organisation in NSW. Our volunteers are highly skilled, experienced, and well-trained. With over 10,000 volunteers we are committed to protecting and supporting the diverse communities of NSW.

About you

To be successful in this role you will:

• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal communities, stakeholders, and internal teams.
• Have a passion for Aboriginal knowing, being, and doing, with a solid understanding of culture and community priorities.
• Experience co-designing and working alongside communities to shape culturally responsive service delivery and projects, and the ability to embed co-design in government processes.
• Be tech-savvy, communicate confidently with diverse audiences, and foster two-way dialogue.
• Hold a valid driver's license and be willing to travel across NSW.
• Work independently, manage priorities, and deliver results across multiple locations and teams.
• Support SES teams to build capacity in inclusive engagement and strong community partnerships.

As an Identified role, this opportunity is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons only. Where a position is identified, an applicant's race is a genuine occupational qualification and authorised by Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

How to apply

Your application should include the following as separate attachments:

• A cover letter (maximum of two pages) briefly responding to the essential requirements and your interest in the role;
• An up-to-date resume of no more than five pages detailing your skills and experience relevant to the role.

What we can offer you

• A 35-hour work week, with the potential for flexible arrangements (nine-day fortnight or four-day week, depending on role requirements).
• A hybrid work environment with time in the office and time working from home.
• Attractive salary range of $99,938.00 to $110,271.00 plus 12% superannuation, leave loading and field allowance.
• Meaningful and rewarding work aligned with the SES mission of saving lives and creating safer communities.
• Attractive leave entitlements including parental, sick, flex and recreation leave.
• Mental Health & Wellbeing programs and services, plus leadership development opportunities, including Fitness Passport, LinkedIn Learning, and the Member Assist Program for confidential counselling.

You belong here

• We value diversity, inclusion, and flexible work arrangements and encourage applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, faiths, disabilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
• We are committed to implementing our first Reconciliation Plan in 2025 and to building respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• We strive for an inclusive and flexible workplace and want to understand what this looks like for you to support your success.
• If you require reasonable adjustments, we can support you through the recruitment process and in the workplace. For confidential advice on options, contact recruitment@ses.nsw.gov.au.

Talent Pool

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months. Further information here.

Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Public Relations

Industries

• Emergency and Relief Services

For more information, contact Colin Renton at colin.renton@ses.nsw.gov.au or 0409 679 844.

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