Disaster Resilience Officer

Are you driven to make a real difference in local communities? We're looking for someone passionate about helping people prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Join us as our Disaster Resilience Officer in a 12 month role with the potential to extend, where you'll lead initiatives that strengthen community resilience across the Cessnock LGA. You'll work with community leaders, organisations and residents to build capability and confidence for future emergencies, with a focus on maintaining strong Community Resilience Networks and ensuring effective communication.

You'll guide the ongoing development and delivery of Community Disaster Resilience Action Plans, bringing stakeholders together to identify risks and take meaningful action. You'll also seek out grant opportunities and support applications that enable local resilience and recovery projects.

An understanding of emergency Management, disaster risk reduction and community recovery principals will enable you to support Council's Emergency Management and Disaster Recovery responsibilities.

As emergencies and community events don't always follow a 9–5 schedule, this role may occasionally require overtime or weekend work.

To find out more about your next career opportunity: Position Description

$87,711 - $100,867 per annum plus superannuation

• Temporary 12 month opportunity (with potential to extend) 
• Flexible work arrangement options including hybrid work arrangements, option of nine-day fortnight or monthly RDO
• 12% superannuation 
• Paid Parental Leave
• Ongoing training and development opportunities 
• Generous corporate fitness program for you and your immediate family members 
• Weekly Health and Wellbeing programs held on site
• Free flu vaccination program
• Work mobile 
• Free parking on-site
• Beautiful location in the picturesque Hunter Valley 

To thrive in this role, you'll bring a relevant degree such as Disaster Risk Reduction/Management, Social Sciences or Community Development, along with practical knowledge of disaster risk reduction and community recovery principles. You'll have experience managing projects from idea to implementation and enjoy seeing community driven initiatives succeed. 

We encourage you to apply by completing the application form below and uploading a copy of your resume. 

Your candidate suitability is determined by your responses to the selection criteria questions, for more information on how to address the selection criteria please visit our How to apply page.

Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing) and other pre-employment checks, such as references, employment history checks, working with children checks or a criminal record check.

At Cessnock City Council our success is built by our people and core values. We offer you a direct connection to the community, providing opportunities to both inspire growth and sustainability in our diverse region. We're committed to building a passionate and inclusive workforce. 

We are committed to the value of respect, and we strive to have an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.

We partner with the Veterans Employment Program and the NSW Government to implement recruitment practices dedicated to supporting veterans to pursue a career in local government. Our aim is to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment.

There are options available to request adjustments. If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact  for a confidential discussion.

Applications Close: Monday 24 November 2025 at 11:30pm 

Who to Contact: Melissa Boucher, Emergency Management and Resilience Coordinator on

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City Council is indeed an attractive, thriving Council and employer of choice.