Connect, collaborate and support in this Community Recovery role with a focus on supporting local communities in human and social recovery and resilience building. Working within a team in a fast-paced environment, the objective of this role is to work with local councils and key partner agencies to coordinate and support activities in preparation for, response to, and recovery following a disaster event, incident, or crisis within the community. To succeed in this role, you must have a comprehensive understanding of Disaster Management arrangements in Queensland and demonstrated knowledge of community building, resilience, and preparedness planning.

Job details

The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers has multiple opportunities for a Principal Community Recovery Officer in multiple regions (Gold Coast, Rockhampton and Sunshine Coast).

The Principal Community Recovery Officer is responsible for working with local councils and coordinating disaster preparedness, response, and recovery activities, supporting affected communities and other areas across Queensland.

Key Responsibilities:
• Lead the development and implementation of community recovery strategic and operational plans.
• Provide strategic advice to Senior Leaders to manage community recovery services in response to disasters, crises, and incidents.
• Represent the department at local, district, and regional levels to collaborate with local councils, government agencies, and non-government organisations in planning and implementing human and social recovery efforts.
• Assess disaster events, prepare briefings, and influence continuous improvements in disaster recovery efforts.
• Support individuals and communities with complex needs through multi-agency referrals to financial, psychological, and social services.
• Participate in an on-call roster to provide after-hours support for disaster management groups and community recovery teams.

Through our discussions, we understand that the Principal Community Recovery Officer (A07) role is essential to ensuring effective community recovery efforts, particularly in the Gold Coast region. This position requires a strategic leader with strong operational capabilities, able to work autonomously and in high-pressure environments.

Key Responsibilities and Expectations
• Disaster Response & Recovery Leadership: Lead coordinated recovery efforts, acting autonomously in crisis situations while ensuring a structured and well managed response.
• Community Engagement & Relationship Management: Build and maintain relationships with local government agencies (LGAs), community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure tailored community recovery efforts.
• Strategic Planning & Risk Management: Anticipate challenges, balancing immediate response needs with sustainable recovery planning.
• Adapting to a Changing Environment: Remain adaptable and flexible, ensuring consistency in disaster recovery responses across regions.
• Emotional Resilience & Logical Decision-Making: Balance empathy with strategic reasoning to make objective, high-impact decisions.
• Workforce Planning & Future Growth: Contribute to workforce planning as additional recovery roles may be created in the next 6-12 months.
• Cross-Sector Skills & Transferability: We welcome applicants with transferable skills in crisis management, emergency response, and social services leadership.
• Cultural & Community Awareness: An understanding of the unique challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, rural and remote populations, and socially vulnerable groups is highly valued.

About You
To be considered for this opportunity:
• Travel is required, and a current open driver's license is essential.
• A strong understanding of Queensland's disaster management system is required.
• Candidates should have experience in community building, resilience planning, and disaster recovery.
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Strong skills in stakeholder engagement and relationship-building.

We encourage First Nations applicants and people from diverse backgrounds to apply.

How to Apply
Click to apply for this opportunity or visit: https://www.ontalent.com.au.
For inquiries, contact:
• Ashleigh McMillan – (07) 3305 5803

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

There are 2 positions available - 1 Perm, 1 Temp for 6 months with possible ext (South East Queensland and Central Queensland - 1 position in each locale)

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• 631158-25 Role Description.v3 (Word, 129KB)