Principal Community Recovery Officer - Brisbane

Make a Difference in Queensland’s Disaster Recovery Efforts

When disaster strikes, communities need leaders who can act quickly, provide strategic direction, and support those most affected. This is your opportunity to step into a critical role where you’ll make a lasting impact on the people of Brisbane

The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers is looking for a Principal Community Recovery Officer to lead and coordinate disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. This is a temporary role (up to 12 months) based in Brisbane where you’ll work closely with local councils, state agencies, and community organisations to support the region’s most vulnerable communities.

In this role, no two days will be the same. One day, you might be engaging with local government and community leaders to develop resilience strategies; the next, you could be on the ground supporting disaster-affected residents. If you thrive in high-pressure environments and want to be part of a team that makes a tangible difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Key Responsibilities :

• Develop and implement community recovery strategic and operational plans.
• Provide high-level strategic advice to senior leadership on disaster response efforts.
• Represent the department in local, district, and regional disaster forums, advocating for the needs of affected communities.
• Assess disaster events, prepare briefings and reports, and influence continuous service improvements.
• Lead training and capacity-building initiatives to enhance community preparedness.
• Support individuals and communities in crisis, coordinating referrals to financial, psychological, and social services.
• Participate in an on-call roster, ensuring rapid response in times of crisis.

This position requires a strategic operator with strong operational capabilities, able to work autonomously and in high-pressure environments.

Key Capabilities and Expectations

• Disaster Response & Recovery Leadership : Lead coordinated recovery efforts, acting autonomously in crises 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.

Why Join the Team?

• Make a meaningful impact in disaster recovery and community resilience.
• Work with a dedicated team of professionals committed to supporting Queensland communities.
• Be part of rewarding, high-impact projects where your leadership and expertise will shape the future of disaster response and recovery.

How to Apply

Please attach a one-page cover letter in response to the core capabilities of the role and copy of your CV

Click To apply or learn more, visit : https : / / www.ontalent.com.au / dtatsipca-pcro /

• We strongly encourage enquiries and applications from people with diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Due to recent machinery of government changes, this position will support the newly formed Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers. This position will be advertised under DTATSIPCA while establishment changes are finalised.

Role Closing 16th July 2025

For confidential inquiries, contact : Ashleigh McMillan – (07) 3305 5800

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