COMMUNITY EMERGENCY SERVICES MANAGER

Position Number:
37
Department:
Community Planning & Sustainability
Level:
8 (Negotiated as per MOU)
Award:
May be covered under Local Government Officers’ WA Award
Base Salary:
$87,500 - $97,500 Base Salary
Depending on skills, experience and qualifications is available to the successful candidate, PLUS superannuation, regional district allowance and availability allowance.
Reports to:
Executive Manage Community Planning & Sustainability
The Shires of Carnarvon, Shark Bay and Upper Gascoyne, in partnership with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), are seeking an experienced and motivated Community Emergency Services Manager (CESM) to lead and coordinate emergency management activities across the region. This multifaceted role is responsible for enhancing community safety and resilience through the strategic planning, coordination, and delivery of emergency services. The CESM works across all four phases of emergency management - Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery (PPRR), and plays a key leadership role in supporting volunteer Bush Fire Brigades and State Emergency Services Units. As the central link between the Shires, DFES, emergency service volunteers, and the broader community, the CESM fosters collaborative partnerships to improve emergency response capacity and hazard mitigation. The position ensures compliance with relevant legislation, manages emergency service resources, and contributes to the development of safer, more resilient communities. This is a highly dynamic and impactful role, ideal for a professional with strong operational knowledge of emergency services, exceptional interpersonal skills, and a passion for supporting both volunteers and regional communities.
This position is based at the Shire of Carnarvon, while also contributing to the achievement of outcomes for the Shire of Shark Bay, the Shire of Upper Gascoyne, and DFES. The role plays an important part in supporting positive outcomes across these organisations and requires regular travel throughout the regions. As such, the position is expected to uphold and adere to the COde of Conduct of all four organisations, ensuring professionalism and integrity in every aspect of the role.

KEY ROLE OUTCOMES:

• Demonstrate successful leadership through the application of the Shire’s core values by promoting a work culture of sustainability, quality improvement, efficiency, and excellent customer service that corresponds to our Code of Conduct and Customer Service Charter.
• A commitment to a safe work environment and WHS legislation, policy, and processes.
• Ensure compliance with the Local Government Act (WA) 1995 and any relevant legislation

Emergency Management Planning & Delivery

• Develop, implement, review and maintain Local Emergency Management Arrangements (LEMA), Bushfire Risk Managment Plans (BRMP), Recovery and preparedness frameworks, Hazard-specific sub-plans.
• Ensure compliance with the Emergency Management Act 2005, Bush Fires Act 1954, and DFES/state requirements.
• Coordinate across the four phases: Prevention, Preparedness, Response, Recovery (PPRR).

Volunteer Brigade & SES Support

• Provide leadership, advice, and operational support to Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades and SES Units.
• Support volunteer recruitment, retention, development, and recognition, ensuring that volunteers are trained, resources and prepared for incidents.
• Act as a liaison between volunteers, DFES, and local government.

Training & Capability Development

• Coordinate of deliver annual training calendars in line with DFES standards.
• Provide technical guidance and instruction in emergency management best practices.
• Organise or facilitate simulations, training exercises, and debriefs.
• Develop education and engagement programs for internal staff and community stakeholders.

Incident Response & Operational Support

• Represent local government in emergency incidents as part of the Incident Management Team (IMT) or Incident Support Group (ISG).
• Provide 24/7 response support and attend emergency events where necessary.
• Lead or support operational response efforts during natural disasters (e.g. bushfire, storm, flood).
• Assist with post-incident recovery and debrief activities.

Mitigation & Risk Reduction

• Coordinate fire mitigation activities.
• Manage or assist with the Mitigation Activity Fund (MAF).
• Collaborate with stakeholders to reduce community vulnerability to hazards.
• Provide expert advice on planning applications, hazard mapping, and land use related to bushfire risk.

Stakeholder Engagement & Interagency Collaboration

• Coordinate and support Local Emergency Committees (LEMC), Bush Fire Advisory Committees (BFAC), and inter-agency groups.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with DFES, other hazard management agencies, government departments, and local stakeholders.
• Support community engagement and resilience-building initiatives.

Grants, Budgets & Reporting

• Manage funding submissions and acquittals (e.g. Local Government Grants Scheme, NDRRA).
• Track operational and capital expenditure related to emergency management.
• Provide performance reporting against business plans, KPIs, or grant conditions.

Governance, Policy & Compliance

• Review and develop local policies, procedures, and practices related to emergency services.
• Maintain and update plans in accordance with changes in state legislation or regional frameworks.
• Maintain accurate emergency records and ensure compliance with the State Records Act.

WORK, HEALTH & SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide a representative to WHS Committee meetings either as a member and/or as the Chairman of WHS Committee. Make determination (individually or at “ELT” meetings) in relation to relevant recommendations at or from the WHS Committee.
• Fully understand their WHS responsibilities, relevant legislation, policy, guidelines and standards; and regularly update their knowledge.
• Provide sufficient resources and ensure managers and supervisors reporting to them fully comply with their WHS responsibilities.
• Ensure their directorate and department WHS procedures and guidelines are reviewed and updated at appropriate responsibilities.
• Ensure their doctorate and department WHS procedures and guidelines are reviewed and updated at appropriate intervals.
• Assist in the maintenance of an effective ‘Safety Management System’, through effective leadership and consultation with all staff and stakeholders and providing the ncessary time and resources.
• Lead a continuous improvement culture of safety where best practice initiatives are entrenched in daily business activities.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, MEMBERSHIPS OR QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED OF THE ROLE:

• Current MR Western Australia Driver’s License
• Tertiary qualifications in Emergency Management, Community Safety, Fire Services, ore a related discipline; or substantial experience in lieu.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REQUIRED FOR THIS ROLE:

• National Police Clearance - Less than 6 months old
• Pre-employment Medical Screening
• Alcohol and Other Drug screening
• Audiometric Screening