Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Community Recovery & Resilience Officer

About the Opportunity

As Community Recovery and Resilience Officer, you will work collaboratively with community members, local organisations, service providers, businesses, government agencies and teams across Council to develop and deliver practical initiatives that respond to community needs.

A temporary contract until June 2028, you will play an important role in ensuring recovery is community-led, locally informed and focused on building longer-term resilience.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Planning, delivering and evaluating community recovery and resilience programs, activities, initiatives and events.
• Working with communities to identify local needs, strengths and priorities and translating these into practical work plans.
• Establishing and supporting the Community Resilience Network, bringing together communities, service providers, businesses, government agencies and Council teams.
• Developing and sharing accessible information that connects people with available recovery services, supports and resources.
• Identifying and supporting grant-funding opportunities and ensuring funded projects meet relevant requirements.
• Managing project budgets, resources, contracts, timelines and risks.
• Using participation data, community feedback and program outcomes to evaluate initiatives and inform continuous improvement.
• Supporting the transition of successful recovery initiatives into relevant Council and community programs so that positive outcomes can continue beyond the immediate recovery period.

About you

We are looking for someone who understands that successful community recovery is about more than delivering projects. It is about building relationships, listening to communities and supporting people to shape their own recovery.

You will be a confident communicator and relationship builder who can work effectively across community, government and organisational environments. You will be comfortable coordinating multiple projects and stakeholders while maintaining a strong focus on practical outcomes for communities.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A Certificate IV in Community Services, Community Development, Recovery Management or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating projects or community programs.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A current Class C Driver Licence.

Why this role matters

Severe weather events can have impacts that continue long after the immediate emergency has passed. Effective recovery requires strong local relationships, connected communities and initiatives that respond to the different needs and strengths of the people and places affected.

This position will help bring communities, services and government together, strengthening local capability and supporting recovery initiatives that can deliver lasting benefits across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region. The role will also capture program achievements and learnings and help establish arrangements that sustain successful initiatives into the future.

Join our Community Activation team

You will join a collaborative team focused on creating positive outcomes for the Port Macquarie-Hastings community. Council's values emphasise People, Service to our Community, Excellence, Respectful and Open Communication, and Working Together as One.

If you are passionate about community development, enjoy building partnerships and want to help communities recover stronger and become better prepared for the future, we would love to hear from you.

Remuneration and Benefits

Employment Type: Full time, Temporary (until June 2028) 35 hours per
week

Salary (exclusive of super): Starting in the range of $90,760 to $94,235 depending on skills and experience

Opportunity for performance-based increases available after 12 months.

Benefits:

• Flexible
  work arrangements - hybrid working and flexi-time
• Discounted gym membership through
  membership to Fitness Passport
• Candidates relocating to the region have access to The
  Welcome Experience
• Opportunities for learning and development and internal career progression
• Annual salary increase as per the
  Local Government (State) Award 2026 plus annual salary review
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options available
  through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through our annual awards
  ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

About the Port Macquarie Hastings Region

The region is one of Australia's most enviable
locations. We boast a stunning hinterland, kilometres of pristine beaches,
national parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities, restaurants, galleries,
theatres and a genuine community vibe. The Mid-North Coast is perfect for
hiking, surfing, camping, fishing, exploration, sports, arts, theatre, food and
wine.

Questions?

If you would like to know more about this
opportunity or have any questions about the role, please contact Steve Bryant, Manager Community Activation on (02) 6581 8163

Interested in Applying?

Click 'Apply now' to create an account and complete the application form. You'll be asked to answer questions relating to the essential requirements found in the position description and upload a copy of your resume and cover letter.

Documents should be submitted in PDF format.

Applications Close:
Sunday 18 October 2026 at 11:30pm

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the vibrant community we serve—where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please contact us at [email protected].We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Notes:

Suitable candidates may be placed on an eligibility list for future identical positions for 6 months or a talent pool for similar positions for a period of
12 months.

Please upload documents in PDF format.

Preferred applicants are required to complete
pre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National Criminal
Police Check; Medical Assessment (includes drug and alcohol testing); Qualification verification; Working with
Children Check verification.

PMHC's recruitment notification process is
primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct
before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.
Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application
received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more
information, delay notifications, testing/assessments
(aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes
(unsuccessful before or after interview).

Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensure
our email address [email protected] and Pulse email [email protected]is set to 'trustworthy'.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the
principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and
protection of all children and young people.