Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA)

Policy Advisor Emergency Management

Located: WALGA HQ West Leederville / on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people.

• Work with WALGA policy experts to make a difference to local communities
• Develop relationships with Member Councils, Government Agencies and other organisations to drive positive change
• Sector leading 6 weeks’ annual leave per year

Diverse policy work that makes a difference

Do you have a passion for emergency management and want to see tangible outcomes from your work?

At WALGA, the work you do as a Policy Advisor Emergency Management will focus on helping implement critical changes that result in better outcomes for Local Governments and help keep WA communities safe.

Our Emergency Management team is central to delivering on WALGA’s vision to be an authoritative voice and trusted partner for Western Australian Local Government. This role is pivotal to WALGA’s Emergency Management team as you will undertake policy research and analysis, contribute to the development of policy positions and submissions, represent the sector on committees and working groups,  and play a key role in coordinating events, workshops and communications which engage the sector.

While lots of jobs promise variety, there aren’t many policy positions where you get to work on prevention, preparedness, response and recovery across our 28 Prescribed State Hazards!

What does a typical week look like?

Join our fast-paced team providing policy support across emergency management for WA local governments—from bushfire management to community-led recovery. With 28 Prescribed State Hazards, a complex State Emergency Management Framework, and new emergency services legislation on the horizon, there's never a dull moment!

One day, you could be visiting the regions to help facilitate a workshop. The next, you could be logging into an emergency briefing and preparing an update for our CEO on an emergency impacting the WA Community. This role comes with a healthy dose of adventure - expect some travel across Western Australia and the occasional after-hours assignment. It's all part of the fun!

You'll develop policy and contribute to changes like the upcoming Comprehensive Review of the State Emergency Management Framework and Local Government consultation on new legislation.

You will also represent WALGA at various working groups and committees, offering support and advice to our 139 Member Councils.

So, you’ll be involved in every step in the process - far from just a cog in the wheel.

Let's talk about you!

As an emergency management professional, you will be flexible and agile thriving in environment marked by constant change and ready to shift your focus and respond to emerging opportunities to make a difference.

When a challenge is presented, you’ll take the initiative to find creative and innovative solutions. You’ll support WALGA’s work with Member Councils, government departments and emergency management committees and working groups to develop policy positions, and advocate for their adoption by State and Federal Governments.

To be successful in this role you will be passionate about emergency management and policy development and have:

• Excellent stakeholder management and engagement skills, and experience working with influential stakeholders on priority local issues.
• Experience in, or a strong drive to research and learn as much as you can about emergency management.
• Outstanding written, analytical, and conceptual skills.
• Strong administrative skills to help our busy policy team function effectively and efficiently.
• The ability to solve problems, research and analyse policy and legislation
• The drive to be a strong advocate for WALGA’s Members, creating solutions and communicating them with influence

Why you’ll love working here

At WALGA, we believe success happens at The Sweet Spot, the place where big picture purpose meets local community impact, with perks that come without the trade‑offs. The Sweet Spot is our employee promise. It reflects what you can expect when you work with us: meaningful work, genuine flexibility, and an environment built on curiosity, collaboration and shared purpose.

Employees have the opportunity to work on unique and meaningful projects that deliver real benefits to Local Government and the communities they serve. We foster a culture of positive risk-taking, guided by one of our strategic pillars Explore, and underpinned by our value of Curiosity.

You’ll enjoy six weeks of annual leave plus an extra day off on the anniversary of when you started, because your journey with us is worth celebrating. Our Thrive wellbeing program runs all year and is designed to support every aspect of wellbeing. Mental, physical, and social through education, resources, and practical initiatives.

We’re committed to helping you grow, both personally and professionally, and we’re driving a tech roadmap that’s shaping a data-led future. There are plenty of ways to get involved too, with cross-organisational working groups such as Reconciliation, Artificial Intelligence, and Sustainability.

And that’s just the start. You’ll also find an active social club run by employees, end-of-trip facilities, and a centrally located modern office designed for collaboration. We’re also proud to be recently accredited as a Menopause Friendly Australia employer, because creating an inclusive workplace matters to us!

Apply now

• If this sounds like the role you have been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.
• Please include a two-page maximum cover letter outlining what sets you apart and why this role represents a meaningful step for both you and WALGA.
• If you have questions that can’t be found in this ad or the position description, please contact Policy Manager Emergency Management – Rachel Armstrong, Ph: 0438 967 185 or Email: [email protected]  with your questions.
• Applications will close 9:00am Monday 27 July 2026 We may commence interviews upon receipt and reserve the right to close the position early.
• To view the position description please visit our careers page 
• Applications via email will not be accepted. As this role is being sourced directly by WALGA, we respectfully request no agencies approach.

WALGA encourages people from different backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and people with disabilities.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. If you have any specific needs or require accommodations to participate fully in the interview process, please let us know. This could include, but is not limited to, accessibility requirements, assistive technologies, or any other considerations