Maitland City Council

Principal Resilience Officer

Principal Resilience Officer

The Opportunity

As Council's Principal Resilience Officer, you will lead complex, high-profile initiatives that strengthen the resilience of the Maitland Local Government Area, helping our city and community prepare for, respond to, and adapt to natural hazards and the impacts of a changing climate.

In this role, you will lead and mentor a small team of flood specialists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment while guiding the team's day-to-day operations and professional development. You will also lead research initiatives, develop strategies and policies, and manage projects relating to complex resilience and natural hazard matters, with a particular focus on floodplain risk management, urban heat, bushfire, and climate change adaptation.

A key focus of this role will be supporting an organisation-wide approach to resilience management through strong leadership, collaboration and partnerships across Council and community. Success will rely on your ability to engage and build effective relationships with a broad range of internal stakeholders, including designers, engineers, planners, environmental specialists, asset managers, communications and engagement teams, and emergency response agencies. As well as your ability to consult and liaise with government agencies, statutory authorities, business, industry, inter-Council and the community in relation to resilience issues.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will hold qualifications in environmental engineering, environmental science, environmental sustainability, or a related discipline, supported by experience and knowledge in climate change adaptation, resilience planning, and floodplain management.

You will bring strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with proven experience developing business cases and cost-benefit analyses for sustainability initiatives and programs. Your highly developed communication and interpersonal skills will enable you to build effective relationships and collaborate across complex government environments while contributing positively within a team setting.

Postgraduate qualifications in disaster resilience, socio-ecological resilience, and experience implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction will be highly regarded.

Benefits

This permanent full-time position and has a salary range of $118,909 up to $131,989 per year + vehicle allowance + 12% p.a. super.

Council also offers a range of other benefits for its employees including:

· Flexible work arrangements

· Ongoing training and development

· Access to our Healthy Employee Program (HEP): including reduced gym memberships and subsidies for programs that improve health and wellbeing

· Long Service Leave after five years

· Paid parental leave

Questions?

If after reading the role charter you have any questions, please contact Karen Fitzherbert, Coordinator Natural Environment & Resilience, on 02 4033 0949.

To Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please click 'Apply Now' and submit your resume and cover letter.

Only candidates with current Australian work rights (Australian citizens, permanent residents, NZ citizens with a current passport, valid work visa) will be considered.

Applications close: Sunday 7 June 2026

What happens next?

Once applications close, we will review all candidates' details against the role requirements and will be back in touch with you to advise the status of your application.

Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing). Council also completes a range of other pre-employment checks which may include reference checks, psychometric testing or a criminal history check. For more information about the recruitment process, visit the "Jobs at Council" page on our website

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Maitland City Council is dedicated to providing a workplace that is inclusive and supportive and is reflective of the diverse community we serve. We support equal opportunities for all employees, and encourage applications from people from all cultures, nationalities, identities, and abilities. We believe all employees have the right to feel valued, respected and heard. If you have any special considerations or accessibility requirements, please let us know in the recruitment process how we are able to meet your needs.

If you require special assistance, or have any questions about the recruitment process please contact us for a confidential conversation ([email protected])