Planning and Research Officer, Clerk Grade 5/6, Wollongong or Metford
* Work in a volunteer-based agency supporting communities of NSW.
* 1 ongoing full-time vacancy.
* Location options: Wollongong or Metford.
* Shape the future of community safety by developing and maintaining policy, doctrine and plans for the NSW SES preparation and response to floods, storms, and tsunamis.
* Join a team dedicated to researching, analysing, providing advice and developing systems and processes across emergency risk management and planning fields.
* Collaborate with experts and stakeholders to create community-focused solutions that make a real difference.
* Flexible options to encourage work/life balance working three days in the office and an option for two days working from home.
About the opportunity
This is your chance to play a pivotal role in safeguarding communities across NSW. We are interested in hearing from people who have skills in research or risk assessment, to support the development and communication of advice, plans and systems to address risk management, as well as strategies in planning for emergencies. This role would suit someone who is a strong communicator and has research/analytical skills, including graduates or professionals who have worked in a flood research, emergency risk analysis and/or policy role.
As a Planning and Research Officer, you'll contribute to the development of policies, community-focused plans, and cutting-edge warning systems that help reduce the impact of floods, storms, and tsunamis. You'll work on meaningful projects with staff, volunteers and external stakeholders that combine research, intelligence, and strategic planning to strengthen resilience and preparedness. It is an exciting time to join the NSW SES in supporting key programs of work to enhance the agency's capability and response to emergencies.
About the NSW SES
Our Mission: NSW SES saving lives and creating safer communities.
Our Vision: A trusted volunteer-based emergency service, working together to deliver excellence in community preparedness and emergency response.
The NSW SES serves the community as the lead agency for Floods, Storms and Tsunamis. We are recognised as the most versatile and widely used emergency service organisation in NSW. Our volunteers are highly skilled, experienced, and well-trained in the wide variety of roles they perform.
With over 10,000 volunteers we are committed to protecting and supporting the diverse communities of NSW. Learn more here.
About you
You enjoy working within a collaborative team environment and building relationships with diverse stakeholders. You have exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, and can apply creative and critical-thinking techniques to problem-solving. You pride yourself on attention to detail, managing multiple priorities effectively, and delivering solutions that make a real difference for NSW SES members and the communities they serve.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
* Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or proven experience in policy development processes, including research, analysis, formulation, and review.
* Sound knowledge and understanding of the consequences of natural hazards and their management.
* Effective communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities to influence and collaborate across diverse groups.
* Experience or the ability to learn technology-based systems, such as GIS systems and Power BI.
* Valid Drivers Licenses and/or the ability to travel to other NSW SES offices and unit locations.
* Thorough knowledge of AIIMS principles and processes, and/or willingness to obtain competence within 12 months.
What we can offer you
* Attractive leave entitlements: parental, recreation and flex leave and other leave.
* Competitive salary package of up to $124,992.18.
* Flexible work options working within operational requirements.
* Mental Health & Wellbeing programs.
* Access to our Corporate Partner Fitness Passport for a reduced rate when joining a participating gym.
* Operational and leadership training via LinkedIn Learning and other resources.
* Comprehensive immunisation programs including the flu vaccine.
* Opportunities to build relationships across emergency service agencies, committees and other Government and community organisations.
You Belong Here
* We care about people as individuals and are committed to diversity, inclusion, and new ways of working. We encourage applications from people of any age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, faith, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
* We want our people to reflect the diverse community we serve and are committed to creating an inclusive and flexible workplace. We want to know what this looks like for you so we can support your success at work.
* If you require reasonable adjustments, we are committed to supporting you throughout the recruitment processes and in the workplace, If you feel you may require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please contact for confidential advice on options.
How to apply
Your application should include as separate attachments:
* A cover letter (maximum of one page) briefly responding to the essential requirements and your interest in the role.
* Responses to each of the targeted questions (maximum of one page per answer).
* An up-to-date resume of no more than four pages detailing your skills and experience relevant to the role.
Targeted Questions
1. Detail your previous experience in working within a diverse, high-pressure work environment, where work volume is high and accuracy is critical.
2. Provide an example of a project you managed or contributed to that required significant research, collaboration, change management and the development of policy or procedural documentation. What was your role, what tasks did you complete, and what did you learn from the experience?
Want to know more?If you want to know more about this opportunity, please contact Vanessa Barnes, Coordinator Planning, Emergency Planning,
The role description is available here.
Talent Pool
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next 18 months. Further information here.
Applications close: 11:55pm Sunday 15 February 2026
The NSW State Emergency Service is a proud employer of a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, faith, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community we serve and creating an inclusive and flexible workplace. People with disability are supported to access adjustments in recruitment processes and in the workplace, to enable them to demonstrate their skills and capabilities to meet the requirements of the job. As supporters of flexible working, we welcome discussions about how our roles can be undertaken flexibly.