Planning and Research Officer - Clerk Grade 5/6

Planning and Research Officer - Flexible Locations in NSW - Clerk Grade 5/6

• Do you have research and analytical skills?
• Join a team dedicated to researching, analysing, providing advice, and developing systems and processes across emergency risk management and planning fields.
• Work in a volunteer-based agency supporting communities across NSW
• Temporary role up to 30 October 2027, with the possibility of extension or ongoing
• Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid working arrangement, with the opportunity to work from your nearest Zone Headquarters.
  

About the opportunity

The NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) has an exciting opportunity for a Planning and Research Officer. We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual with experience or qualifications in research, risk assessment, policy, planning, engineering, or related fields to support the development of evidence-based advice, information and systems that strengthen emergency management and risk reduction across New South Wales.

This role would suit graduates and professionals with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly those with experience in areas such as flood engineering, natural hazards, research, policy development, risk management, or strategic planning. Previous emergency services experience is not essential, as comprehensive on-the-job training and support will be provided by an experienced team.

The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of evidence-based emergency management advice, with a particular focus on understanding and addressing future risks facing communities across NSW.

We currently have one temporary Planning and Research Officer position available until 30 October 2027. The role offers flexible working arrangements and can be based at NSW SES State Headquarters in Wollongong or at one of several metropolitan or regional locations, including Rhodes, Metford, Goulburn, Bathurst, or Tamworth. Applicants are encouraged to indicate their preferred work location when applying.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that helps keep communities safe, while developing your career in a supportive, collaborative, and purpose-driven environment.

About the role

You will apply your research and analytical skills to contribute to the development of evidence-based emergency management advice, policies, intelligence products, and risk information that help safeguard communities from the impacts of floods, storms, and tsunamis.

The role involves undertaking research, analysing complex information, and supporting the development, review, and implementation of strategies that strengthen risk management and emergency preparedness across New South Wales.

You will work closely with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including local councils, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, other government agencies, and NSW SES planning and operational teams. Together, you will support informed decision-making, reduce disaster risk, and enhance the ability of communities and emergency services to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.

Working for the NSW SES

Our Mission: Saving lives and creating safer communities.

Our Vision: A trusted volunteer-based emergency service, working together to delivery 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 11,000 volunteers and 550 staff, we are committed to protecting and supporting the diverse communities of NSW. Learn more here

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• skills in researching and analysing information to form evidence-based advice
• have strong attention to detail with well-developed skills in critical thinking
• the skills to work in a cohesive and collaborative team environment and contribute to the development of initiatives to resolve issues and promote effective solutions
• experience or the ability to learn technology-based systems, such as GIS systems and Power BI
• have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal as well as people skills.
  

What we can offer you

• You will enjoy a 35-hour work week, with the potential for flexible work arrangements.
• You can enjoy a hybrid work environment, time in the office and time working from home.
• Attractive salary range of $102,936 to $113,579 + 12% superannuation and leave loading
• Our work is meaningful and rewarding. The SES’s mission is saving lives and creating safer communities and you can be an important part of our work.
• We have attractive leave entitlements including parental, sick, flex and recreation leave.
• We care about our people. We have Mental Health & Wellbeing programs and services to support our people and operational and leadership training and development opportunities to develop our people. Some of these include:
  • Fitness Passport
  • LinkedIn Learning
  • Member Assist Program for free confidential counselling support
  • Immunisation program.
    
    

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 recruitment@ses.nsw.gov.au for confidential advice on options.
  

How to apply

If you want to join a motivated team and develop advice, plans and systems to support our volunteers and communities to be prepared for floods, storms and tsunamis, we want to hear from you.

Click on apply and submit the following documents:

1. A Cover Letter (maximum two pages): Briefly outline how your skills, experience and achievements demonstrate your ability to meet the essential requirements and focus capabilities of the role.
2. An up-to-date resume (maximum four pages): Clearly outlining your qualifications, skills, experience and key achievements relevant to the role and its requirements.

Want to know more about these opportunities?

If you want to know more about this opportunity, please contact Elspeth O’Shannessy at elspeth.oshannessy@ses.nsw.gov.au

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: Wednesday, 04 November 2026 at 11:55 pm