The opportunity:

• Full-time
• Level 8 – salary range $103,149.37 - $109,207.43 per annum depending upon skills and experience.
• Located at our Eaton Administration Centre.

The Shire of Dardanup is seeking an experienced, community-minded professional to join our team as the Community Emergency Services Manager (CESM).

This role provides leadership and operational support to strengthen the capability and readiness of the Shire’s Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades (BFBs), which form the Shire’s primary emergency services capability.

The CESM will work closely with Brigade Captains, Officers and volunteers, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), and internal teams to ensure brigades are appropriately trained, equipped, compliant and prepared to respond.

While the core focus of the position is bushfire brigade support, there is opportunity for the role to develop over time into a broader community emergency management remit, working alongside the Shire’s wider emergency management functions.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate operational support for the Shire’s Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades, including membership, training, PPE, equipment and fleet readiness.
• Manage Local Government Grants Scheme (LGGS) funding, including applications, monitoring and acquittals.
• Coordinate and support the Bush Fire Advisory Committee (BFAC), including agenda preparation and reporting.
• Contribute to Strategic Bushfire Management Plans, Bushfire Risk Management Plans and bushfire mitigation programs.
• Work in partnership with the Work Health and Safety team to integrate brigade operations into the Shire’s WHS framework, including incident reporting and risk registers.
• Support brigades in managing sensitive conduct, compliance and fitness-for-duty matters, liaising with Human Resources and WHS as required.
• Contribute to the Shire’s broader emergency management arrangements, including Local Emergency Management Arrangements, as the role develops.
• Be available for on-call duties and incident response as required.

What we’re looking for:

Essential:

• Demonstrated experience in emergency management, bushfire operations and/or volunteer service coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to support and coordinate volunteer-based organisations.
• Sound knowledge of emergency management and bushfire frameworks, including DFES arrangements.
• Strong organisational, reporting and administrative capability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Current C Class driver's licence.
• Willingness to be released to DFES operational positions or statewide deployments as required, up to eight weeks per annum, in line with DFES secondment arrangements.

Desirable:

• Experience with LGGS funding and acquittals.
• Experience working with DFES.
• Incident management and/or Fire Control Officer experience.
• Relevant qualifications in emergency management or a related discipline.

What’s on offer:

• Located in Eaton, a south west lifestyle beckons.
• Monthly RDO/ 9 day fortnight options
• Availability and on-call allowances, fully funded by DFES.
• Vehicle provided, with commuting and private use while on call.
• Access to DFES operational deployments and secondment opportunities to build skills, experience and career pathways within the emergency services sector.
• Superannuation co-contributions.
• Discounted gym membership – enjoy our 24-hour gym.
• Free office parking and ideally situated adjacent to the vibrant Eaton Fair precinct.
• Corporate wellness program and corporate health insurance discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Professional development and study assistance program.

About the Shire:

Join the Shire of Dardanup – where stunning rural scenery meets a growing urban centre in Eaton. Just minutes from Bunbury and surrounded by the Collie River and Leschenault Estuary, our region offers an unbeatable lifestyle and strong career opportunities. With the new city of Wanju set to become a major growth hub, there’s never been a better time to be part of our team.

Want more info?

Call our HR Team on (08) 9724 0362 or visit our website: www.dardanup.wa.gov.au/employment  

To apply:

Applications will only be considered if ALL of the following are included as ONE PDF document:

1. A current resume outlining relevant employment history and professional development.
2. A statement addressing the essential and desirable selection criteria (above).

📩 Email your application to hr@dardanup.wa.gov.au

🕘 Applications close: 9:00am, Monday 17 August 2026

The Shire of Dardanup reserves the right to commence the selection process prior to the close of applications. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, where all applicants are treated with fairness and respect and have equal access to all opportunities available.

*Age rates apply for applicants under 21 years of age*