Social Science Communications Specialist

Country Fire Authority; Burwood; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful purpose

Work-Life Balance

Hybrid work options

Emergency Memberlink discounts

Wellbeing programs

Member Assistance Program

Job summary

Country Fire Authority in Melbourne is seeking a researcher to join the Research, Innovation and Predictive Capability (RIPC) team to translate social science research into practical insights supporting community preparedness, warnings, information, and operational practice.

Working with CFA researchers and fire sector partners, you will communicate complex evidence, tailor messages for diverse audiences, and contribute to policy, training and service delivery within a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• PhD in social science or related field and relevant research experience or equivalent.
• High-level science communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of Victoria's emergency management sector and fire agencies.

Responsibilities

• Translate social science research into practical insights for community preparedness and warnings.
• Communicate complex evidence to stakeholders and inform decision-making.
• Collaborate with researchers and sector partners to support policy, training and service delivery.

Skills

Science communication

Stakeholder engagement

Emergency management knowledge

Research dissemination

Policy guidance

Education

PhD in social science or related field

Job description

About this role

• Location Burwood CFA HQ
• Full-Time Fixed Term to 1/12/
• PTA 5 $,pa plus 12% superannuation

CFA is an emergency service that places the community at the centre of everything we do. We work to protect lives and property across Victoria, every hour of the day.

Our organisation is made up of employees working alongside more than 51, volunteers. We value the different skills, experience and viewpoints that people bring, because they strengthen how we operate and support the services Victorians rely on.

We aim to be a workplace where people feel supported to do meaningful work, develop professionally and contribute to outcomes that matter to the people and places we serve.

To learn more about who we are and the work we do, visit our page.

About the Role

Join CFA's Research, Innovation and Predictive Capability (RIPC) team to translate social science research into clear, practical insights that support community preparedness, warnings, public information, operational practice and policy.

Working with CFA researchers and fire sector partners, you will communicate complex evidence, identify opportunities to apply research and provide scientific advice to inform decision-making and strengthen emergency management outcomes.

You will bring strong science communication skills, an understanding of social science research and a demonstrated contribution to research, publications or applied practice.

About you

1. PhD in the field of social science or a related/relevant field and relevant research experience, or equivalent experience. A research background in science communication, risk communication, community preparedness, and/or emergency warnings would be favourable.
2. Demonstrated high-level science communication skills, including the ability to synthesise complex and diverse research evidence and translate it into clear, accurate and practical products for technical and non-technical audiences.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of the Victorian emergency management sector, including the roles and functions of fire and emergency management agencies, Incident Management Team functions, community engagement, warnings and public information, operational and leadership contexts, and relevant legislative and statutory responsibilities.
4. Proven ability to tailor evidence-based communication, advice and engagement approaches for a range of fire agency and sector audiences, and to support the translation of research findings into policy, operational practice, training, preparedness and service delivery.
5. Demonstrated ability to build credibility and influence with internal and external stakeholders, work collaboratively across multidisciplinary and inter-agency teams, and communicate research priorities and implications to support sound decision-making.
6. Ability to explain complex information and concepts to team members and to report research findings effectively to fire agencies or the scientific community through presentations, reports and publications.
7. Demonstrated ability to engage with key stakeholders; develop and manage professional partnerships along with the ability to maintain a high level of teamwork and co-operation.
8. Demonstrated scientific achievements and proven ability to contribute to the scientific research base for a work unit.

Why choose CFA

• Meaningful Purpose: Your contribution truly makes a difference
• Work-Life Balance: Paid parental leave, generous leave provisions
• Flexibility: Hybrid work options with flexible work arrangements
• Discounts: Emergency Memberlink discounts on various services
• Wellbeing Focus: Health Ready programs, flu vaccinations
• Member Assistance Program: Access support across 8 service pathways

Pre-employment Checks

Offers of employment will only be made to candidates who are able to successfully complete a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, Working Rights Check and hold a valid Working with Children Check. You will also be required to provide at least two professional references.

Applications close: 11:59pm 11th November

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) values your privacy. We will use the information you provide when you are applying for employment with us for the purpose of recruitment, selection, evaluation and appointment and to report on anonymised key metrics (e.g. diversity). The information we collect will be handled in accordance with privacy laws, including the Privacy and Data Protection Act. You can view our Privacy Statement