Social Science Communications Specialist

Country Fire Authority (CFA); Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Parental leave

Health Ready programs

Emergency Memberlink discounts

Job summary

Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Melbourne is seeking a Social Science Communications Specialist to translate social science research into clear, practical insights that support community preparedness and public information. You will work with CFA researchers and fire sector partners to communicate evidence, tailor messaging for diverse audiences, and inform decision-making within emergency management.

This role requires a PhD in social science or related field, strong science communication

Qualifications

• PhD in social science or related field and relevant research experience, or equivalent.
• Experience synthesising diverse evidence into clear, practical research outputs.
• Knowledge of Victorian emergency management sector and related roles.
• Ability to tailor evidence-based communication for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders and influence decisions.

Responsibilities

• Translate social science research into practical insights that support preparedness and information.
• Communicate complex evidence to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Identify opportunities to apply research to policy, practice and training.
• Collaborate with CFA researchers and fire sector partners to inform decision-making.

Skills

Science communication

Risk communication

Emergency management knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Policy translation

Education

PhD in social science or related field

Job description

Social Science Communications Specialist

Country Fire Authority (CFA) – Burwood VIC

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 51,000 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 About Us 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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

What to expect from our recruitment process

CFA is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and safe volunteer and work environment. Our aim is to have a volunteer and paid workforce that reflects the community it serves. First Nations people, women, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply.

If at any stage of the recruitment and selection process you require an alternative format to the application material or reasonable adjustment to the interview arrangements, please don't hesitate to contact the person listed on the ad or alternatively, email ***********@cfa.vic.gov.au

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 2014.You can view our Privacy Statement here. For access and correction of the information we have collected, contact ***********@cfa.vic.gov.au