WHS Support Officer (Fire & Emergency)

James Cook University; Townsville City; On-site; AUD 79,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 17% superannuation

Five weeks annual recreation leave

Flexible working options

Paid study leave

On-site childcare and medical services

Job summary

James Cook University is seeking a WHS Support Officer (Fire and Emergency) to join the Work Health and Safety team in Townsville. The role focuses on fire safety, emergency management and first aid programs, ensuring compliance with regulations and university standards.

You will coordinate evacuation drills, maintain Emergency Evacuation Plans, train Emergency Control Organisation members and support audits across the campus. A strong communicator with safety experience is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in fire safety and emergency management and a practical understanding of relevant legislation.
• Coordinating evacuation drills, workplace inspections and audits, maintaining safety equipment.
• Clear communicator capable of delivering training and inductions and building cross‑team relationships.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate evacuation drills and develop Emergency Evacuation Plans.
• Support and train Emergency Control Organisation members and maintain plans and records.
• Conduct workplace inspections and audits to strengthen safety practices.
• Provide practical risk management advice across James Cook University.

Skills

Fire safety

Emergency management

Work health and safety

Legislation knowledge

Training delivery

Education

Fire Safety Advisor qualification

Job description

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally.

This is a hands‑on opportunity to help create a safe and resilient environment for JCU staff, students and visitors. You’ll support fire safety, emergency preparedness and first aid activities while providing practical advice to stakeholders across the University.

• Full‑time, continuing opportunity | 36.25 hours per week
• Based at the Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus
• HEWL 5: $78,740 - $89,310 per annum plus up to 17% superannuation

ABOUT THE ROLE

As the WHS Support Officer (Fire and Emergency), you will work within the Work Health and Safety team to support the University's fire safety, emergency management and first aid programs. You will help ensure these programs meet legislative requirements, Building Fire Safety Regulations and University safety standards.

This varied role will see you coordinate evacuation drills, develop and maintain Emergency Evacuation Plans, support and train Emergency Control Organisation members, maintain emergency management plans and records, and undertake workplace inspections and audits. You will work with stakeholders across JCU to provide practical advice, support risk management activities and identify opportunities to strengthen emergency preparedness and safety practices.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

You will bring experience in fire safety, emergency management, workplace health and safety, or a related field, supported by a practical understanding of relevant legislation, standards and compliance requirements. You will be a qualified Fire Safety Advisor or have an equivalent combination of relevant experience and training.

Your experience will include coordinating evacuation drills, conducting workplace inspections and audits, and maintaining first aid kits, defibrillators and other emergency response equipment. You will be able to identify risks, investigate incidents and recommend practical improvements that support positive safety outcomes.

You will also be a clear and confident communicator who can build effective working relationships with people from a range of backgrounds. You will be comfortable delivering training and inductions, managing changing priorities, and working both independently and as part of a team. Additional qualifications in work health and safety, training and assessment, first aid or fire safety will be highly regarded.

WHY JCU

JCU offers a dynamic and culturally diverse workplace where your ideas are valued, your professional growth is supported, and your work-life balance is respected. Working under the values of Authenticity, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect, we support and empower our people through the provisions of;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading
• 15 days paid sick/carers leave per year
• Up to 6 months paid parental leave
• A range of flexible working options
• Staff study assistance and paid study leave
• Fitness Passport
• Corporate discount on health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program (coaching and counselling)
• Well‑equipped modern facilities and contemporary workspaces with access to on‑site childcare and medical services at our Townsville campus

ABOUT OUR PROCESS

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet the role requirements to apply. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming learning and working environment.