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

Your Application

Click the `Apply' button to access our online application portal. You will be prompted to provide your personal and contact details and to respond to employment-related questions. When applying for a position with CFA, please include a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) and resume that clearly demonstrate your qualifications, experience and the key attributes and skills relevant to the role.

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 2026

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 recruitment@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 recruitment@cfa.vic.gov.au