- 495913
- Townsville
- Professional
- Full time
- Closing on: Oct 19 2026
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
- Ongoing professional development support
- 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
HOW TO APPLY
Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.
Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page, create an applicant account and follow the steps below:
- Complete the application form.
- Upload your current resume.
- Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role.
For any enquiries about the role, please contact Andrew Reddicliffe at andrew.reddicliffe@jcu.edu.au
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.