Jobs

Westmorland & Furness Council is seeking a proactive and collaborative FCRM Local Resilience Officer to strengthen community resilience and emergency preparedness across our region. Sitting within the Flood & Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) Service and supporting the Cumbria Local Resilience Forum (LRF), this role will help deliver projects that link emergency planning with long-term adaptation and climate risk management.

You will lead engagement with communities, partners, and stakeholders to develop Community Emergency Plans, support climate adaptation initiatives, and coordinate resilience projects such as Our Future Coast. Acting as a key liaison during emergencies, you will ensure robust response arrangements are in place and provide advice during incidents.

This is a unique opportunity to combine project management, community engagement, and strategic resilience planning to help protect people, property, and infrastructure from evolving flood and coastal risks.

What you’ll do

• Coordinate and deliver Local Resilience Forum priorities, focusing on flood and coastal risk preparedness.
• Develop and implement consultation and engagement plans for communities, including Walney Island.
• Support and enable local groups to create Community Emergency Plans and access external funding.
• Represent the Council and LRF professionally, building strong networks with partners and stakeholders.
• Provide project management support for resilience initiatives, including Our Future Coast.
• Research best practice and recommend improvements to strengthen community resilience.
• Respond during emergencies, acting as liaison and ensuring procedures are followed.
• Participate in the 24/7 out-of-hours scheme as part of multi-agency support.

Who we are looking for… 

We are looking for an adaptable and motivated individual with:

• NVQ Level 5, professional qualification, or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of community engagement techniques and relevant legislation.
• Understanding of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and emergency planning principles.
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and delivering consultation campaigns.
• ICT competence and ability to use relevant software.
• Flexibility to travel and work occasional evenings/weekends. 

What can we offer you!

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)

Would you like to find out more?

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:

• Post Specification
• Role Profile

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Matthew Waning (FCRM Lead Officer) at Matthew.Waning@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.

Company: Westmorland and Furness Council

Salary: £38,220 - £39,152

Location: Barrow in Furness, Cumbria

Sector: Flood and Coastal Protection

Sector: Environment

Job Role: Officer