Inside the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA): Your 60-Second Guide to Launching Your Dream Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)? We’ve done the hard yards dissecting their annual report, so you don’t have to. In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need about NEMA—from its key functions and financials to the skills and qualifications they’re seeking in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or a fresh graduate, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to chart your path toward a rewarding Australian Public Service career.
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Department / Council: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
Location: Australia-wide
CEO: Coordinator-General, Brendan Moon
Total Revenue: ~AUD $133 million (annual departmental revenue for 2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: ~368 (based on the 2023–24 annual report)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited
Emergency Management / Disaster Resilience (Diploma, Bachelor)
Equips you with the core foundations of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
Business / Commerce (Bachelor, Master)
Supports program administration, financial management, and project coordination.
Engineering (Bachelor, Master)
Helps in understanding infrastructure resilience, logistics, and complex risk mitigation.
Environmental Science / Climate Science (Bachelor, Master, PhD)
Ideal for assessing climate risks and shaping long-term disaster resilience strategies.
Data Science / Analytics (Bachelor, Master, PhD)
Critical for predictive modelling, situational analysis, and evidence-based decision-making.
Top 5 certifications most suited
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Enhances capability to manage large-scale disaster and resilience projects.
Certificate IV in Government
Covers essential public-sector administrative skills and frameworks.
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Allows you to design and deliver internal training for emergency exercises and programs.
First Aid / CPR Certification
Invaluable for on-the-ground work during emergencies.
Business Analysis (IIBA Certification)
Aids in gathering requirements and optimising processes for crisis response.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited
Carpentry, Electrical, or Construction Trades
Builds and repairs critical infrastructure, such as temporary shelters during emergencies.
Logistics / Supply Chain Management
Ensures timely delivery of equipment and relief materials to affected areas.
ICT / Telecommunications Technicians
Maintains the communication networks essential for crisis coordination.
Health and Safety Officers
Oversees the well-being of first responders and the community.
Policy / Administration Officers
Manages legislation, funding frameworks, and key documentation.
Top 5 skills most suited
Soft skills:
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Critical for liaising with multiple government levels and communities.
Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Helps navigate the unpredictability of disaster scenarios.
Collaboration & Team Leadership: Ensures seamless coordination under high-pressure conditions.
Decision-Making: Essential for rapid, effective responses.
Resilience & Stress Management: Maintains focus in emergency settings.
Technical skills:
GIS & Mapping: Allows for real-time impact analysis and operational planning.
Data Analysis & Forecasting: Supports resource allocation and predictive decision-making.
Project / Program Management: Keeps deadlines and deliverables on track.
Systems & Cloud Computing: Ensures robust digital infrastructure for emergency coordination.
Risk Assessment Methodologies: Identifies vulnerabilities and implements proactive solutions.
General skills:
Writing & Reporting: Communicates critical updates to stakeholders and senior leaders.
Administration & Record-Keeping: Maintains clarity and continuity during fast-moving events.
Budgeting & Financial Acumen: Oversees funding and ensures transparency.
Organisational Skills: Structures workflows and resources in chaotic environments.
Customer / Community Service: Places affected communities at the centre of response efforts.
Top 5 work experiences most suited
Frontline Emergency Response or Defence
Cultivates leadership, discipline, and real-world crisis handling.
Policy Development in Government
Bolsters your ability to craft guidelines and manage legislative frameworks.
Community Engagement / Volunteering
Demonstrates collaboration with diverse communities under stress.
Project Delivery or Consultancy
Shows you can operate in time-sensitive, results-focused contexts.
Business Continuity / Risk Management
Targets operational resilience in every scenario.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
Name of CEO: Coordinator-General, Brendan Moon
Location: Australia-wide
Year Founded: 2022
Main mission and purpose of the department:
Protect and empower Australian communities throughout the entire disaster management lifecycle: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Real-world example: If a cyclone strikes a coastal town, NEMA coordinates federal assets, emergency shelters, and funding to ensure swift relief and rebuild efforts.
Main duties of the department:
Distributing disaster relief funds and overseeing recovery programs.
Coordinating with states and territories for large-scale emergencies.
Managing national training exercises for severe to catastrophic incidents.
Real-world example: In a major flood event, NEMA deploys volunteer teams, essential supplies, and expert risk assessors to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
National Emergency Management Stockpile (NEMS): Rapid access to emergency shelters, water purification kits, and more.
Public Safety Mobile Broadband (PSMB): A dedicated, robust communication network for first responders.
National Messaging System (NMS): Cell-broadcast alerts, delivering instant warnings to all mobile devices in affected zones.
Ongoing Preparedness Exercises: Ensuring government and private sectors are equipped for worst-case scenarios.
Did you know?
NEMA was created by merging pre-existing agencies, streamlining Australia’s national emergency management efforts to ensure unified responses.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: ~368
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:
Ranges from APS 1–6 roles up to Executive Level (EL) 1–2 and Senior Executive Service (SES). NEMA does not publicly provide exact figures per level, but staff span junior administration to senior leadership.
Salary Bands:
APS 1 roles begin at approximately AUD $50,000, while SES roles may exceed AUD $200,000.
Average salary in the department:
Around AUD $95,000, considering all role classifications.
Total Revenue:
~AUD $133 million (2023–24 departmental revenue).
Average Revenue per Employee:
~AUD $361,000 (calculated by dividing total revenue by total number of employees).
GETTING A JOB AT NEMA
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Public Administration (Certificate IV in Government): Lays the foundation for structured public-sector expertise.
Project Management (Cert IV or Diploma): Organises resources and logistics effectively.
Information Technology (Cert IV or Diploma): Maintains critical emergency communication systems.
Business Administration (Diploma): Streamlines administration within high-pressure environments.
Community Services (Certificate/Diploma): Supports community engagement, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Business / Commerce / Finance: Facilitates large-scale program funding and budgeting.
Emergency Management / Public Policy / Public Administration: Develops leadership and policy formulation for crises.
Environmental Science / Climate Science / Engineering: Addresses climate-driven disasters and resilience strategies.
Data Analytics / Cybersecurity / Computer Science: Aids in predictive modelling and securing sensitive systems.
Communications / Media: Executes public-facing updates and cross-agency messaging.
PhDs:
Advanced Disaster Resilience / Climate Science / Infrastructure Engineering: Fuels cutting-edge research and solutions for large-scale risk reduction.
Complex Systems Analysis / Risk Modelling: Elevates data-driven decisions and future-proofs policy.
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after?
Roles such as Engineering Technicians, Construction Specialists, ICT Support Officers, Policy Officers, and Health & Safety Officers. These ensure that essential operations—whether in buildings, networks, or policy frameworks—remain robust during emergencies.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after?
Emergency Services or Military (leadership in high-intensity environments)
Policy or Program Management (crafting legislative and administrative solutions)
Supply Chain or Logistics (managing critical relief distribution)
Community Services (focusing on vulnerable populations)
Financial Administration (auditing and overseeing public expenditure)
Which skills are likely to be most sought after?
Soft skills: Empathy, negotiation, collaboration, and clear communication
Technical skills: Incident command systems, GIS mapping, advanced data analytics
General skills: Effective writing, project coordination, risk planning
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Volunteering in community support, storm tracking or weather clubs, hiking/camping, first-aid training, or amateur radio operations—all fostering hands-on skills that can be invaluable in emergencies.
Want more information on this department?
Contact NEMA:
Phone: (02) 6113 9562
Email: GovernanceandPlanning@nema.gov.au
Address: GPO Box 2013, CANBERRA ACT 2601
Website: nema.gov.au
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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.