Chief Fire & Forest Operations Leader

Department-of-Energy,-Environment-and-Climate-Action; Victoria; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action seeks a leader to oversee integrated forest, fire and emergency management across Victoria. The role covers planned burning, roading, recreation, cultural heritage and pest/weed management, guiding risk across prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

The successful candidate will lead a large, dispersed team within a high-profile portfolio, acting as a spokesman during crises and ensuring a strong safety culture.

Qualifications

• Experience in land, forest or park management.
• Experience in fire or other forms of emergency management.
• Proven leadership of large teams in complex environments.
• Strong governance and risk management understanding.

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated forest, fire and emergency management, including planned burning, roading, recreation, cultural heritage and pest/weed management.
• Guide the full risk cycle—prevention, preparedness, response and recovery—safely.
• Build a strong safety culture across a large, dispersed workforce.
• Serve as the public voice and trusted advisor to Ministers and leadership during crises.

Skills

Land management

Emergency management

Team leadership

Governance

Risk management

Political acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action seeks a leader to oversee integrated forest, fire and emergency management across Victoria. The role covers planned burning, roading, recreation, cultural heritage and pest/weed management, guiding risk across prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

The successful candidate will lead a large, dispersed team within a high-profile portfolio, acting as a spokesman during crises and ensuring a strong safety culture.