Chief Fire & Forest Operations Leader (Hybrid)

Peter William Partners; Melbourne; 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 (DEECA) in Victoria seeks a senior leader to oversee integrated forest, fire and emergency management. The role leads a large, dispersed workforce and provides strategic direction across prevention, preparedness, response and recovery with a focus on safe, culturally informed practices.

The fixed-term position up to 5 years is based in Victoria with hybrid work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Experience in land, forest or park management.
• Experience in fire or other forms of emergency management.
• Proven leadership of large teams in complex, high-stakes operating environments.
• Sound understanding of public sector governance and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated forest, fire and emergency management, including planned burning, roading, recreation, cultural heritage, and pest and weed management.
• Guide the full risk cycle – prevention, preparedness, response and recovery – with fuel management as central as bushfire response.
• Partner across the land management and emergency services ecosystem – custodianship to strategic activities for effective land management and safety.
• Advance Traditional Owner-led cultural burning and build a safety-first culture across a large, dispersed seasonal workforce.
• Serve as the public voice of DEECA's land and fire management, providing trusted advice to the Minister and Secretary.

Skills

Public sector leadership

Crisis management

Stakeholder management

Governance

Job description

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) in Victoria seeks a senior leader to oversee integrated forest, fire and emergency management. The role leads a large, dispersed workforce and provides strategic direction across prevention, preparedness, response and recovery with a focus on safe, culturally informed practices.

The fixed-term position up to 5 years is based in Victoria with hybrid work arrangements.