Deputy Commissioner, Queensland Fire and Rescue

OnTalent; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 230,000 - 330,000; Full time

Job summary

Queensland Fire and Rescue is seeking a Deputy Commissioner to provide strategic leadership across fire and emergency services, overseeing a workforce of more than 4,500 and four regional offices. This executive role demands vision, integrity, and the ability to guide complex multi-hazard operations.

You will drive safety, performance, and capability development while guiding statutory duties and major incident response.

Qualifications

• Professional firefighting experience across structural fires, bushfires, HAZMAT incidents, and technical rescues.
• Expertise in incident command and fire prevention.
• Experience in fire prevention strategies, building fire safety, and community education.
• Previous employment as a firefighter in QFD or an equivalent fire service in another state or New Zealand.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to develop capability and deliver effective fire and emergency services.
• Manage urban and emergency management services to meet government priorities and ensure client service excellence.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with local, state, and national agencies, as well as non-government organisations.
• Command and lead major incidents and disaster management responses.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, government policies, and best practices.
• Drive the implementation of critical projects, including systems, technology, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Job description

Deputy Commissioner, Queensland Fire and Rescue

Are you ready to support Queensland communities in a pivotal frontline executive leadership role? An invitation to lead with vision and integrity.

Queensland Fire Department (QFD) stands at the forefront of safeguarding our communities across Queensland by providing fire and emergency services.

Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR) provides a multi-hazard response service which includes structural fires, road crash rescue, bushfires, hazardous materials, technical rescue including vertical and swiftwater/floodwater rescue, and disaster assistance response, and provides a number of functions supporting community safety outcomes.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to embrace the role of Deputy Commissioner, a position of critical influence and responsibility.

This is not just a job; it's a calling to protect, serve and inspire.

Reporting to the Commissioner, QFD you will navigate the complexities of emergency services management while fostering an environment of excellence, accountability, and innovation. Strategically leading a workforce of more than 4,500 you will drive the QFR operating model with a focus on safety and operational excellence.

As the Deputy Commissioner, you will lead fire, emergency management, and specialist response services across Queensland. Overseeing four regional offices and the State Capability Directorate, you'll support the Commissioner in statutory duties and drive improvements in QFR’s performance and capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide strategic leadership to develop capability and deliver effective fire and emergency services.

Manage urban and emergency management services to meet government priorities and ensure client service excellence.

Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with local, state, and national agencies, as well as non-government organisations.

Command and lead major incidents and disaster management responses.

Ensure compliance with legislation, government policies, and best practices.

Drive the implementation of critical projects, including systems, technology, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Mandatory Requirements:

Professional firefighting experience, including managing structural fires, bushfires, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescues.

Expertise in incident control and fire prevention.

Experience in fire prevention strategies, building fire safety, and community education.

Previous employment as a firefighter in QFD or an equivalent fire service in another state or New Zealand.

Capabilities:

Outstanding leadership, judgment, and integrity.

Ability to adapt to a changing environment and drive strategic and policy implementation.

Proven success as a leader in a large, complex organisation.

Extensive experience in operational environments, with a strong background in strategy, service delivery, and capability development.

Commitment to work-life balance, workplace diversity, and innovation.

Why Join Us?

QFD offers a dynamic and supportive work environment that values productive working relationships, a healthy work-life balance, and opportunities for professional growth. As Deputy Commissioner, you'll play a pivotal role in enhancing community resilience and delivering world-class fire and emergency services to Queenslanders.

Join QFD and help keep Queensland communities safe. Lead with purpose, serve with integrity, ad make a lasting contribution to the people and places that reply on us every day.

Applications close: Sunday 29 November at midnight.