Director Area Operations (Southern)

NSW Rural Fire Service; Sydney; On-site; AUD 249,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks annual leave

Salary packaging options

Member Assistance Program (MAP)

Vehicle package and on-site parking

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

NSW Rural Fire Service is seeking a Director Area Operations (Southern) to lead strategic delivery of fire and emergency services across the Southern region. This executive role focuses on protecting life, property and the environment, while driving capability and community resilience.

Based in Sydney Olympic Park, the role oversees multiple area commands and brigades with a strong emphasis on collaboration and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership across Southern Area Commands and Districts.
• Oversee operational readiness, response capability, and service delivery.
• Lead and develop a diverse workforce and foster inclusive culture.
• Engage stakeholders and represent NSW RFS in strategic forums.
• Manage budgets and resources while ensuring governance compliance.
• Travel regularly to maintain relationships with commands and communities.

Job description

• Total Remuneration Package: $248,905 - $274,599 per annum
• Location: Sydney Olympic Park, RFS State Headquarters
• The role includes a motor vehicle package and free on-site car parking

Looking for more information?

Why not reach out to our role expert, Viki Campbell, A/Deputy Commissioner Field Operations, for a confidential chat on 0428 959 ***.

Join Our Team: Protect, Serve, and Make a Difference!

We are the Rural Fire Service (RFS), a dedicated community of volunteers providing fire and emergency services to approximately 95% of NSW.When you work with the RFS, you join a passionate team committed to protecting our neighbours, the wider community, and the environment from the threat of bushfires and other emergencies. With more than 68,000 volunteer members and staff, we embody the spirit of mutual respect, support, friendship, and camaraderie. We are one team with many players, united by a single purpose. If you share our passion for community service and environmental protection, we want to hear from you! Become a part of our mission to safeguard lives and our cherished NSW landscapes.

What you’ll be doing:
The Director Area Operations (Southern) provides strategic leadership and oversight for the delivery of NSW RFS services across Southern Area Commands and Districts. The role is responsible for ensuring the organisation effectively protects life, property and the environment through a capable, community-focused fire and emergency service that prevents, mitigates and responds to bush fires and other emergencies. The Director acts as a key operational leader, advisor to the Deputy Commissioner Field Operations, and champion for organisational capability, community resilience and operational excellence.

Key Functions

Strategic Leadership
Lead the implementation of organisational strategy and operational priorities across the Southern Area.
Drive continuous improvement and ensure operational activities align with NSW RFS objectives.
Contribute to executive decision-making and provide strategic advice on operational and community issues.

Operational Readiness and Service Delivery
Oversee operational preparedness, response capability and service delivery across Greater Sydney, Southeast and Southwest Area Commands.
Ensure Districts, Brigades and Area-based teams have the capability, resources and support necessary to meet community needs.
Maintain oversight of operational performance, risk management and emergency response outcomes.

Leadership and People Development
Lead and develop a diverse workforce, building capability, accountability and high performance.
Foster an inclusive and positive organisational culture that supports staff and volunteers.
Strengthen leadership capability across Area Commands, Districts and operational teams.

Stakeholder and Community Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, local government, emergency services partners, community representatives and volunteers.
Represent the NSW RFS in strategic forums and collaborative partnerships.
Ensure community needs and expectations are reflected in operational and organisational decision-making.

Governance and Resource Management
Manage delegated budgets and resources to achieve operational outcomes.
Ensure compliance with legislative, governance and organisational requirements.
Promote safe, effective and efficient service delivery across all areas of responsibility.

Scope of Responsibility
The Director Area Operations (Southern) is responsible for:

• Greater Sydney Area Command
• Southeast Area Command
• Southwest Area Command
• Area Planning and Business Team
• Fire Trails Team
• Workplace Complaints Team

The role requires significant engagement across the organisation and frequent travel to maintain strong relationships with Area Commands, Districts, Brigades and community stakeholders.

Our Ideal Candidate
The NSW Rural Fire Service is seeking an accomplished and respected leader to fill the role of Director Area Operations (Southern). This position requires a highly capable executive who can inspire performance, lead complex operations and foster strong relationships across staff, volunteers, government agencies and communities.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in emergency management, operational leadership and bush fire risk management. They will have a proven ability to lead geographically dispersed teams, translate strategic priorities into measurable outcomes and drive organisational performance through periods of change and complexity. The successful applicant will be equally comfortable operating in executive forums, engaging with frontline personnel and representing the organisation with confidence and credibility.

A strong commitment to community outcomes is essential. The role requires a leader who understands the importance of preparedness, prevention, response and recovery, and who can balance operational demands with long-term capability development. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgement under pressure, strategic thinking, political acumen and a collaborative leadership style that builds trust and engagement across the organisation.

The preferred candidate will be recognised for their ability to:

• Lead and influence high-performing teams.
• Build strong partnerships and collaborate effectively across organisational and stakeholder boundaries.
• Drive accountability, continuous improvement and organisational capability.
• Provide clear, confident and evidence-based advice to executive leadership.
• Foster a culture of respect, inclusion, safety and service excellence.
• Balance strategic priorities with operational responsiveness to achieve outstanding outcomes for communities.

Most importantly, the successful candidate will embody the values of the NSW RFS, demonstrating authentic leadership, integrity and a commitment to supporting volunteers, staff and communities in delivering a world-class fire and emergency service.

If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please access the Role Descriptionand our organisation structure.

Note: As per the role description, candidates are required to meet minimum essential requirements. If you do not meet the essential requirements for this role, your application may not progress to shortlisting.

Why work for us?

• Attractive leave entitlements including 4 weeks annual leave per year, plus more
• Free access to our Member Assistance Program (MAP) for all RFS members, and their immediate family
• Salary packaging options available
• One ‘Agreed Absence’ leave day per calendar month
• Ongoing learning and professional development programs (RFS is a Registered Training Organisation giving you access to various internal courses)
• Partnership with Fitness Passport for eligible RFS staff and their families to access more than 845 gyms and pools!

You’ll also get to enjoy: (HQ Specific)

• Easy access to Sydney Olympic Park Train Station, bus services and parking facilities
• Local eateries and childcare facilities
• Sydney Olympic Park Entertainment and Sports Precinct, including Accor Stadium, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Showgrounds, and Bicentennial Park
• Eligible staff are invited to join the local Sydney Olympic ParkConnected Membershipprogram, at an additional cost

To embark on your RFS journey:

This may not be the role for you, however you can check out other vacancies in the RFShere, or consider volunteering with your local Brigade.

Learn more about how RFS members support communities across NSW below

Vacancy Reference: R26-322