Fire Planning Officer

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; Bunbury; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

12% superannuation

4 weeks annual leave with loading

Animal and nature related leave

Job summary

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) invites applications for a permanent, full-time role based in Kensington or Bunbury. The position focuses on reviewing and improving bushfire risk management frameworks and regional fuel plans, with collaboration across regions and inter-agency liaison.

The successful candidate will contribute to risk assessment, fire behaviour analysis, and the implementation of guidelines, policies and procedures, while demonstrating leadership in

Qualifications

• Experience in natural area fire management and developing plans for bushfire risk mitigation.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills for liaison with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven written communication skills and ability to use Word/Excel/PowerPoint for reports and presentations.
• Understanding of risk management principles in natural settings with ability to analyze information and make recommendations.
• Desirable GIS analysis and mapping experience (QGIS or similar).

Responsibilities

• Contributes to review and improvement of bushfire risk management framework and regional fuel management plans.
• Liaises with regional staff for implementation of frameworks and plans.
• Participates in fire planning-related inter-agency liaison and response.
• Undertakes fire behaviour analysis within the department.

Skills

Fire management experience

Stakeholder liaison

Written communication

Risk analysis

GIS analysis (QGIS)

Tools

QGIS

MS Office

Job description

Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature. THIS IS A PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION THIS POSITION IS BASED IN KENSINGTON OR BUNBURY APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT MIDDAY ON MONDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 2026

Job Description

Under the general direction of the Senior Fire Planning Officer, this position:

• Contributes to the review, evaluation and continuous improvement of the department’s bushfire risk management framework, regional fuel management plans and associated doctrine, systems and practices to support effective fire management planning and delivery, in collaboration with regions, districts and other specialist areas.
• Provides advice and liaises with regional, district and branch staff with respect to implementation of the Bushfire Risk Management Framework and Regional Fuel Management Plans.
• Participates in the department’s response on fire planning-related matters and assists in inter‑agency liaison as required.
• Undertakes fire behaviour analysis within the department.

At the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will demonstrate Personal Leadership to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should address the following five (5) criteria including where possible the desirable criteria. These should be addressed in no more than four (4) pages in total.

• Experience in natural area fire management and the development of operational and/or strategic plans for bushfire risk mitigation, and in applying legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures to fire management issues
• Evidence of well- developed interpersonal and oral communication skills and experience in effective liaison and negotiation with internal and external stakeholders, with the ability to apply conceptual, analytical and problem‑solving skills to complex and detailed fire management issues
• Evidence of well-developed written communication skills, including the ability to use computer software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to prepare reports and make effective presentations.
• Demonstrated understanding and application of risk management principles in natural area settings with a preference for fire management, including the ability to analyse information, evaluate outcomes and contribute to evidence‑based recommendations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience in using software products to undertake GIS analysis and mapping (such as QGIS or similar) (Desirable)

About Us

DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world‑class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills. For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website .

Benefits of working with us

In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:

• Staff discounts at gyms, pools and fitness centres (where available) through the Fitness Passport program.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December.
• 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
• A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
• An annual National Park Entry Pass.
• Well-established learning and development programs.

Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:

• A current Western Australian \"C\" class drivers licence.

For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.

Eligibility: It is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency status. Only applicants who meet this eligibility requirement will be considered for this position. A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at [e-mail] during the advertising period.

Substantive Equality Statement DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements. Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on [phone] or [e-mail] . Do not send job applications to this email; they will not be accepted. If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64. Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.