Forest and Fire Operations Officer

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC; Barwon Downs; Hybrid; AUD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Flexible hours

Job sharing

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC – Barwon Downs VIC is seeking motivated individuals to join our Forest and Fire Operations team. This hands-on role combines land management, fire prevention and emergency response activities across Victoria's public land estate.

The role involves road/track/culvert maintenance, vegetation management, and operating equipment such as chainsaws and pumps, with deployment across Victoria during emergencies.

Qualifications

• Experience working in bushfire response or forest operations desirable.
• Understanding and application of safe work practices and safety documentation.

Responsibilities

• Undertake road, track and culvert maintenance.
• Assist with vegetation management, including fuel reduction works.
• Operate equipment such as chainsaws, pumps and whipper snippers.
• Support planned burning and bushfire response activities.
• Work in remote outdoor environments as part of a dedicated team.

Skills

Outdoor work

Safety mindset

Teamwork

Physical fitness

Driver's Licence

Tools

Chainsaws

Pumps

Whipper snippers

Job description

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC – Barwon Downs VIC

Help protect Victoria's forests, parks and communities.

DEECA is seeking motivated individuals to join our Forest and Fire Operations team. This hands‑on role combines land management, fire prevention and emergency response activities across Victoria's public land estate.

In this role you will:

• Undertake road, track and culvert maintenance
• Assist with vegetation management, tree felling and fuel reduction works
• Operate equipment such as chainsaws, pumps and whipper snippers
• Support planned burning and bushfire response activities
• Work in remote outdoor environments as part of a dedicated team

About you:

• Enjoy working outdoors in all conditions
• Have a strong commitment to safety
• Are physically fit and capable of working in steep, remote terrain
• Work well in a team and are willing to learn
• Can be deployed across Victoria for up to 7 days during emergency response and planned burning operations

This is a rewarding opportunity to build practical skills while making a real contribution to the management and protection of Victoria's public land and communities.

Join DEECA and help protect Victoria's forests, parks and communities.

This hands‑on outdoor role includes forest management, fire prevention and emergency response activities. You'll operate equipment, undertake vegetation and road maintenance, support planned burning, and assist with bushfire response.

We're looking for people who are safety‑focused, physically fit, enjoy working outdoors, and can work in remote locations. Successful applicants may be deployed across Victoria for up to 7 days during emergency response and planned burning operations.

Make a real difference while building practical land management and firefighting skills.

Applicants must hold a current manual Drivers Licence (conditions A, I & V not acceptable for employment).

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Experience working in bushfire response or forest operations is desirable.
• Understanding of application of safe work practices including awareness of regulations and codes of practice and safety documentation systems is desirable.

This position is ongoing, available in the regional location of Lorne, Victoria.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Applications close 11.59pm on Thursday, 05 November 2026.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre‑employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form, a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and meet the medical and fitness requirements outlined in the position description.

Successful applicants will be required to successfully complete the DEECA General Firefighter accreditation.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact ***************@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.