Forest and Fire Operations Officer (Lorne)

Department-of-Energy,-Environment-and-Climate-Action; Colac; Hybrid; AUD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

DEECA in Victoria 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 position requires operating equipment, vegetation and road maintenance, support for planned burning and bushfire response, and capacity to deploy across Victoria for up to 7 days during operations.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Bushfire response experience

Job description

Occupation: Land, asset, resources and facilities management

Location: Barwon South West - Colac Otway

Reference: 2508

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
  • 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 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.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description , including the mandatory requirements.

Applications close 11.59pm on Thursday, 05 November 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

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 [e-mail] .

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 .

Applications close Thursday 5 November 2026 at 11.59pm