Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Technical Lead

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC; City of Hume; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC in Hume, VIC seeks a Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Technical Lead to coordinate forest, fire and land management activities on public land. You will lead field crews, mentor staff and provide technical guidance to ensure safe, effective outcomes across multiple projects.

This hands-on role requires outdoors experience, strong organisational skills and the ability to drive work plans, maintain records and support forest management

Qualifications

• Current manual driver's licence required (A, I & V not acceptable for employment).
• Pre-employment screening including a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and medical/fitness requirements.
• Successful applicants must complete the DEECA General Firefighter accreditation.
• Australian/New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent resident status required for ongoing appointment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver forest, fire and land management activities across public land.
• Plan and organise operational programs with field crews and supervisors.
• Provide technical guidance to teams to achieve safe, quality outcomes.
• Contribute to bushfire response and recovery operations when emergencies occur.

Skills

Bushfire response

Forest operations

Natural resource management

Forest management

Job description

Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Technical Lead

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC – Hume VIC

Do you enjoy leading field-based work, mentoring others and helping deliver projects that make a real difference to Victoria's forests, parks and communities?

As a Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Technical Lead, you'll play an important role in coordinating and delivering a wide range of forest, fire and land management activities across public land. You'll work closely with field crews and supervisors to plan, organise and deliver operational programs, while providing technical guidance and support to help teams achieve quality outcomes safely and efficiently.

This is a practical, hands‑on role where no two days are the same. One day you might be coordinating a recreation or road maintenance project, leading a crew in the field or undertaking site assessments. The next, you could be mentoring staff, assisting with work planning, managing operational records or supporting the delivery of forest management programs. When emergencies occur, you'll also contribute to bushfire response and recovery operations that protect communities and the environment.

You'll be part of a dedicated and highly skilled team responsible for managing forests, recreation assets and public land across the region. The team works collaboratively, shares knowledge and experience, and takes pride in delivering meaningful outcomes for communities while caring for some of Victoria's most important natural environments.

We're looking for someone who enjoys working outdoors, can lead by example and is comfortable coordinating people and operational activities to achieve results. Experience in forest operations, land management, natural resource management, civil or construction works, public land management or emergency response will help you succeed in this role. A willingness to learn, support others and contribute to a positive team culture is just as important.

If you're looking for a role that combines leadership, technical expertise, field operations and emergency management, this is an opportunity to build a rewarding career while helping protect and manage Victoria's public land.

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

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge or experience working in bushfire response or forest operations is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience and understanding in natural resource management, preferably with good knowledge of forest management and forest operations.

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

Applications close 11.59pm on Tuesday, 13 October 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.