Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Technical Lead - 2x Positions

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC; Bendigo; Hybrid; AUD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC – Greater Bendigo VIC is seeking two Forest and Fire Operations Officers – Technical Lead to drive on-ground work that protects forests, parks and communities. The role covers planned burning, bushfire response, forest works, and leading crews in remote bush settings.

Applicants must hold a current manual Drivers Licence; the job emphasizes hands-on, team-focused work and practical leadership in challenging field conditions.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge or experience working in bushfire response or forest operations is highly desirable.
• Knowledge and experience in natural resource management, preferably with knowledge of forest management and forest operations.
• Current manual Drivers Licence is required (conditions A, I & V not acceptable).

Responsibilities

• Lead from the front on-ground in forest and fire operations, including planned burning and bushfire response.
• Manage forest works, road and trail maintenance in remote bush settings.
• Lead crews in field environments and support safety and operations in Victoria's forests and communities.

Skills

Bushfire response experience

Forest operations knowledge

Natural resource management

Team leadership

Outdoor work fitness

Job description

Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Technical Lead - 2x Positions

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC – Greater Bendigo VIC

Lead from the front. Work outdoors. Help protect Victoria.

We’re looking for a practical, capable Forest and Fire Operations Officer – Technical Lead to join our Epsom team and help deliver the on-ground work that keeps our forests, parks and communities safer. From planned burning and bushfire response to forest works, road and trail maintenance, and leading crews in remote bush settings — this is a role for someone who likes action, responsibility and making a real difference. If you’re fit, hands‑on, team-focused and ready to step up — this could be your next move.

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.

There are two ongoing positions, available in the regional location of Bendigo, 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 Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

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.