Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Technical Lead (Daylesford)

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action; Daylesford; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in Daylesford, VIC, seeks a practical Forest and Fire Operations Officer – Technical Lead to direct on‑ground work across planned burning, bushfire response, forest operations and road/trail maintenance. You will lead crews in remote bush settings, drive between sites with a current manual Driver Licence, and drive safety and performance.

This full‑time, permanent role offers outdoor, action‑oriented work and opportunities to make a real

Qualifications

• Desirable: experience in bushfire response or forest operations.
• Understanding of natural resource management, preferably forest management.

Responsibilities

• Lead planned burning and bushfire response crews.
• Oversee forest works, road and trail maintenance.
• Manage crews in remote bush settings to ensure safety and efficiency.

Skills

Bushfire response

Forest operations

Driver's licence (manual)

Job description

Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Technical Lead (Daylesford)

DEECA – Daylesford VIC

Full time, Permanent

2d ago , from Victorian Department of Energy and Climate Action

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 Daylesford 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.

This position is ongoing, available in the regional location of Daylesford, 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 Monday, 12 October 2026.

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

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.

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