Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Technical Lead - (Macedon)

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action; Bendigo, Shire of Macedon Ranges; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in Victoria is seeking a Forest and Fire Operations Officer – Technical Lead to lead operational crews across state forests, national parks and public land. You will coordinate fire prevention activities and oversee planned burning programs.

This role combines leadership with field operations and environmental stewardship, including mentoring staff and supporting emergency response.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead operational crews across state forests, national parks and public land.
• Coordinate fire prevention activities and oversee planned burning programs.
• Mentor staff and support emergency response; ensure safe delivery of management programs.
• Align work programs with strategic departmental goals and contribute to environmental outcomes.

Skills

leadership

coordination

bushfire response

forest operations

Job description

Are you ready to take your forest management and fire prevention career to the next level? Join our highly regarded Forest and Fire Operations team as a Forest and Fire Operations Officer (FFOO) – Technical Lead. This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, close-knit and highly sought-after team that plays a critical role in delivering forest management, bushfire preparedness and public land operations across Central Victoria. Working alongside experienced and passionate professionals, you'll have the opportunity to lead operational crews, influence work programs and contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes. As a Forest and Fire Operations Officer – Technical Lead, you'll oversee operational tasks and fire prevention activities across Victoria's state forests, national parks and protected public land. Your leadership, technical expertise and coordination skills will ensure the safe and effective delivery of forest and fire management programs while supporting the ongoing success of your workcentre and team. This role offers a unique blend of leadership, operational excellence and environmental stewardship. Whether coordinating field operations, mentoring staff, supporting emergency response or delivering planned burning programs, you'll make a tangible difference to both community safety and the health of Victoria's forests. Join an exceptional team committed to protecting Victoria's landscapes and communities. Be prepared for the challenge and reward of working across diverse environments, with opportunities for deployment across the state in support of emergency response and planned burning operations. If you're looking for a role where your expertise is valued, your leadership can shine, and no two days are the same, we'd love to hear from you. Applicants must hold a current manual Drivers Licence (conditions A, I & V not acceptable for employment). This position is ongoing, available in the regional location of Macedon, 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.

Self Spec/ 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.

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 [email protected] . 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 .