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

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action; Macedon; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in Macedon, Victoria is seeking a Forest and Fire Operations Officer – Technical Lead. The role leads firefighting and forest management activities across public lands, guiding field operations and personnel to deliver planned burning and safety outcomes.

The position emphasizes leadership, technical expertise and collaboration with a dedicated team to protect landscapes and communities, with flexible, hybrid working arrangements across

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

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational tasks and fire prevention activities across Victoria's state forests, national parks and protected public land.
• Lead operational crews, influence work programs and contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes.
• Coordinate field operations, mentor staff, support emergency response and deliver planned burning programs.
• Ensure safe and effective delivery of forest and fire management programs.

Skills

Bushfire response

Forest operations

Job description

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

DEECA – Macedon VIC

Full time, Permanent

1d ago , from Victorian Department of Energy and Climate Action

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).

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 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.

Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 21 October 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.