Manager, District Forest and Fire Planning

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC; City of Hume; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Flexible hours

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC in the Hume district seeks a Manager, District Forest and Fire Planning to lead a team delivering strategic forest and fire programs. The role focuses on planned burning, fuel management and land management activities, with collaboration across operational teams and communities.

You will guide planning using data-driven methods, build stakeholder relationships and drive safe, efficient outcomes in a flexible, hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of tactical planning of forest and fuel management programs/services with planning systems like FMS, eMAP and ArcGIS.
• Tertiary qualifications in natural resource or environmental management, or public policy (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing district team.
• Navigate complex planning and operational challenges.
• Build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Use data and evidence to support sound decision-making.
• Deliver practical outcomes in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Skills

Tactical forest planning

Fuel management planning

ArcGIS

FMS

eMAP

Education

Natural resource or environmental management/public policy degree

Job description

Manager, District Forest and Fire Planning

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

Do you enjoy leading people, solving complex challenges and helping shape how Victoria's forests and landscapes are managed?

As Manager, District Forest and Fire Planning, you'll lead a team of planning specialists responsible for turning strategic priorities into practical forest and fire management programs. From planned burning and fuel management to broader land management activities, you'll help ensure the right work happens in the right places to support safer communities and healthier landscapes.

You’ll work closely with operational teams, stakeholders and local communities, bringing together local knowledge, data and planning expertise to deliver high-quality outcomes across the district.

We're looking for someone who can:

Lead and develop a high-performing team.

Navigate complex planning and operational challenges.

Build strong relationships across diverse stakeholders.

Use data and evidence to support sound decision-making.

Deliver practical outcomes in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Experience in forest, fire, land, environmental or natural resource management planning will be highly regarded.

Bushfire and Forest Services manages 3.2 million hectares of state forest and plays a vital role in preparing for and responding to emergencies across Victoria. Our work makes a real difference to communities, public land and the environment.

You’ll join a collaborative team that values expertise, local knowledge and continuous improvement, with flexible work arrangements and opportunities to grow your leadership career.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Knowledge of tactical planning of forest and fuel management programs/services, with experience working with planning systems including FMS, eMAP and ArcGIS (or similar)
• Tertiary qualifications in natural resource or environmental management, or public policy (desirable)

This is a fixed term position available until 30 June 2028. The work location for this position is Flexible within Murrindindi District with hybrid work arrangements available.

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.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

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.