Manager, District Forest and Fire Planning

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action; Shire of Murrindindi; Hybrid; AUD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in Victoria seeks a Manager, District Forest and Fire Planning to lead a team of planning specialists turning strategic priorities into practical forest and fire programs.

You'll collaborate with operational teams, stakeholders and communities, leveraging data and local knowledge to deliver safe, healthy landscapes while guiding planning systems like FMS, eMAP and ArcGIS. Hybrid work; flexible arrangements.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in managing high-performing teams.
• Strong strategic planning skills with ability to translate priorities into programs.
• Proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders and communities.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Data-driven decision making

Tools

FMS

eMAP

ArcGIS

Job description

Manager, District Forest and Fire Planning

Full time, Contract

Hybrid

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

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.

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 Tuesday, 6 October 2026.

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.

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.