Manager Fire Risk and Applied Science

Bushfire and Forest Services - DEECA; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Bushfire and Forest Services - DEECA in Melbourne VIC is seeking a Manager, Fire Risk and Applied Science to shape Victoria's bushfire management. You will lead a multidisciplinary team using fire science, data analytics, modelling, machine learning and emerging tech to address policy, planning and operational challenges, delivering statewide insights.

The role focuses on translating science into practical statewide solutions for safer communities and resilient landscapes, with hybrid work

Qualifications

• This is a leadership role requiring a tertiary qualification as described in the qualifications list.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver modelling, analytics and data science products in a complex policy or operational environment is desirable.
• Sound knowledge of modern fire and/or land management principles and best practice methodologies is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary team applying fire science, data analytics, modelling, machine learning and emerging technologies to policy, planning and operational challenges.
• The role generates actionable insights that strengthen strategic investment, improve preparedness and support safer communities, resilient landscapes and effective emergency response.
• Translate contemporary science and operational knowledge into practical statewide solutions for Victoria.

Skills

Leading multidisciplinary technical-te

Modelling

Analytics

Data science

Education

Tertiary qualification in natural resource management, environmental science, computer science, data science, statistics or related quantitative discipline

Job description

Bushfire and Forest Services - DEECA – Melbourne VIC

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Join Bushfire Forest Services as the Manager, Fire Risk and Applied Science, and help shape the future of bushfire management in Victoria. This influential leadership role places you at the forefront of Victoria's world-leading, evidence-based approach to bushfire risk management and climate adaptation. You will lead a multidisciplinary team applying fire science, data analytics, modelling, machine learning and emerging technologies to complex policy, planning and operational challenges. Your work will generate actionable insights that strengthen strategic investment, improve preparedness and support safer communities, resilient landscapes and effective emergency response, while translating contemporary science and operational knowledge into practical statewide solutions for Victoria.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in natural resource management, environmental science, computer science, data science, statistics or a related quantitative discipline is required.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams to deliver modelling, analytics and data science products in a complex operational or policy environment is desirable.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of modern fire and/or land management principles and best practice methodologies is desirable.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 04 November 2026.

Other relevant information:

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. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.