Operational Officer Level 2

NSW Rural Fire Service; Bulga; On-site; AUD 104,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Operational uniform available

4 weeks annual leave

MAP access

Salary packaging options

One leave day per calendar month

Internal training opportunities

Fitness Passport partnership

Job summary

NSW Rural Fire Service is seeking an Operational Officer Level 2 in Bulga, Hunter Valley. This full-time role (35 hours) supports volunteers and partner agencies to ensure communities are prepared for bushfires and emergencies, delivering guidance, procedures, and risk-reduction initiatives.

You will work within a team, demonstrating reliability and strong customer service, with opportunities for professional development and advancement within the RFS structure.

Qualifications

• Volunteer and/or emergency services experience and an understanding of risk management principles and safety systems.
• Field operational coordination experience.
• Understanding and experience with fire mitigation.
• Desire and ability to learn new skills and qualifications.
• Support operational activity including support of other agencies.
• Ability to build the capability of small teams beyond incident attendance.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of the Hunter Valley District team supporting volunteers, staff and partner agencies to ensure communities are prepared, capable and ready to respond to bushfires and emergencies.
• Contribute to operational procedures, service standards and risk reduction initiatives.
• Provide practical and timely advice and maintain essential systems to support effective service delivery.

Skills

Volunteer experience

Emergency services experience

Field coordination

Fire mitigation

Willingness to learn

Team mentoring

Customer service

Education

RFS Crew Leader Supervision

RFS Level 2 Principal or Assistant IMT

Certificate IV in a relevant discipline

Driver Licence

Operational Officer Medical Assessment

Job description

If you are interested in working for a highly regarded emergency service agency and supporting local communities, a role in our OpO Program could be for you!

The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is the lead agency for bush fire management and mitigation in NSW. Fighting fires and protecting the community from emergencies is what we do!

The Operational Officer (OpO) Program is a RFS initiative to create and encourage a mobile and agile workforce across the state. The program is a unique opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of RFS activities in district and regional roles, as well as other specialised sections across the organisation. The role provides a broad range of services in a team environment that lead to better protection of the community from bush fires and other emergencies.

OPERATIONAL OFFICER LEVEL 2 (HUNTER VALLEY)

• Ongoing employment
• Full time role & 35 hour working week
• RFS Level 6/7
• Attractive annual salary $104,323 - $115,110 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
• Location: Bulga, Hunter Valley District
• Free onsite parking

What you’ll be doing:

Work as part of the Hunter Valley District team supporting volunteers, staff, and partner agencies to ensure communities are prepared, capable, and ready to respond to bushfires and other emergencies. You will contribute to operational procedures, service standards, and risk reduction initiatives, provide practical and timely advice, and maintain essential systems to support effective service delivery. This role requires collaboration, sound judgement, and reliability within a volunteer-based emergency service, offering meaningful and varied work that makes a genuine impact.

To thrive in this role, you will have:

• Have volunteer and/or emergency services experience and an understanding of risk management principles and safety systems
• Have field operational coordination experience
• Have an understanding and experience with fire mitigation
• Have the desire and ability to learn new skills and qualifications
• Support operational activity including support of other agencies
• Have the ability to build the capability of small teams, beyond incident attendance (e.g. mentoring, knowledge transfer)
• Provide excellent customer service to our communities and highly valued volunteer members

To be considered for these opportunities, you will need to provide evidence of:

• RFS Crew Leader Supervision qualification
• RFS Level 2 Principal or Assistant IMT Qualification
• Certificate IV in a relevant discipline or equivalent expertise
• A current Driver Licence and the willingness and ability to travel
• Completion of an Operational Officer Medical Assessment certifying the required level of general health and fitness (external candidates)

Please note: Those with equivalent qualifications are encouraged to apply, the RFS will review and determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

You may be required to undertake further professional development depending on your existing qualifications and experience in accordance with the essential requirements of the role.

If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please access the Role Description and our organisation structure.

Note: As per the role description, candidates are required to meet minimum essential requirements. If you do not meet the essential requirements for this role, your application may not progress to shortlisting.

Why work for us:

• Operationaluniform available
• Attractive leave entitlements including 4 weeks annual leave per year, plus more
• Free access to our Member Assistance Program (MAP) for all RFS members, and their immediate family
• Salary packaging options available
• One 'Agreed Absence' leave day per calendar month
• Ongoing learning and professional development programs (RFS is a Registered Training Organisation giving you access to various internal courses)
• Partnership with Fitness Passport for eligible RFS staff and their families to access more than 845 gyms and pools!

Make the Move to Regional NSW!

This role is located in Regional NSW, which means you’re eligible for The Welcome Experience! The Welcome Experience is a FREE service to help essential workers and their families move to regional NSW with ease. From finding housing and childcare to helping your partner find employment and connecting with the local community, they offer personalised, concierge-like support tailored to your needs.

Discover what life is like in Regional NSW – explore The Welcome Experience and register today!

Candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications independently to ensure they accurately reflect their skills and experience. The Rural Fire Service values authentic, original responses that reflect individual perspectives and alignment with its values and priorities. Skills, knowledge, and capability will be assessed and verified through the capability assessment process.

Important recruitment Information

• A recruitment (talent) pool for Hunter Area Command roles (only) may be created through this recruitment process to fill future ongoing, temporary, casual and term, full time or part time opportunities.
• Failure to submit requested information relating to qualifications and equivalent expertise may result in your application being deemed unsuccessful.
• Shortlisted external applicants will be required to undergo a medical assessment (medical costs will be covered by RFS).
• Successful applicants will be supported to attend a paid Induction course over a 8 week period at the RFS State Training Academy located in Dubbo.
• We value a diverse and inclusive workplace and are committed to ensuring our employees represent the diversity of communities that we serve.
• If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please include any details that you are comfortable sharing during the application process, alternatively, you can reach out to the role expert to discuss.
• The recruitment process may involve a range of assessment activities to determine your capabilities for the role (aligning to the NSW PSC Capability Framework). The Capability application tool is designed to help job applicants understand and use the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework when applying for jobs with the NSW government. Additional checks for successful applicants will include referee checks and criminal history checks.

Vacancy Reference: R26-394

This may not be the role for you, however you can check out other vacancies in the RFShere, or consider volunteering with your local Brigade.

Learn more about how RFS members support communities across NSW below