Regional Commander(S)

Stillwell Management Consultants Pty Ltd; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

South Australia Country Fire Service (CFS) is seeking an inspirational Regional Commander to lead Region 2, covering 17,000 square kilometres across the Upper Mount Lofty Ranges, Yorke Peninsula and Lower North. The role ensures delivery of high‑quality fire and emergency services to about 140,000 people with 2,500 volunteers.

The successful candidate will oversee high‑performance teams, provide strategic direction to the Director, and foster strong partnerships with volunteers, brigades and

Qualifications

• At least Level 2 Incident Controller designation or above.
• Experience in emergency services sector.
• Strong leadership, communication and strategic planning abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational direction and leadership for Region 2.
• Coordinate fire and emergency operations and resource deployment.
• Advise the Director, Regional Operations West on strategy and regional management.
• Build enduring relationships with the local community, volunteers, brigades and partner agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

Level 2 Incident Controller or above

Job description

Exciting Leadership Position covering Upper Mount Lofty Ranges, Yorke Peninsula and Lower North (Region 2)

Our client, the South Australia Country Fire Service (CFS) serves country communities through dedicated volunteers delivering professional fire and rescue services to outer metropolitan, regional and rural South Australia. With over 180 staff - and 13,500 volunteers (contributing in excess of 3 million hours per annum) - working together to ensure the safety of the community, CFS's vision is to build on its reputation as a trusted, responsive and effective community-based fire and emergency service organisation.

The rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for the immediate appointment of a new Regional Commander to drive the ongoing leadership of 'Region 2', which covers 17,000 square kilometres throughout the Upper Mount Lofty Ranges, Yorke Peninsula and Lower North, servicing a total population of around 140,000 people with 2,500 volunteers / 84 brigades. Reporting to the Director, Regional Operations West, your primary accountability will be to ensure the provision of services to protect life and property within the region.

We are seeking an inspirational leader, capable of managing high-performance teams in ensuring that fire and emergency operations are coordinated, plans are prepared and incident responses are efficient and effective. Providing operational direction and leadership to drive and maintain a culture of teamwork, achievement, individual and collective accountability, and with a focus on community customer service; you will also provide leadership, direction and support to the Regional Volunteer Management Committee.

Your advanced interpersonal and communication skills will be critical to your success as Regional Commander. The role encompasses a diverse and complex range of accountabilities, including providing timely and authoritative advice to the Director on emergency service delivery, operational preparedness, strategic planning and regional management. You will also oversee the effective deployment of Brigade and Regional personnel and resources, both within your Region and beyond, including in support of partner agencies and other key stakeholders. In ensuring that the CFS is highly visible and regarded as a credible and effective service in the community, you will build enduring relationships within the local community at all levels.

The appointee should currently hold at least Level 2 Incident Controller designation or above, however comparable skills, knowledge and experience will be considered. A strong working knowledge of project management principles and procedures will be assumed, as will significant experience from within the emergency services sector. Working conditions, remuneration and career advancement prospects are excellent and highly rewarding.

Due to the universally critical nature of the position of Regional Commander; in addition to the currently available role in Region 2, if you wish to be considered for future relieving and permanent Regional Commander opportunities.

Your confidentiality is assured.

Applications close at 9:00am on Monday, 16 November 2026.