Seasonal Fire Tower Operator - South Coast - Casual / Call When needed

Forestry Corporation of NSW; Coila; On-site; AUD 34,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive casual rate

Professional development

Supportive work environment

Impact on forest conservation

Job summary

Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) seeks vigilant Fire Tower Operators for casual, call-when-needed deployment across Budawang tower in Braidwood and Plumwood tower in Moruya.

You monitor forests from a fire tower, report smoke, coordinate with control centres, and assist in coordinating ground and aerial suppression. You must live within an hour of the towers, own a registered 4WD with insurance, and be prepared for remote locations and varying weather.

Qualifications

• Strong observational and navigation skills.
• Ability to work independently and remain focused for extended periods.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal over the radio and written.
• Physical fitness and the ability to climb two flights of stairs.
• Willingness to work in remote locations and varying weather conditions.
• Own a registered Four Wheel Drive Vehicle with comprehensive insurance for Fire Tower access.
• Ability to work as a non-rostered casual call-when-needed employee with no set hours - deployment dependent on fire weather conditions.
• Live within one hour proximity of the fire towers.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring designated forest areas from a fire tower for signs of smoke or fire.
• Using binoculars, maps, compass and other tools to accurately locate and report fire hazards.
• Maintaining constant communication with fire control centres and other fire tower operators.
• Recording and reporting weather conditions, including wind speed and direction, temperature, and humidity.
• Conducting regular maintenance and inspections of the fire tower and equipment.
• Assisting in coordinating fire suppression efforts with ground crews and aerial support.
• Participating in training and safety drills to stay prepared for emergency situations.

Skills

Observation & navigation

Independent work

Communication skills

Physical fitness

Remote locations suitability

4WD vehicle & insurance

Casual/call-when-needed

Live near towers

Job description

Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) is the largest manager of commercial plantation and native forests in NSW. We manage more than two million hectares of forests for the environmental, economic, and social benefit of the people of NSW and Australia. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are focused on empowering our people to use their creativity, authenticity and innovative thinking to be the champions of change now and into the future. That is why no matter who you are, we encourage you to apply for the job that's right for you. We aim to have a workforce that reflects the diverse communities in which we work and so we strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

Seasonal Fire Tower Operators

Seasonal Contract – Casual / Call when needed | Forestry Corporation of NSW

Forestry Corporation of NSW is dedicated to preserving and managing our forests for future generations. We are committed to maintaining the health and safety of our natural resources and the communities that depend on them. Join our team and help us protect our forests from the threat of wildfires.

What We Can Offer You

• Competitive casual rate & applicable allowances
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• A supportive and collaborative work environment
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on forest conservation and wildfire prevention

Locations (Please state your preference in your application)

• Budawang tower - Braidwood NSW
• Plumwood tower - Moruya NSW

About The Role

We are seeking vigilant and dedicated Fire Tower Operators to join our team. As a Fire Tower Operator, you will play a crucial role in early wildfire detection and prevention. Your primary responsibility will be to monitor forest areas from a fire tower, identify potential fire hazards, and report any signs of smoke or fire to the regions FCNSW Duty Officer.

Your Activities Will Include

• Monitoring designated forest areas from a fire tower for signs of smoke or fire
• Using binoculars, maps, compass and other tools to accurately locate and report fire hazards
• Maintaining constant communication with fire control centres and other fire tower operators
• Recording and reporting weather conditions, including wind speed and direction, temperature, and humidity
• Conducting regular maintenance and inspections of the fire tower and equipment
• Assisting in coordinating fire suppression efforts with ground crews and aerial support
• Participating in training and safety drills to stay prepared for emergency situations

Essential Requirements, Skills And Experience

• Strong observational and navigation skills
• Ability to work independently and remain focused for extended periods
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal over the radio and written
• Physical fitness and the ability to climb two flights of stairs
• Willingness to work in remote locations and varying weather conditions
• Own a registered Four Wheel Drive Vehicle with comprehensive insurance for Fire Tower access
• Ability to work as a non-rostered casual call-when-needed employee with no set hours - deployment dependent on fire weather conditions
• Live within one hour proximity of the fire towers

Highly Regarded (Not Essential)

• Basic knowledge of fire behaviour and forest management practices

Pre-Employment Requirements

Successful candidates will be required to complete the following prior to commencement:

• Right to work check
• Reference checks
• Drug and Alcohol Screening
• Medical Assessment
• Fire fitness Task-Based Assessment (TBA) - Light walk 1.6km unweighted under 16 minutes

For Further Information About The Role, Please Contact

Peter Carstairs, Fire & Operations Team Leader: [e-mail]

Applications close: Wednesday 4 November 2026 @ 11:59PM AEDST

At FCNSW, we care for country, community, and each other. Everyone home, injury free, every day.

Depending on the role the preferred candidate will be required to satisfactorily complete a Drug and Alcohol screening, and/or Medical Assessment and/or a Fire Task Based Assessment (TBA). For roles requiring, the successful candidate(s) must be fit to perform firefighting activities, which may include working in smoky conditions and the ability to be physically active in uneven or steep terrain. Offers of employment for these roles are subject to the results of the pre-employment Medical Assessment which may preclude candidates high risk conditions from being able to meet the inherent requirements of the role.