Senior Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Cultural Operations

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC; Mansfield; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC in Mansfield is seeking a Senior Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Cultural Operations to deliver forest, fire and land management programs while protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage.

You will lead field activities, supervise crews and contractors, and collaborate with Traditional Owners and stakeholders to ensure cultural heritage values are safeguarded during operations and emergency responses across the Goulburn District.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience and understanding of cultural heritage values and works planning required for the delivery of programs including forest management, road management, fuel management & emergency preparedness and response.
• Demonstrated experience in field-based identification, protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage values in delivery of forest and fire management activities

Responsibilities

• Lead field activities and supervise crews and contractors across forest, fire and land management programs.
• Support emergency response activities across the Goulburn District.
• Collaborate with Traditional Owners and stakeholders to protect cultural heritage values during operations.

Skills

Cultural heritage planning

Field heritage identification

Job description

Senior Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Cultural Operations

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC – Mansfield VIC

Are you interested in combining operational land management with cultural heritage protection? Do you enjoy working outdoors, leading field activities, supporting emergency response, and collaborating with a diverse range of people? The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is seeking a Senior Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Cultural Operations to support the planning and delivery of forest, fire and land management programs across the Goulburn District. This hands-on role includes cultural heritage assessments, contractor and crew supervision, cultural burns, and emergency response activities, while working closely with operational teams, Traditional Owners and other stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience in operational land management and Aboriginal cultural heritage who is looking to make a meaningful contribution to public land management and community safety. You'll work across a variety of programs, help ensure cultural heritage values are protected during operational activities, and support the delivery of fuel management, forest management and emergency response programs throughout Victoria. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants must hold a current manual Drivers Licence (conditions A, I & V not acceptable for employment).

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience and understanding of cultural heritage values and works planning required for the delivery of programs including forest management, road management, fuel management & emergency preparedness and response.
• Demonstrated experience in field-based identification, protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage values in delivery of forest and fire management activities

This position is fixed term until 30 June 2028, available in the regional location of Goulburn District, Victoria.

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, a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and meet the medical and fitness requirements outlined in the position description.

Successful applicants will be required to successfully complete the DEECA General Firefighter accreditation.

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 welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us.

This position is classified as an “identified position” aimed at increasing employment opportunities for Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. The position requires an in-depth knowledge of Aboriginal culture and an ability to communicate with Aboriginal communities. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

We recognise the significant responsibility to enable self-determination, be accountable to Traditional Owners and provide opportunities to strengthen First Peoples’ connection to Country. We are committed to creating a culturally safe environment, where individuals feel safe, valued, and able to celebrate their culture, and spiritual and belief systems.

For general information about Aboriginal Employment at DEECA, please contact ***************@deeca.vic.gov.au.