Senior Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Cultural Operations (Mansfield)

Victorian Government; Mansfield; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Victorian Government's Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) seeks a Senior Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Cultural Operations to lead field activities across the Goulburn District. You will plan and deliver forest, fire and land management programs while ensuring Aboriginal cultural heritage values are protected and integrated into operations.

The role involves cultural heritage assessments, supervising contractors and crews, coordinating cultural burns and

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in planning cultural heritage work within forest/fire programs.
• Experience identifying and protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage values in field operations.

Responsibilities

• Carry out cultural heritage assessments during field operations.
• Supervise contractors and field crews for forest and fire projects.
• Coordinate cultural burns and contribute to emergency response activities.

Skills

Cultural heritage planning

Forest and fire management

Education

Cultural heritage planning and field work

Aboriginal cultural heritage identification

Job description

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.

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.

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.