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

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in Victoria is seeking a Senior Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Cultural Operations based in Mansfield to lead cultural heritage oversight within forest, fire and land management programs.

The role involves supervising field crews, coordinating cultural burns and heritage assessments while liaising with Traditional Owners and partners to ensure safe, compliant operations.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal cultural heritage values and works planning for forest management and emergency preparedness.
• Experience in field-based identification and protection of Aboriginal heritage during forest and fire management activities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver forest, fire and land management programs across the Goulburn District.
• Conduct cultural heritage assessments and supervise contractors and crews.
• Oversee cultural burns and emergency response activities.
• Collaborate with Traditional Owners and stakeholders to protect heritage values during operations.

Skills

Cultural heritage values

Works planning

Forest management

Emergency preparedness

Job description

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

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.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

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.