Senior Operational Coordination Officer

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) seeks a highly motivated leader to drive statewide preparedness, readiness and response across Forest Fire Management Victoria. You will oversee statewide programs, guide capability reviews, and lead improvement projects that convert lessons into action to strengthen emergency response capacity.

You will advise senior leaders on statewide preparedness, shape strategic initiatives and actively contribute to Victoria's readiness for

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in emergency management and preparedness in Victoria.
• Experience leading programs and projects to manage capability.
• Current accreditation or willingness to work towards senior EM accreditation.
• Tertiary qualification in emergency management, public policy or related field advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide preparedness programs and capability reviews.
• Oversee improvement projects and turn lessons learned into action.
• Advise senior leaders on statewide preparedness and readiness.

Education

Emergency management

Public policy

Capability management

Senior EM accreditation

Job description

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Ready to help shape Victoria’s bushfire and emergency management capability

We're looking for a highly motivated leader to help drive statewide preparedness, readiness and response across Forest Fire Management Victoria. You'll work at the centre of emergency management, leading initiatives that ensure people, equipment, infrastructure and systems are ready when they're needed most. From overseeing statewide preparedness programs and capability reviews to leading improvement projects and turning lessons learned into action, you'll help strengthen the capability that supports emergency response across Victoria.

From advising senior leaders on statewide preparedness to leading strategic initiatives that strengthen emergency management capability, you'll play a key role in shaping Victoria's readiness for future challenges. Fast-paced, meaningful and rewarding, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact when it matters most.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Demonstrated high level understanding and experience in emergency management, preferable with a strong knowledge of emergency preparedness and response arrangements in Victoria
• Experience leading programs and projects to manage capability
• Current accreditation to fulfil a senior EM role or ability and willingness to work towards such accreditation
• Tertiary qualification in emergency management, public policy or related field would be advantageous

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

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.

Applications close 11.59pm on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

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 fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact [e-mail] .

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us .