Are you an experienced leader with a track record of strategic vision and operational excellence?

About the role

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO)/ Director, Forest and Fire Operations is a ‘place-based' leader responsible for the design and delivery of forest, fire and emergency management operations, and for supporting the delivery of broader departmental priorities. 

Managing a large workforce and with significant budget and asset management responsibilities, the DCFO will be a strategic leader with strong operational and resource management experience. This will be especially important in building a flexible and agile workforce, driving a culture of high performance, innovation and continuous improvement; improving safety performance; and in increasing productivity.

The DFCO will provide a strong, community-centred approach to place-based leadership and service delivery. In partnership with regional and state-wide teams the role will ensure communities are connected to the right information and empowered to make informed decisions. The DCFO will also actively represent Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) in regional forest, fire and emergency management arrangements.

About you:

To be successful in the role, you will have;

• Proven experience in forest/park/land management operations and/or fire/emergency/crisis management 
• Proven experience leading large teams in complex operating environments 
• Executive level experience, preferably with an understanding of the processes and levers that apply to Government.

About the Group

Bushfire and Forest Services (BFS) is the public land manager for 3.2 million hectares of State forests, including delivery and maintenance of recreation assets, tourism services and forest health activities, and leads DEECA's works across the state in preparing for and responding to fire and other emergencies, to reduce impacts on people, property and the environment.

Underpinned by our commitment to work in partnership with Traditional Owners, BFS collaborates across government and DEECA to deliver key policies and outcomes in support of communities and industries that use our forests and is directly responsible for recreation policy and service delivery in state forests.

BFS plays a key role in working alongside emergency services under the Victorian Government's ‘all communities, all emergencies' operating framework, including meeting DEECA's responsibilities before, during and after an emergency event.

BFS undertakes regulatory functions for timber harvesting, biodiversity, public land use and fire prevention, leads development and advice on forest, fire and emergency management policy, strategy and legislation, and delivers safe and fit-for-purpose capability solutions including statewide assets, equipment, technology and learning, ensuring consistency with the Victorian Government's broader strategic objectives.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of up to 5 years. The work location for this position is flexible within the Barwon South West Region 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.

For further information, please refer to the attached position description or call Adam Saunders on 0459 824 868.

Applications close at midnight on Thursday, 9 May 2024.

Other relevant information:

If you are current Victorian Public Service (VPS) employee, employed on an ongoing, fixed term or casual basis you are eligible to apply for this role. People on labour hire contracts, such as agency staff and contractors, are not eligible to apply.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police 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.  

A Diverse, Inclusive 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.