Senior Forest and Fire Operations Officer

Are you passionate about protecting cultural heritage whilst managing forest and fire operations?

The Senior Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Cultural Operations is a skilled field based role that will contribute to district-wide field operations delivery and works planning and will undertake Aboriginal heritage value assessment and protection when required. Working closely with district and regional teams to assist with works delivery planning to deliver fuel management and forest management programs. This position will be involved with identification, assessment and protection of cultural heritage sites and values for delivery of operational activities in State Forest and National Parks.

Through contribution to workcentre programs this position will undertake supervision of contractors, deliver site assessments, ensure program delivery standards across locations, provide progress reporting, and support field marking all to support the protection of cultural heritage values and assets. This includes being responsible for delivering values protection standards across the operational works program, working closely with other staff in the program to maintain protection standards and work site supervision of field staff, heavy plant operations and contractors.

At the direction of the District Operations Manager, the role will at times be deployed to the delivery of regular field-based duties in order to support operational crews, and to maintain technical skills and knowledge required to be effective in the role.

This role will actively contribute to the recruitment, development and support of Aboriginal field staff as required by district operational managers. Other duties include contribution to cultural heritage programs, participation in departmental networks and assistance with engagement of external partner groups, such as First Peoples and Traditional Owner communities.

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 ongoing, available in the regional location of Macalister District, Victoria.

You'll have the chance to explore and protect stunning landscapes whilst earning a competitive salary ranging from $75,361 to $82,298 per annum, plus superannuation.

Your salary will reflect your skills and experience, rewarding your commitment to our mission.

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.

Applications close at midnight on Monday, 18 August 2025.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form, a National Police Check and meet the medical and fitness requirements outlined in the position description.

Successful applicants will need to demonstrate the ability to achieve a competent result in 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.

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.

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.

The National Indigenous Times acknowledges and pays respect to past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation. We recognise Aboriginal Community's continuing connection to their lands, waters and stories and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded.