Fire Development Specialist

About the Role:

The Fire Development Officer will be responsible for mentoring and supporting Indigenous Rangers stepping up into fire officer roles within their teams across the Kimberley region.

The FDO is responsible for identifying, training, and mentoring Indigenous Rangers as they undertake landscape scale fire management over their native title and project areas in the Kimberley and northern great sandy desert regions. In addition, the FDO will be responsible for supporting Indigenous Fire Officers to understand and manage emissions abatement schemes. The FDO will develop a framework for training, mentoring, and providing career development opportunities for indigenous fire officers, working with ranger teams across the Kimberley and northern great sandy desert region.

In addition to coordinating the Indigenous Fire Officer (IFO) program, the FDO will also be required to support fire management actives as required, including but not limited to:

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• Supporting fire planning meetings ensuring understanding and consent among traditional owners and stakeholders">
• Working with Rangers to ensure compliance with the KLC fire operations manual">
• Working with ranger teams to complete on ground burning with activities ranging from ensuring community fire breaks are in place, implementing landscape burns on the ground along back country tracks or cross-country fire walks">
• Supporting or leading aerial burning activities to create landscape scale fire management">
• Support rangers undertaking wildfire suppression in collaborations with state agencies and other stakeholders">
• Attending regional forums and events to support rangers to attend or present on behalf of KLC">
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The position operates out of the KLC Broome Office. The role will require extensive seasonal travel throughout the Kimberley, particularly during the prescribed burning season March August.

Key Responsibilities:

Duties

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• Identify and develop training and support material for IFCOs">
• Mentor and advise IFCOs undertaking fire operations">
• Provide bespoke career development and training opportunities for IFCOs">
• Support IFCOs developing individual fire management plans for Native Title holders in collaboration with Traditional Owners, relevant members, project staff or teams;">
• Support fire planning meetings and operational workshops with Kimberley Ranger Groups, traditional owners and other relevant stakeholders as required; ">
• Deliver on-the-job training and build the capacity of Indigenous Rangers in operations, prescribed burning, fire suppression, burn planning and basic GIS (e.g. ArcGIS & QGIS);">
• Work with Indigenous ranger teams to deliver their fire programs">
• Working with the Carbon Program Manager, support IFCOs to deliver community education sessions and workshops on savanna fire management and carbon projects">
• Encourage IFCOs to develop effective working relationships with other organisations or stakeholders including government agencies, ENGOs, pastoralists and local tourism operators;">
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Workplace Health and Safety

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• Actively promote safe working practices across all activities;">
• Report all incidents and near misses in accordance with KLC policies and procedures and legislative requirements;">
• Maintain a safe workspace and actively contribute to the health and safety of the workplace by adhering to all health and safety policies and procedures;">

Compliance

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• Ensure compliance by ranger groups of WHS, HR and relevant legislation;">
• Comply with all internal KLC policies and procedures and ensure the teams adherence">
• Demonstrate an awareness of and commitment to the KLC Vision and its Values;">

Other

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• Coordinate and carry out all the tasks of the position including administration, management and liaising with external and internal stakeholders, as required;">
• Other tasks as directed by authorised KLC personnel or representatives.">
• Willingness to undertake extended travel and work with KLC partner organisations">

Selection Criteria:

Essential

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• Qualification in conservation, land management, fire control or demonstrated experience in relevant field;">
• Familiarity with savanna fire operations and how they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions through reduction of fire extent and intensity in the Kimberley">
• Experience in landscape fire management">
• Experience delivering one-on-one training and mentoring, especially with Indigenous people">
• Highly organized, able to meet deadlines, provide timely reports with attention to detail;">
• Understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal social and cultural challenges in Northern Australia, ability to work sensitively and effectively with Indigenous people and willingness to commit to community empowerment, training and development;">
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, including Indigenous people, pastoralists and business people;">
• Familiarity with GIS software and the ability to produce maps for navigation and manage spatial data;">
• Experience delivering projects in collaboration with broad range of stakeholders;">
• 4WD competence including certification in 4WD recovery, and valid Manual drivers licence">
• Self-starter with a can-do attitude, ability to work as part of a team;">
• Ability to travel by air and in helicopters.">

Desirable

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• Previous experience in a similar role.">

The salary for this position is estimated at AU$80,000 - AU$110,000 per annum, depending on experience. We welcome applications from qualified professionals who share our values and commitment to preserving the natural environment. If you have a strong passion for fire management and Indigenous communities, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

As a Fire Development Officer with NRM jobs, you will have the chance to make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous Rangers and contribute to the preservation of the Kimberley's unique environment. With your expertise in fire management and Indigenous engagement, you will play a key role in supporting the growth and development of Indigenous fire teams, while promoting sustainable land use practices and reducing the risk of wildfires.

To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong background in fire management, conservation, or a related field, as well as experience in working with Indigenous communities. You will also need to possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

NRM jobs is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that diversity brings strength and innovation to our organization, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and empathy. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Indigenous Australians, people with disabilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

If you are passionate about fire management, Indigenous communities, and environmental sustainability, we invite you to join our team as a Fire Development Officer. Please submit your application, including your resume and a cover letter, to us today.