Deputy Chief Officer

About us

The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) provides fire prevention, preparedness and response services to fire in the built and landscape environments, as well as scientific and specialist capabilities to Queensland communities. The QFD provides a multi-hazard emergency response, including road crash rescue, bushfire, hazardous material, technical and vertical rescue, severe weather incidents, remote and swiftwater rescue, and provides a number of functions supporting community safety outcomes.

The department encompasses Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR), Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ), as well as the broader department which work together to pre-empt, prevent, mitigate and manage the consequences of fires and other emergencies on Queensland communities and support our large volunteer membership across the state.

RFSQ is the lead service for the control and prevention of bush and grass fires in Queensland and is proudly one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in Queensland. The service is supported by nearly 300 salaried staff and 27,000 volunteer members across 1,400 rural fire brigades who have well developed and strong connections to Queensland communities.

The QFD is an organisation that is focused on reframing the department's relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, and organisations through the Path to Treaty, Closing the Gap and building our cultural capability.

Purpose of the role

As a Deputy Chief Officer, RFSQ you will lead the planning and delivery of rural fire services. Additionally, as a member of the QFD Executive Leadership Team, you will contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation as a whole and drive key organisational priorities.

You will have full responsibility and delegated accountability for all operational and financial aspects of your RFSQ region and will manage all staffing, resources, systems and processes in order to achieve effective and efficient service delivery, in line with QFD's legislative requirements and the needs and expectations of the community.
This position is accountable to the Chief Officer, RFSQ.

Mandatory Operational Requirements
- rural firefighting experience; or
- rural fire incident control expertise; or
- rural fire prevention expertise.

Locations
- Northern Region, Townsville
- Strategic Capability Division, Kedron

Remuneration
- $227,299* - $236,787* p.a. - (Total Fixed Remuneration including superannuation and leave loading) In addition to the TFR, *This figure excludes the MVA of $28080 per annum, which was an alternative option to the fully maintained private use vehicle being provided to you.

Your key accountabilities

Your part in the ongoing success of our department, in supporting key frontline services will see you responsible for a variety of work, including, but not limited to:
Financial
- Lead strategic resource planning processes for your region/division and manage the effective delivery of services through best use of the human, financial and capital resources, ensuring government and corporate objectives are met.

Stakeholder and outcome
- Develop strategic partnerships and effective relationships with Local Government, Queensland Police Service, emergency services agencies and other State Government agencies, Commonwealth agencies, non-Government organisations and other organisations including volunteer organisations which contribute to the effectiveness of Queensland's disaster management system.
- Establish and maintain close relationships with unions and associations, local industry and community representatives through regular briefings and attendance at forums to promote QFD and its objectives and provide a proactive, comprehensive and effective service which is aligned to stakeholder needs.
- Provide leadership regarding emerging trends in emergency service delivery and public safety to proactively bring insights into the organisation and identify opportunities to improve QFD service delivery and maximise outcomes for the community.
- Represent the interests of QFD and the state of Queensland effectively at public forums, including national forums, which relate to fire and emergency service delivery.
- Provide leadership and drive performance and accountability throughout your region/function to achieve customer measures.

Internal business
- Command and lead major fire and disaster management responses with the ability to undertake the role of Regional Fire Controller or State Fire Controller.
- Command and drive the development of emergency operational plans, effectively lead responses to emergency situations, including statewide or critical emergency situations, to minimise the loss of life and property and the impact on the community.
- Manage emerging industrial relations, human resource and information technology issues in liaison with key stakeholders.
- Contribute to the development of RFSQ strategic direction and future service planning by develo