Deputy Chief Fire Officer/Director, Forest and Fire Operations

Lead the future of forest and fire management in Victoria

As the Deputy Chief Fire Officer / Director, Forest and Fire Operations, you'll lead large-scale operations, manage major assets and budgets, and drive a culture of safety, innovation and performance across the Grampians region.

About the role

Reporting to the Executive Director, Forest and Fire Operations Divisions, this is a senior leadership position within DEECA's Bushfire and Forest Services Group.

You will:

• Oversee forest, fire and emergency management operations across the Grampians region.
• Build and lead a skilled, agile and high-performing workforce.
• Strengthen partnerships with Traditional Owners, emergency services and local communities.
• Deliver effective fire prevention, preparedness and response aligned with Victoria's risk-based approach.
• Champion safety, sustainability and collaboration to achieve better outcomes for people and the environment.

About you

You are an experienced and strategic leader with deep expertise in forest, park or land management, or in fire and emergency operations. You bring sound judgment, strong people leadership and the ability to influence across government and community settings.

You will demonstrate:

• Proven leadership of large teams in complex, high-risk environments.
• Executive-level experience in forest, land or emergency management.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• A commitment to safety, performance and continuous improvement.
• A community-centered and partnership-focused approach to leadership.

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 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 Grampians Region, with Ballarat as the preferred location. Hybrid work arrangements are 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 Jason Hellyer, Executive Director Forest & Fire Operations on or email

Applications close at midnight on Tuesday, 18 November 2025.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to:

• undertake pre-employment screening, including completion of a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check
• have their misconduct declarations validated, irrespective of whether misconduct has been declared or not
• provide at least two appropriate referees, including their current direct line manager or where relevant (i.e. because they are not employed) most recent direct line manager in accordance with the requirements set out in executive reference checks.
• provide evidence of their right to work in Australia

For more information about the pre-screening requirements for this position, please refer to the position description.

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.