Workplace Relations Specialist

CFA is an emergency service that places the community at the centre of everything we do. We work to protect lives and property across Victoria, every hour of the day.

Our organisation is made up of employees working alongside more than 51,000 volunteers. We value the different skills, experience and viewpoints that people bring, because they strengthen how we operate and support the services Victorians rely on.

We aim to be a workplace where people feel supported to do meaningful work, develop professionally, and contribute to outcomes that matter to the people and places we serve.

To learn more about who we are and the work we do, visit our About Us page.

About the Role

CFA is seeking an experienced Workplace Relations specialist to provide authoritative industrial advice and guide leaders in managing complex workforce and employee relations matters across whole of organisation. Reporting directly to the Head of Workplace Relations, the role operates with a high level of autonomy and works closely with leaders and key stakeholders.

You will provide senior leaders with authoritative advice on enterprise agreements and legislative requirements, manage complex industrial matters, assist with enterprise bargaining and coordinate consultative mechanisms. The role also routinely leads investigations, prepares submissions and briefing materials, and represents CFA in proceedings before the Fair Work Commission and other forums.

A detailed position description is attached.

About you

You are an experienced Workplace Relations practitioner who applies sound judgement and practical thinking. You hold tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Employment Law or a related field, or you may have developed equivalent capability through proven experience in a comparable role.

You are confident working within unionised environments. You are experienced in managing grievances and disputes, interpreting enterprise agreements and applying modern awards, and you are comfortable working independently and taking accountability for your advice and decisions. You translate strategic direction into clear, workable outcomes.

You have strong knowledge of the Fair Work Act, relevant legislation, and ideally Victorian Public Sector employment frameworks. You are able to use your knowledge to provide clear and authoritative guidance at all levels of the business. Your written communication is precise and well considered, producing correspondence, reports and submissions that are accurate and fit for purpose. You are also confident negotiating, consulting and advocating, including in formal settings such as the Fair Work Commission.

You keep up to date with current and emerging workplace relations issues and can connect these to CFA's operational context and priorities. You can work effectively with employees and leaders across both frontline and corporate settings, and you are confident navigating complex or challenging stakeholder relationships in a constructive and professional manner.

If you are seeking a role where your expertise can meaningfully shape workplace relations outcomes, we would welcome your application.

Why choose CFA

• Meaningful Purpose: Your contribution truly makes a difference
• Work-Life Balance: Paid parental leave, generous leave provisions
• Flexibility: Hybrid work options with flexible work arrangements
• Discounts: Emergency Memberlink discounts on various services
• Wellbeing Focus: Health Ready programs, flu vaccinations
• Member Assistance Program: Access support across 8 service pathways

Your Application

Click the `Apply' button to access our online application portal. You will be prompted to provide your personal and contact details and to respond to employment-related questions. When applying for a position with CFA, please include a cover letter and resume that clearly demonstrate your qualifications, experience and the key attributes and skills relevant to the role.

Pre-employment Checks

Offers of employment will only be made to candidates who are able to successfully complete a National Police History Check, Working Rights Check and hold a valid Working with Children Check. You will also be required to provide at least two professional references.

Applications close: 11:59pm 23 November 2025

CFA is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and safe volunteer and work environment. Our aim is to have a volunteer and paid workforce that reflects the community it serves. First Nations people, women, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply.

If at any stage of the recruitment and selection process you require an alternative format to the application material or reasonable adjustment to the interview arrangements, please don't hesitate to contact the person listed on the ad or alternatively, email

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) values your privacy. We will use the information you provide when you are applying for employment with us for the purpose of recruitment, selection, evaluation and appointment and to report on anonymised key metrics (e.g. diversity). The information we collect will be handled in accordance with privacy laws, including the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. You can view our Privacy Statement here. For access and correction of the information we have collected, contact