Executive Director, Forest and Fire Operations

About the role

As Executive Director, Forest and Fire Operations, you will play a pivotal leadership role within the Forest, Fire and Operations Division (FFOD) of the Bushfire and Forest Services Group (BFSG), Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

You will lead regional operations across Victoria, managing a large, dispersed workforce and providing direct line management to six Deputy Chief Fire Officers (except in emergency response, where those roles report directly to the Chief Fire Officer). Your expertise will guide the design and delivery of forest, fire and emergency management operations, ensuring alignment with DEECA's broader priorities and commitments to the Victorian community.

This role is central to driving integration and consistency across the FFOD portfolio, streamlining regional delivery and corporate functions, and acting with delegated authority on behalf of the Chief Fire Officer. Working in close partnership across the Bushfire and Forest Services Group, you will ensure seamless, end-to-end service delivery - from policy and planning through to on-ground implementation.

About you:

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Extensive senior leadership experience in a large, complex, and regionally dispersed organisation.
• Strong expertise in forest and public land management, fire and emergency management, or a related field.
• Proven ability to drive organisational and cultural transformation, with a focus on safety, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills at the highest levels.
• Strong financial and risk management capability, with a commitment to delivering sustainable public value.

A relevant tertiary qualification in land management, public administration, emergency management or a related field would be well regarded.

About the Group

Bushfire and Forest Services (BFS) works towards healthy forests and resilient communities.

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. BFS also leads DEECA's works across the state in preparing for and responding to fire and other emergencies on all forested public land, to reduce impacts on people, property and the environment.

We employ over 1,700 people in every corner of Victoria, with an additional seasonal workforce that contributes to Victoria's bushfire response capability. We create local jobs, employing people from the communities we serve.

Our work is undertaken in partnership with Traditional Owners, regional and peri-urban communities and government partner agencies.

We provide high quality advice to the government on forest, and fire and emergency management. As one of DEECA's primary connections to local communities across the state, the group also provides valuable intelligence on how policy and programs can be designed and delivered to better meet the needs of Victorians.

This is a fixed-term position available for a period of up to 5 years. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements 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 Chris Hardman on or email

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 14 September 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.