Current jobs related to Commander Lateral Entry - Melbourne, Victoria - Fire Rescue Victoria

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) is a modern fire and rescue service that meets the needs of twenty-first century Victoria. Established on 1 July 2020 as part of Victoria's Fire Services Reform, FRV serves and protects communities across Melbourne and Victoria's major regional centres from 85 FRV fire and rescue stations across the state.

Its career firefighters operate 47 fire stations in metropolitan Melbourne and 38 regional stations, most of which are co-located with Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteer brigades. FRV proudly continues to work alongside the CFA, which is a community-based volunteer fire service.

FRV also provides senior operational staff to CFA through a secondment arrangement which provides the critical roles of Assistant Chief Fire Officers and Commander to CFA who operate under the direction and control of the CFA Chief Officer.

Working with us provides:

• Access to flexible work arrangements;
• Uniquely rewarding work in the service of the Victorian community;
• Support for education, career and professional development;
• Novated lease options;
• Defined Benefit Superannuation;
• An unrivalled suite of physical and mental health and wellbeing support services;
• Annual sports voucher;
• Income Protection;
• Free gym access;

Commander Positions

FRV has an exciting opportunity for operational firefighters seeking employment at the rank of Commander via Lateral Entry arrangements.

The following CFA Seconded positions are available:

1. District 04 Casterton- Commander
2. District 08 Dandenong- Commander Reliever
3. District 10 Sale- Commander & Commander Reliever
4. District 11 Bairnsdale- Commander
5. District 13 Chirnside Park- Commander Reliever
6. District 14 Melton- Commander & Commander Reliever
7. District 15 Wendouree- Commander
8. District 16 Ararat- Commander & Commander Reliever
9. District 17 Horsham- Commander & Commander Reliever
10. District 18 Swan Hill- Commander Reliever

Please note, these positions my be removed at anytime to meet organisational needs.

Role Functions

These roles are permanent full-time Commander positions within the FRV workforce. These FRV positions are seconded into the Country Fire Authority (CFA) via the FRV/ CFA Secondment Agreement. Each of these positions is deemed to be a tenured position for an initial placement of no less than three (3) year period from the date of commencement in the role. At the end of three (3) years at this location, personnel will be able to remain in place, transfer to another CFA District or successful obtain a vacancy within FRV in line with processes at the time.

During this tenure period, successful applicants will be able to apply for higher duties opportunities within their appointed region only.  There is no ability to apply for at rank opportunities during this period.

Any Commander role in FRV or CFA has the inherent requirement to participate in after-hours availability arrangements to support the 24/7 operating environment.

The role of a Commander working in the CFA is to operate within the appointed district and provide direct support to CFA personnel, Brigades and Groups.  The role is critical to support CFA's service delivery to the community directly through response or in support of CFA volunteer members through a range of planning, preparedness, response and recovery activities.

The role is diverse and involves working as part of a small team within the allocated District to support CFA operations both locally and across the state including the possibility of interstate and overseas deployments.

The key role functions are detailed as follows.

• Support the Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) in ensuring CFA statutory requirements and Standing Operating Procedures are met.
• Report to and advise the ACFO on service delivery and future implications relating to issues and trends within the relevant CFA District.
• Undertake other duties as directed by the ACFO, CFA Chief Officer and/or Deputy Chief Officer
• Respond to and exercise command and control of major fires and emergencies in accordance with the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS) and legislative responsibilities
• Undertake the role of media liaison and represent CFA conducted within policy guidelines as required

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for lateral entry to FRV at the rank of Commander, applicants must be currently employed in a recongnised Fire Service and hold the rank of Commander and have completed a Career Firefighter Recruit Course with a recognised Fire Service.

To be eligible to work within the Victorian Public Service you need to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or hold an eligible work permit

The incumbent is required to comply with CFA's Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy. This includes upholding CFA's commitment to:

• A child safe environment where there is zero tolerance of all forms of child abuse and harm
• Equity, inclusion and cultural safety for all children and young people
• Reporting any child safety incidents or concerns to the CFA Child Safety Officer and/or relevant authorities.

Selection Process

a)    Assessment of application by an appointed panel

b)    Assessment of skills profile and work history by the Victorian Professional Career Firefighters Registration Board

c)     Assessment Centre

d)    Panel Interview

e)    Required checks

a.     Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check

b.     Working with Children Check

c.     Driving History

d.     Reference Checks

f)      Medical examination to the satisfaction of the Brigade Medical Service and ensure all required vaccinations are up to date.

Application Assessment

Applications will be assessed to ensure that the applicant is suitable and has provided the required information to proceed in the process.

Victorian Professional Career Firefighters Registration Board

Each applicant's current qualifications and work history will be assessed by the Victorian Professional Career Firefighters Registration Board who will provide FRV with a recommendation in respect of each applicant. Applicants may be requested to provide additional information to the Board through this process.

Assessment Centre

The selection process for these positions will consist of the following assessable components:

An assessment centre comprising:

a)    Command and Control paper (120 minutes duration)

b)    Report paper (90 minutes duration)

Panel Interview

Applicants will undertake a panel interview with senior personnel to assess suitability to the Commander role.

Required Pre-employment Checks

Applicants will be required to undergo a series of pre-employment checks prior to appointment.

Medical Examination

Successful applicants will be required to complete a pre-employment medical examination with the Brigade Medical Service.

Appointment

Appointment will occur to fill the nominated vacant positions based on the candidates preferences listed in their application and will be subject to the following:

a) Terms and Conditions of a Commander within Division B of the FRV Operational Employees Interim Enterprise Agreement 2020; and

b) Requirement to remain in the appointed District, for a period no shorter than 36 months from appointment, before being eligible to transfer to other positions, and

c)     Able to undertake Higher Duties within the appointed District and Region only, for a period no shorter than 36 months from appointment.

d)     FRV are continuing to recruit to these roles internally and where a successful applicant's nominated location is no longer available, FRV will offer any other vacant position within the process to that applicant.

The successful applicant will be required to undertake a short induction course to ensure that they possess any CFA specific requirements and skill sets relevant to the position.

Remuneration

• Commander - Commencement

$155,160.37 gross per annum + superannuation

• Commander - over 12 months

$158,280.65 gross per annum + superannuation

• Commander - over 24 months

$158,280.65 gross per annum + superannuation

• Commander - over 36 months

$164,141.87 gross per annum + superannuation

In addition to the salary, there are a number of allowances that may be applicable depending on the location, individual skill sets and role.

Information Session

Two online information session will be held for interested candidates. These sessions will provide information relative to all aspects of the role, operating environment and selection process and provides candidates with the opportunity to ask questions.

The information session will be held using the Microsoft Teams application on Tuesday 2 August :30 and Thursday 4 August :30

Candidates must register for this session by email to Recruitment Business Partner Bre Cole via

Application

Serving the Community, valuing teamwork, having integrity, showing respect and being accountable are core values at Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV). We are looking for candidates who are committed to upholding our organisational values and behaviours as these guide our work and shape our culture.

Fire Rescue Victoria is committed to embracing and encouraging diversity among our members across Victoria, and respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people.

We welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people who are diverse in gender and sexuality.

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please submit an application which includes the following:

a)    Cover letter confirming the CFA District Seconded position(s) being applied for in order of preference;

b)    Resume including full fire service work history

c)     List of qualifications held that are relevant to the position

d)    Address the Key Selection Criteria as detailed below

Key Selection Criteria

In making an application, eligible candidates should present appropriate evidence of their:

• Ability to manage and lead staff and volunteers;
• Ability to work in a team environment;
• Effective interpersonal, written, verbal and communication skills;
• Ability to work with internal and external stakeholders; and
• Willingness to contribute to a positive and constructive workplace environment;
• Achievement in a range of roles;
• Management skills in the development, implementation and review of policy and operational plans;
• Ability to implement operational policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of legislative accountabilities;
• Application of organisational ethics and values.

Please submit your application and direct any questions regarding this opportunity to Recruitment Business Partner, Bre Cole via

Applications close on 11:59pm Sunday 14 August 2025.