Brigade Training And Support Officer

Purpose of specific work area and position

Rural Fire Service (RFS) are bushfire experts, they lead and manage a range of operational and organisational functions that are principally directed in supporting approximately 33,000 volunteers and rural fire brigades who provide fire management, mitigation and response services for rural and semi-rural communities and some urban fringe areas across the state. In addition to responding to fires and supporting of other brigades and emergency services, including assisting during emergency disasters, volunteer brigades undertake a range of planning and preparation activities to ensure communities are well prepared for the bushfire season. This includes community education, hazard reduction and mitigation activities to reduce the risk from fire to people and property. The Permit to Light Fire system, ensures the controlled use of fire in the landscape across the state is largely implemented by volunteer fire wardens.

Reporting to the Area Training and Support officer within the relevant regional area. You will be responsible for initiating, and supporting local brigades, Fire wardens and key stakeholders with their inquiries. You will spend 70% of your time interacting with Rural Brigade's and their key stakeholders, and assist undertaking and evaluating training programs in a geographic area.

The role that you fill may also have a champion role within the region whereby you have a responsibility in the delivery or services in a capability that supports Rural Brigades.

We are seeking Expressions of Interest from Rural Fire Service staff or volunteers in conjunction with the current generic Rural Officer One (RFSO1), role description. (see additional information below).
Highly desirable requirements
- Can demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders from rural and near rural communities.

**Special requirements**:

- In order to be appointed within the RFS stream, applicants will be required to meet all provisions as set out in the relevant generic operational role description.

Primary duties

In addition to the generic RFS RFSO1 role description, the purpose of the Brigade Training and Support Officer (BTSO) position includes but is not limited to:

- Support and guide volunteers and brigades to develop fire management and response plans, training programs and assist Brigades with day-to-day activities, in line with departmental policy and strategy.
- Develop volunteer members and Fire Wardens to ensure the effectiveness of operations.
- Provide advice, guidance and input into operational and strategic plans, training plans in accordance with departmental requirements.
- Be a conduit to evaluate and perform other task associated with fire and disaster management operations in a rural context.
- Assist with brigade operations including undertaking operational duties as required.
- Conduct, Station, appliance and build environment audits inline with departmental procedures.
- Ensure all departmental and government legislative, policy and procedural requirements appropriate to the position including training and RTO responsibilities are applied, fairly and equitable.

Additional information
- Volunteers and external parties with appropriate skills are highly encouraged to apply, noting that they may be asked to provide additional information to satisfy internal policies.
- Applicants will: have proven commitment to maintaining competencies and operating in a team environment.
- capacity to participate out of hours (i.e., night or weekends) shift roster during disaster operations.
- Thorough knowledge of the concepts, strategies and issues associated with managing rural fire services, particularly in a volunteer environment and have a sound knowledge of and ability to provide operational leadership at emergency situations utilising the AIIMS/IMS methodology.
- Have a proven commitment to maintaining bushfire competencies and operating in a team environment.
- Incumbents may be required to travel and work within their area of responsibility and may also be required to undertake intrastate and/or interstate deployment and travel.
- This is a day work position, yet may require flexible hours of work to meet functional demands, including working at night on weekends as part of the role.
- Officers appointed to this position will participate in a personal professional development program in conjunction with their supervisor.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.