Air Operations Officer

Purpose of specific work area and position

State Air Operations provides air support to ground crews during bushfire or other emergency events through the provision of safe aircraft, trained personnel and relevant aviation resources.

Reporting to the Manager, you will be a key member of the team providing assistance and support to develop, implement and review programs, systems and processes that ensure the operational readiness required to provide the safe, effective and efficient deployment of air operations resources supporting firefighting operations. You will also be required to assist in the development delivery and assessment of competency based accredited and non-accredited air operations training programs that align with national and industry standards and organisational requirements to improve operational capability to better respond to community impact during emergency events.

We are seeking Expressions of Interest from QFES workforce in conjunction with the relevant operational Rural Fire Service (RFS) generic role description (see additional information below).

Mandatory requirements
- In order to be appointed within the RFS operational stream, applicants will be required to meet the provisions as set out in the Rural Fire Officer Two (RFSO2) role description.

Highly desirable requirements
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience of safety management and contemporary rural fire management practices in an aviation context.
- Can demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders from rural and near rural communities.
- Manual Medium Rigid (MR) driver's licence as recognised by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Primary duties

In addition to the generic role description as prescribed above, the purpose of the Air Operations Officer, State Air Operations includes but is not limited to:

- Contribute to the development, implementation and review of programs, systems and controls that ensure the level of operational readiness and meet industry standards for aerial firefighting.
- Assist in the development, delivery and assessment of air operations training programs and the competency maintenance of the statewide network of air operations practitioners.
- Assist with the maintenance and review of aircraft contracts, selection of airbases and the delivery of operational response services through the State Air Desk.
- Contribute to the development, delivery and review of the risk management and air operations safety programs to support regional airbases and operations response services.
- Assist in the development and delivery of comprehensive operational planning at state, regional and area levels to ensure the effective delivery of air operations services.
- Research and identify new and emerging standards, practices and technologies that will support the continuous improvement of operational activities and capability.
- Actively participate and represent the department at local, state and national forums relating to aerial firefighting.
- Respond to operational incidents as required.

Additional information

**Who can apply**:

- hold the substantive RFS rank of RFSO2 or Rural Fire Service One (RFSO1) are encouraged to apply.
- 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.
- Possession of current Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification or can obtain the skill within a mutually agreed timeframe.
- Knowledge and experience in developing training resources and/or operational procedures and policy
- Extensive knowledge of incident management principles and/or coordination centre management principles.
- Knowledge of, or experience working with volunteers and/or within a volunteer organisation.
- Capacity to participate out of hours (i.e. night or weekends) shift roster during disaster operations.
- Incumbent's will be required to travel and work within the area of responsibility and may also be required to undertake intrastate, interstate deployment travel as required.
- This is a day work position and depending on regional requirements 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 programme developed in conjunction with their supervisor.