Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time or part-time
Salary: $232,790 - $298,488
Grade: VPS SES1
Occupation: Leadership and management
Location: Various
Reference: VG/50942062M
Executive opportunity to lead statewide bushfire and emergency management reform across Victoria
The Department is seeking an influential and strategic leader to oversee emergency management governance across DEECA and drive statewide bushfire risk reform through the Office of Bushfire Risk Management (OBRM). In this executive role, you will lead the development and implementation of evidence‑based bushfire risk management policy, planning and assurance—working closely with Traditional Owners, land and fire agencies, councils, communities and government partners across public and private land.
You will leads emergency management governance and coordination functions across the Department and all hazard responsibilities , and provide independent assurance and advice to Ministers, the Secretary and senior executives. You will also represent the Department in high‑level state and national forums.
As part of the Bushfire and Forest Services executive leadership team, you will help shape a high‑performing, inclusive and collaborative culture and oversee budget, resources and delivery of key programs.
About you:
To be successful in the role, you will be an experienced senior leader with strong expertise in emergency management or bushfire risk management, proven strategic capability, and the ability to influence across government. You will bring a collaborative leadership style, a commitment to cultural safety, and a passion for delivering meaningful community outcomes. Significant experience developing and implementing policy frameworks and processes aligned to government and statutory requirements to deliver agreed outcomes is essential.
About the Group
Bushfire and Forest Services (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, and leads DEECA's works across the state in preparing for and responding to fire and other emergencies, to reduce impacts on people, property and the environment.
Underpinned by our commitment to work in partnership with Traditional Owners, BFS collaborates across government and DEECA to deliver key policies and outcomes in support of communities and industries that use our forests and is directly responsible for recreation policy and service delivery in state forests.
BFS plays a key role in working alongside emergency services under the Victorian Government's ‘all communities, all emergencies' operating framework, including meeting DEECA's responsibilities before, during and after an emergency event.
BFS undertakes regulatory functions for biodiversity, public land use and fire prevention, leads development and advice on forest, fire and emergency management policy, strategy and legislation, and delivers safe and fit-for-purpose capability solutions including statewide assets, equipment, technology and learning, ensuring consistency with the Victorian Government's broader strategic objectives.
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 Rachaele May, Executive Director, Policy and Knowledge on 0438 360 539 or email [email protected].
Applications close at midnight on Monday, 30 March 2026.
Other relevant information:
Preferred candidates will be required to:
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.