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/50964645
Drive statewide forest and fire management programs that protect Victoria's communities, landscapes and future.
DEECA is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to oversee key statewide forest and fire programs that protect communities, strengthen forest health and resilience, and support the sustainable management of public land. This senior role provides authoritative advice to the Chief Fire Officer and works closely with executive leaders to ensure the effective planning, delivery and continuous improvement of programs that are essential to Victoria's environmental, social and economic wellbeing.
You will lead the planning and delivery of bushfire risk reduction strategies, environmental and recreation initiatives, and statewide forest management operations. You'll also ensure effective integration of new technologies, continuous improvement, and best-practice approaches across forest and fire programs. You will lead high performing teams and contribute to an inclusive executive culture grounded in DEECA's values, with a strong commitment to safety, wellbeing and cultural safety for all.
As a key member of the BFS executive leadership team, you will help shape division-wide priorities, build partnerships, and foster a high performing, inclusive and culturally safe workplace.
About you:
You are an accomplished senior leader with experience in complex program delivery, ideally within forest, fire, emergency management or natural resource sectors. You thrive in dynamic environments, bring a collaborative and strategic mindset, and can build trusted relationships at all levels. You lead with integrity, clarity and purpose—and you're passionate about improving outcomes for communities and the environment.
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 email Chris Hardman, Chief Fire Officer at [email protected].
Applications close at midnight on Monday, 30 March 2026.
Other relevant information:
Preferred candidates will be required to:
• undertake pre-emplo
yment 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.