Classification: Senior Officer Grade B
Salary: $149,172 - $167,151 plus superannuation
Position No: 41600
Directorate: Justice and Community Safety
Advertised (Gazettal date): 04 September 2026
Contact Officer: Rohan Scott on [email protected] or (02) 6205 0544
Details: Are you an experienced operational leader looking to make a meaningful impact on community safety and emergency preparedness? The ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director, Operations to lead capability planning, preparedness and rural fire response across the ACT.
Reporting directly to the Chief Officer, this critical leadership position provides direction to ACTRFS staff and volunteer members, ensuring the effective delivery of the Service's responsibilities under the Emergencies Act 2004. The role is central to building and maintaining a capable, prepared and responsive rural fire service that protects communities, landscapes and critical assets.
As Director, ACTRFS Operations, you will oversee the planning, coordination and management of operational resources to ensure ACTRFS maintains a high state of readiness and response capability. This role will contribute to the delivery of the Strategic Bushfire Management Plan, work collaboratively across ACT Government directorates, engage effectively with the ACT Bushfire Council and ensuring compliance with established doctrine and operational standards. This is a highly influential position requiring a leader who can drive organisational performance, lead change initiatives and represent ACTRFS at local, state and national forums.
The ideal candidate will play a pivotal leadership role in protecting the ACT community while helping shape the future direction of emergency management and bushfire preparedness. You'll work alongside dedicated staff, volunteers and government stakeholders to deliver outcomes that make a real difference.
If you are a strategic, resilient and collaborative leader ready to help drive operational excellence, we encourage you to apply!
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply.
Eligibility/Other Requirements:
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Background and Security clearance checks will be conducted including National Police Records Check.
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Relevant tertiary qualifications are highly desirable.
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A strong working knowledge of the Australasian Inter-agency Incident Management System (AIIMS) is highly desirable.
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Qualifications or the ability to gain qualifications to perform roles within a Level 2 or Level 3 Incident Management Team is desirable.
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Minimum C Class driver’s licence is essential.
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This position requires a pre-employment medical for all new employees. The ACTRFS also requires the successful applicant to undertake an annual fitness test for fireground access.
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This position requires an ACT Working with Vulnerable People registration. For further information on Working with Vulnerable People registration refer to - Apply for or renew a WWVP registration - Access Canberra
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To be eligible for permanent or temporary employment within the ACT Public Service (ACTPS) you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or hold a valid work visa.
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If an officer no longer holds a visa that permits them to work in Australia, their employment with the ACT Public Service (ACTPS) will be terminated.
Note: This is a temporary position available from 25 September 2026 to 1 April 2027 with the possibility of permanency.
The Director, Operations will be required to work after hours and weekends, including attending meetings, local Brigade visits and through periods of operational response.
An order of merit will be established from this selection process and may be used to fill future identical vacancies over the next 12 months.
Selection may be based on application and referee reports only.
How to Apply: Applicants should submit a response of no more than two-pages addressing the position capabilities, together with your curriculum vitae and the contact details of at least two referees. See the attached Position Description for further information about the role.
Applications should be submitted .
Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.
Where an offer of employment is for a fixed-term period, any related temporary contracts within the Territory will be issued in compliance with the requirements and applicable exceptions outlined in the Fair Work Act.
The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal.
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This is a temporary position available from 25 September 2026 to 1 April 2027 with the possibility of permanency.
