OPERATIONAL OFFICER LEVEL 3
If you are interested in working for a highly regarded emergency service agency and supporting local communities, a role in our OpO Program could be for you!
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is the lead agency for bush fire management and mitigation in NSW. Fighting fires and protecting the community from emergencies is what we do!
The Operational Officer (OpO) Program is a RFS initiative to create and encourage a mobile and agile workforce across the state. The program is a unique opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of RFS activities in district and regional roles, as well as other specialised sections across the organisation. The role provides a broad range of services in a team environment that lead to better protection of the community from bush fires and other emergencies.
This opportunity offers:
- Ongoing employment
- Full time role & 35 hour working week
- RFS Level 8/9
- Attractive annual salary $118,562 - $131,233 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
- Location: Dareton, Lower Western District (flexible working arrangements considered)
- Limited free onsite car parking available
- Annualised Conditions Allowance, Remote Area Allowance and additional Western Zone Leave may apply
Looking for more information?
Why not reach out to our role expert, Superintendent Stephen Walker, District Manager for a confidential chat on 0428 598 376 or via
[email protected].
Dareton, NSW - A Unique Opportunity in the Heart of the Murray Region:
Located on the banks of the Murray River in far western New South Wales, Dareton is a welcoming rural community offering an affordable lifestyle, strong community connections, and easy access to regional amenities. Situated just 20 kilometres from the regional centre of Mildura, Victoria, residents enjoy the benefits of a close-knit country town while remaining within a short drive of major shopping, healthcare, education, and entertainment facilities.
Dareton is the centre of the historic Coomealla Irrigation Area and is renowned for its thriving horticultural industry, including vineyards, citrus orchards, and dried fruit production. The region is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, with the Murray River providing opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, and other outdoor recreational activities.
The area offers a relaxed pace of life, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community. Residents benefit from local schools, sporting facilities, community organisations, and easy access to the broader Sunraysia region, which serves as a major economic hub for inland Australia.
Our Ideal Candidate:
The role seeks an experienced operational leader in emergency services who can manage incidents, coordinate across agencies, and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to support volunteers and build effective relationships. They should be skilled in risk management, procedures, compliance, and continuous improvement, while using corporate systems to deliver outcomes. A genuine commitment to a volunteer-based organisation, resilience, adaptability, and relevant emergency management experience or qualifications are essential.
To be considered for these opportunities, you will need to provide evidence of:
- RFS Group Leader qualification or the equivalent National Units of Competency (PUAOPE016 and PUAOPE02
- Diploma in a relevant discipline (i.e. Emergency Management, Project Management, Leadership) or equivalent expertise
- Level 2 Principal IMT qualification in Planning, Operations or Logistics
- A current Driver Licence and the willingness and ability to travel
- Completion of an Operational Officer Medical Assessment certifying the required level of general health and fitness (external candidates)
Please note: Those with equivalent qualifications are encouraged to apply, the RFS will review and determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis.
You may be required to undertake further professional development depending on your existing qualifications and experience in accordance with the essential requirements of the role.
Note: As per the role description, candidates are required to meet minimum essential requirements. If you do not meet the essential requirements for this role, your application may not progress to shortlisting.
If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please access the role description and our organisation structure.
Why work for us?
- Operational uniform available
- Attractive leave entitlements including 5 weeks annual leave per year (for Western Zone location), plus more
- Free access to our Member Assistance Program (MAP) for all RFS members, and their immediate family
- Salary packaging options available
- One ‘Agreed Absence’ leave day per calendar month
- Ongoing learning and professional development programs (RFS is a Registered Training Organisation giving you access to various internal courses)
- Partnership with Fitness Passport for eligible RFS staff and their families to access more than 845 gyms and pools!
Make the Move to Regional NSW!
This role is located in Regional NSW, which means you’re eligible for The Welcome Experience! The Welcome Experience is a FREE service to help essential workers and their families move to regional NSW with ease. From finding housing and childcare to helping your partner find employment and connecting with the local community, they offer personalised, concierge-like support tailored to your needs.
Discover what life is like in Regional NSW – explore The Welcome Experience and register today!
To embark on your RFS journey:
To be considered for this opportunity, you must submit your application by clicking 'Apply Now' through the relevant advertisement on RFS Careers, and attach:
- A cover letter in PDF format, addressing how you meet the essential requirements of the role, outlining your suitability and why you are interested in this opportunity;
- A resume in PDF format, including two current/recent professional referees (please include email address and contact number)
- Respond to two targeted questions within the online application process (maximum 500 words each):
- Describe a time when you contributed to or supported the delivery of a project or significant piece of work. How did you manage your assigned responsibilities, track progress against timelines and identify or escalate risks or issues to ensure successful delivery of outcomes?
- Describe a time when you worked in a dynamic or high-pressure operational environment where priorities changed frequently. How did you manage your workload, maintain focus on key tasks, and ensure you delivered required outcomes while demonstrating resilience and accountability for your performance?
Candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications independently to ensure they accurately reflect their skills and experience. The Rural Fire Service values authentic, original responses that reflect individual perspectives and alignment with its values and priorities. Skills, knowledge, and capability will be assessed and verified through the capability assessment process.
Please submit your application no later than 11:55pm Sunday 2 August 2026.
Important recruitment Information
- A recruitment (talent) pool for South Western Area Command roles (only) may be created through this recruitment process to fill future ongoing, temporary, casual and term, full time or part time opportunities.
- Failure to submit requested information relating to qualifications and equivalent expertise may result in your application being deemed unsuccessful.
- Shortlisted external applicants will be required to undergo a medical assessment (medical costs will be covered by RFS).
- Successful applicants will be supported to attend a paid Induction course over a 6 week period at the RFS State Training Academy located in Dubbo.
- We value a diverse and inclusive workplace and are committed to ensuring our employees represent the diversity of communities that we serve.
- If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please include any details that you are comfortable sharing during the application process, alternatively, you can reach out to the role expert to discuss.
- The recruitment process may involve a range of assessment activities to determine your capabilities for the role (aligning to the NSW PSC Capability Framework). The Capability application tool is designed to help job applicants understand and use the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework when applying for jobs with the NSW government. Additional checks for successful applicants will include referee checks and criminal history checks.
Learn more about how RFS members support communities across NSW below
Vacancy Reference: R26-218
This may not be the role for you, however you can check out other vacancies in the RFS here, or consider volunteering with your local Brigade.
