OPERATIONAL OFFICER LEVEL 1
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 4/5
- Attractive annual salary $88,378 - $96,767 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
- Location: Bourke, Far West District
- Limited free onsite car parking is available
- Remote Area Allowance and additional Western Zone Leave may apply
Looking for more information?
Why not reach out to our role expert, Inspector Fiona Westcott, for a confidential chat on 0418 968 483 or
[email protected].
What you’ll be doing:
An exciting opportunity exists to join the RFS as part of the Far West District team based at the Bourke Fire Control Centre as an Operational Officer Level 1. This role provides a broad range of operational, administrative and community support services that contribute to protecting the community from bush fires and other emergencies.
Working within a dynamic team environment, you will support operational readiness, community risk reduction activities, volunteer and member support, incident coordination and a range of district functions. The role offers a varied and rewarding work environment with opportunities to work closely with volunteers, emergency service partners and local communities while contributing to meaningful outcomes across the district.
This role is suited to someone who is adaptable, community-focused and enjoys working in a fast-paced operational environment.
Our ideal candidate:
We are seeking a motivated and adaptable team player who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment and is committed to supporting volunteers, members and the community. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong communication and customer service skills
- The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality outcomes
- Initiative, problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- A collaborative approach and ability to build positive working relationships
- An understanding and appreciation of volunteer-based emergency services
- A commitment to safety, accountability and continuous learning
To be considered for these opportunities, you will need to provide evidence of:
- RFS Advanced Firefighter (AF) qualification or equivalent
- Certificate III in a relevant discipline or equivalent expertise
- 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.
If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please access the role description and our organisation structure.
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.
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!
Other Benefits:
- Limited free onsite car parking available
- Remote Area Allowance may be applicable
- 5 weeks annual leave for Western Zone location may be applicable
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 three targeted questions within the online application process (maximum 500 words each):
- Describe a time when you collaborated with others to achieve a shared goal. What strategies ensured success? and what were some of the key learnings your took away from this situation?
- Describe a time your communication skills contributed to a successful outcome in the workplace? Why was it successful?
- Tell us about a time when you dealt with a complaint or conflict. What were the key strategies you used to resolve the situation, and what was the outcome?
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 26 July 2026.
Important recruitment Information
- A recruitment (talent) pool for 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 13 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: R26-214
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.
