OPERATIONAL OFFICER LEVEL 1
Illawarra/Sutherland District
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 $85,804 - $93,949 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
- Location: Heathcote and Albion Park, Illawarra/Sutherland District
- Limited free onsite car parking available
Looking for more information?
Why not reach out to our role expert, Martin Surrey, District Manager, for a confidential chat on 0418 645 839 or email
[email protected].
What you’ll be doing:
Work as part of the Illawarra/Sutherland District team delivering high-quality administrative and operational support that helps protect the community from bush fires and other emergencies. The role supports members and communities to prepare for and respond to emergencies, maintains effective systems and service standards, and provides timely, customer-focused support in a dynamic volunteer-based environment.
The Illawarra/Sutherland District supports 36 Rural Fire Brigades within our jurisdiction, and approximately 1900 volunteers.
To thrive in this role, you will:
- Have volunteer and/or emergency services experience and an understanding of risk management principles and safety systems
- Have an understanding and interest in fire mitigation and field operational experience
- Have the desire and ability to learn new skills and qualifications
- Have demonstrated commitment to understanding and delivering community safety information
- Have an understanding of agency statutory functions (e.g. Hazard Complaints)
- Have the ability to lead small teams and support incident coordination including support of other agencies
- Provide excellent customer service to our communities and highly valued volunteer members
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 4 weeks annual leave per year, 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!
Select role located in Regional NSW are 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):
- Tell us about resolving a complaint or conflict with a stakeholder or colleague. What was your approach to resolve matters?
- Give an example of how you prioritised tasks under tight time or resource constraints. What was the result?
Please submit your application no later than 11:55pm Sunday 21 June 2026.
Important recruitment Information
- A recruitment (talent) pool 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.
Vacancy Reference: R26-187
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.
Learn more about how RFS members support communities across NSW below
