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 $115,109 - $127,411 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
- Location: Tamworth, Tamworth Rural Fire District
Looking for more information?
Why not reach out to our role expert, Bron Waters, District Manager, for a confidential chat on 0428 614 105.
What you’ll be doing:
Work as part of the Tamworth District team coordinating and delivering technical and operational support to strengthen bush fire preparedness, response, and recovery. You will work closely with volunteers, partner agencies, and local communities, help shape procedures and guidelines, maintain critical corporate systems, and step into operational activities when required. Sound judgement, initiative, and a strong customer focus will underpin every task.
The Tamworth District spans approximately 10,000 square kilometres and is home to 37 brigades and more than 1,200 dedicated volunteers. Based at the joint Fire Control Centre and Area Command facility in Westdale, the 2IC plays a key role in supporting the District Manager and team to strengthen community preparedness and resilience. In this role, you will coordinate daily team activities and provide leadership during operational incidents.
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 ability to lead teams and support incident coordination
- 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 and an ability to monitor compliance of these functions
- Provide excellent customer service to our communities and highly valued volunteer members
- Strong operational leadership experience
- Confidence resolving conflict and complex matters
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.
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!
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 showing leadership during a challenging time. What did you do and what was the outcome?
- Describe a time you identified a risk or opportunity that others had not considered. How did you respond, 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 12 July 2026.
Important recruitment Information
- A recruitment (talent) pool for North 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: R26-203
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.
