PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
This opportunity offers:
- Temporary employment until 30 April 2027 - with possibility of extension or ongoing employment
- Full time role & 35 hour working week
- RFS Level 12/13
- Attractive annual salary of $156,309 - $180,772 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
- Location: Sydney Olympic Park
Looking for more information?
Why not reach out to our role expert, Narelle Koteff, Chief of Staff, for a confidential chat on
[email protected].
Join Our Team: Protect, Serve, and Make a Difference!
We are the Rural Fire Service (RFS), a dedicated community of volunteers providing fire and emergency services to approximately 95% of NSW. When you work with the RFS, you join a passionate team committed to protecting our neighbours, the wider community, and the environment from the threat of bushfires and other emergencies. With over 70,000 volunteer members and staff, we embody the spirit of mutual respect, support, friendship, and camaraderie. We are one team with many players, united by a single purpose. If you share our passion for community service and environmental protection, we want to hear from you! Become a part of our mission to safeguard lives and our cherished NSW landscapes.
What you’ll be doing:
Join the NSW Rural Fire Service as a key leader supporting the Commissioner’s Office, managing executive-level correspondence, governance, and committee functions. You will provide strategic advice, coordinate high-priority initiatives, and ensure alignment with government and organisational objectives, while leading a small team to deliver timely, high-quality outcomes in a dynamic, high-profile environment.
Our Ideal candidate:
- Experience in managing executive-level correspondence, briefs, and governance functions in a large, complex organisation.
- Strong knowledge of machinery of government, finance and policy analysis and public sector governance.
- Skills in executive committee and secretariat management, including coordination, documentation, and follow-up.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to produce high-quality, accurate, and timely outputs.
- Proven ability to provide clear, strategic advice to senior executives and government stakeholders.
- Strong ability to manage competing demands and complex priorities within tight deadlines
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?
- Corporate 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!
You'll also get to enjoy
- Easy access to Sydney Olympic Park Train Station, bus services and parking facilities
- Local eateries and childcare facilities
- Sydney Olympic Park Entertainment and Sports Precinct, including Accor Stadium, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Showgrounds, and Bicentennial Park
- Eligible staff are invited to join the local Sydney Olympic Park Connected Membership program, at an additional cost
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 two page 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; and
- A resume in PDF format, including two current/recent professional referees (please include email address and contact number)
Note: Applications without both documents above will not be considered for this position.
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 19 July 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.
- 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: R26-219
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.
