BEM Preparedness Officer

Would You Like to Help Shape Victoria's Emergency Preparedness?

When bushfires and emergencies impact Victoria, the people, systems and partnerships established before an event can make all the difference.

We're looking for a Bushfire and Emergency Management Preparedness Officer (VPS3) to join our Regional Bushfire and Emergency Management team in Bendigo. In this role, you'll help build and maintain the emergency management capability that supports preparedness, response and recovery across public land emergencies.

What you'll be doing

This is far more than an administrative role.

You'll work closely with emergency management personnel, operational staff and partner agencies to coordinate preparedness activities, support workforce capability, and help ensure our people are ready when Victoria needs them most.

Your work will include:

• Supporting the delivery of emergency preparedness programs across the region and district.
• Assisting with training and emergency management readiness activities.
• Working with emergency management systems and data to support safe and effective emergency operations.
• Building strong relationships with DEECA staff, Forest Fire Management Victoria partners and key stakeholders.
• Helping ensure emergency management capability is planned, coordinated and maintained across the region.

Why this role is different

Few roles offer the opportunity to contribute directly to Victoria's bushfire and emergency management capability while working across such a diverse range of activities.

You'll be part of a team responsible for maintaining readiness for bushfires on public land, supporting emergency response capability, working alongside highly skilled emergency management professionals, and contributing to meaningful outcomes for Victorian communities.

The role combines strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, project coordination and operational preparedness, making it ideal for someone who enjoys variety and wants their work to have a genuine impact.

What we're looking for

We're interested in people who can:

• Build productive relationships and work effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Think critically and solve problems in a practical way.
• Coordinate projects and deliver outcomes.
• Communicate clearly and adapt their approach to different audiences.
• Contribute positively to a team-focused environment. 

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Hold a current FFMVic emergency management role, and willing to work towards Incident Controller L1.
• Demonstrated experience in emergency management, preferably with good knowledge of preparedness requirements.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Bendigo with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. 

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace.  If you need support to participate, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au. 

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.  For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.