Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Field Team Leader (Castlemaine)

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) employs Forest and Fire Operations Officers (FFOO) to deliver forest management activities in Victoria’s state forests and undertake fire management and firefighting activities in Victoria’s national parks, state forests and protected public land.

FFOO - Field Team Leaders operate within workcentres and implement a wide range of operational tasks and fire prevention activities. The FFOO - Field Team Leader manages work groups, and are involved in planning, directing and coordinating a broad range of activities in order to ensure ongoing effectiveness and output of the workcentre.

Most of the work is based outdoors and also includes road and culvert maintenance, tree felling and clearing, brush cutting, raking, slashing, fuel monitoring and evaluation. Operating equipment required for the construction and maintenance of roads, fire trails and firebreaks such as chainsaws, whipper snippers, pumps etc. is also part of the role. Work is often carried out in remote bush locations.

This position has a strong focus on emergency response and may involve being deployed across the state for periods up to 7 days, for both emergency response and planned burning activities. These activities require a high level of fitness, as the work environment can be steep and remote from vehicles.

Applicants must hold a current manual Drivers Licence (conditions A, I & V not acceptable for employment).

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience and understanding in leading field work delivery teams is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding in natural resource management, preferably with good knowledge of forest management/forest operations.
• Ability to achieve accreditation and maintain competencies in Crew Leader/Operations Officer Level 1.

This position is ongoing, available in the regional location of Castlemaine, Victoria.

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, a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and meet the medical and fitness requirements outlined in the position description.

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.