District Forest and Fire Planning Officer - Heyfield

Are you interested in shaping how forest and fire management programs are planned and delivered across some of Victoria’s most iconic landscapes in Gippsland?

The Macalister District, located in central Gippsland manages upwards of 650,000 hectares of the public land estate. The district landscape encompasses some of the iconic Gippsland locations such as 90 Mile beach, the Gippsland Plains and moves up to the remote alpine peaks of the fabled Victorian High Country.

The Maclaister District Tactical Planning team are seeking someone with the skills, knowledge and experience to work as a District Forest and Fire Planning Officer. The District Forest and Fire Planning Officer works as part of a collaborative team responsible for developing the tactical plans that guide fuel management, forest health and land management activities across the district. Your day to day work will deliver burn plans and site plans to operational work orders which will help reduce bushfire risk, protect communities and support healthy, resilient public land.

Working closely with operational staff, contractors, Traditional Owners and stakeholders, you'll combine local knowledge with strategic planning to turn priorities into on-ground outcomes. This role offers a mix of planning, problem-solving and stakeholder engagement, with opportunities to contribute to meaningful work that makes a tangible difference across Victoria's unique landscapes in Gippsland.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A broad knowledge and/or relevant experience in the planning and delivery of fuel, road, track, recreation and environmental asset maintenance and improvement programs is desirable.
• Contractor management skills including the ability to manage procurement is desirable.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Heyfield, 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 Sunday, 23 August 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.