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

Looking for a hands-on leadership role where you can make a real impact?Join forest fire management Victoria a part of Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, as a Forest and Fire Operations Officer – Field Team Leader and lead crews delivering essential land management based out of the Hopetoun depot, you will be involved in fire prevention and emergency response activities across Mallee and Victoria’s public land.

This dynamic outdoor role offers the chance to work and lead teams in a diverse bush setting, operate specialist equipment, coordinate field operations and support planned burning and bushfire response. 

It’s an exciting opportunity for a motivated leader who enjoys practical work, thrives in challenging environments and wants to help protect communities, public land and the environment.

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 is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Hopetoun.

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, 15 July 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.